Testimonials 

Coach,

Just wanted to say thanks for all you have done for Linsey over the last few years. She played in the Allendale 3 on 3 Saturday, and had an amazing performance.  She had 7 steals and 7 baskets in 1 game!  Her team won their division.    Many thanks!

Coach,  

Thanks a ton for that tip on my free throw shootiong.  I was just over 50% the previous 3 games, after shooting nearly 80% earlier in the year.  I did not know what was going on.  That key word tip was huge.  I went 11 of 11 last night and scored 42 points.  The key word really helped.

Spencer Krannitz

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Coach,

My husband and I are thankful for the basketball skills you taught our daughter over the 2 months prior to her try outs. She has NEVER PLAYED BASKETBALL before, but wanted to try out for the 7th Grade team this year.  We received GREAT news yesterday.....she made it!!  They had to cut around 20 girls so she was very nervous.  The coach actually said that her shooting skills and footwork really stood out.  That has everything to do with your instruction.  Thank you so much!

I believe every girl who attended your clinics from Mal's class also made the team.  Thanks again, I would like to sign her up for the August Summer Camp as well.  I will send the check tomorrow.

Sue McAvoy

mcavoys@monashores.net

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"Coach McGannon has coached all of our children from the time they were barely able to dribble a basketball. His manner with children is always Values-Focused. His basketball acumen is beyond compare and he has a wonderful ability to relate this to kids through drills and instruction. However, as a parent, what I find most appealing is that Basketball Basics instruction is always positive and directed toward making the kids better people as well as better athletes."  

Dr. Mark Ventocilla
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Just want to thank you for the outstanding job you do with the girls. One of the great things about what you do is help the kids enjoy basketball. I don't know who enjoys going to the gym more for this instructional series, Morgan or Meredith or myself. Anyway want you to know what you do is great, the Shores kids have improved. 
   – Tom Smith  tsmithspar@aol.com  

NOTE: Morgan Smith is perhaps the top high school golfer in the state and is featured on our Golf Profile page for College Recruiting.

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"I have been meaning to correspond with you.  Kyle would not be where he is without your instruction.  Thanks for being supportive of our kids and teaching them how to play. It has been awesome to watch his confidence grow. He is using your techniques and is now figuring out the whole rebounding thing!  We are so psyched!"

Lisa Kingma  lisakingma@comcast.net 

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"We have been practicing the drills she learned from you Saturday, especially the high, over-the-head passes, pivoting and moving to the ball.  She is learning what to do with the ball once she gets it. I think Sarah will benefit from learning her role on the team, as well developing some strong post moves.  She is eager to learn and wants to continue.   I am excited by her willingness and am working with her. We think your program is wonderful and the training we have seen so far is very effective.  See you Saturday."   Martin and Kim Visser  martinvisser@live.com  

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Coach McGannon, I wanted to let you know Lily made the Unity Christian BBall team!  On the way home, the coach told her she was "very creative offensively, had a great shot and good ball handling and dribbling skills."  Lily told me "Basketball Basics helped me so much!  I don't think I would have made the team if I had not attended those shooting clinics and pre-season prep sessions." She gave me lots of specifics like keeping the ball UP, not always banking all her shots and using her left hand appropriately (the Mikan Drill).   Thanks so much!!    Rachel Boers jrboers@altelco.net 

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I have 3 words for you after this weekend's tournament in Holland: "Stab and Recover."  It is amazing how much Kody is learning from your instruction, and applying it immediately into the games.  They had a successful weekend, going 4-1 against some tough competition.  It's not often you see defensive technique taught so precisely.  Kody is obviously benefitting.  See you on the 11th.

Rich Ambrose, Mason County rambrose@charterinternet.com

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Coach McGannon,

Brandy said the session was great and would like to have a chance to work with you again.  As a parent, I thought you did a great job working with her.  Your positive attitude as you worked with her, was a breath of fresh air. I think you helped give her some extra motivation in improving her skills.  She has been working faithfully on the drills each day.  We would love to schedule another one-on-one with you, to help her along a little more.  Brandy said she would like to come to the camp for the 7th & 8th graders at the end of August.  I’m trying to find out when the 8th grade team will start here in Ludington. Please let me know what we need to do to make this work for her.

Thank you again for taking the time to work with Brandy.

Lorna Thomas  LornaT@mmcwm.com 

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I can easily tell when you have worked with our players, they are so much better developed and further along, from their basic skills to their competitive understanding of the game. Thanks for what you do.
   – Bob Whipkey, Grand Haven Public Schools Whipkey@ghaps.org 

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"Kenzie made the team!   The coach made the comment that she moved from being an average player to one of his best post players.  Kenzie wanted to make sure I relayed to you how much she appreciates the help that you gave her-it made the difference. The repetitions you so often speak of really sharpened her skills.  Thank you." 

Kris Willick kwillick@mccschools.com

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Hi Jim, thanks again for your investment into the lives of not only my boys but all the other kids that have been a part of your program. Not only have they benefitted w/ their basketball skills on the court but they have become better young men in character, which many times is overlooked in relationship to skill. I have always said I want to raise my kids to release them and your input has helped do that. So thanks again. 
   – Robbi VanTimmeran, Kenowa Hills 

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I want to thank you for all your efforts directed toward my own daughters and all the North Muskegon kids that have worked with you. You have a wonderful way of relating the importance of fundamental skills to develop as a basketball player. I have noticed dramatic improvements in the skill level and attitude toward basketball in the kids that have worked with you. As the varsity girls’ basketball coach at North Muskegon, it is exciting to have you in the area.  I expect many North Muskegon kids will get involved in one of your programs in order to improve as basketball players.
Also, I wanted to express the gratitude of NM schools for your donation to the ninth grade sports programs. It was an extremely generous donation. We already have enough to fund ninth grade volleyball, and basketball funding is also looking good. Again, thank you for your generosity, and I hope more NM kids will realize the true value of working in your camps.

Sincerely,
   – Doug Clark,  Girls Varsity Basketball Coach, N. Muskegon CLARKDO@nmps.k12.mi.us

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Sean was very nervous when we got there. But you came up to him and made him feel comfortable right away. Thank you for that. He LOVED the session. This was a big question mark for us going in, because he had never had any basketball training before of any kind.

Thanks again, and see you later this week.

Sharon Carrns
johnsharon18346@att.net

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Grace did a great job on the Varsity last night!  Playing varsity as a freshman is amazing! She only had one practice with them, and was scared to death, but thanks to all her hard work with you, she did just fine.  We owe a lot of it to your instruction.  Her sister is a senior on the team and they look out for each other, but I had to laugh when Grace was telling her sister not to bring the ball down, catch the ball up high and shoot from there. You really got through to her, and we are so glad we found you.
   – Robin and John Swanson robswan_2@hotmail.com    

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We are pleased to let you know that Hunter made the “A” team.  During the first day of practice as he made 4 out of 4 left-handed lay-ups, the coach asked Hunter if he always makes his left-handed shots.  His response was, “pretty much”.  Thank you for encouraging him to go left, you are correct, most kids do not develop their off hand.  Also, the coach asked for the boys’ grades during tryouts.  Again, your focus on getting good grades in school is key.

Thank you for all that you do for the children in our community.  Your coaching style is always positive and truly effective.  We will continue to tap into your camps, leagues and clinics in the years to come.  We’re very lucky to have this caliber of instruction and reinforcement in our area.
   – Eric and Cindy Moe  ecmoe@chartermi.net 

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Derek did make the A Team they took 10 kids. He was very surprised at how tired the other kids were getting. He also said that after playing with the kids in your camps, he was surprised at how easy it was to drive to the basket, and how easy it was to guard the kids in try outs. I think it has really helped him playing against older and stronger players.It was very cool to see him come home from try outs every day so proud of himself. I really want to thank you for what you have done for Derek. You have worked closely with Derek for quite some time now and now he is seeing the results of what you have taught him.
   – Jeff Gillman jefftools@charter.net   

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I cannot say enough about your energy and care you take with each and every child. The skills that you teach build confidence and create an all around excellent player. What a gift you have. Thanks for sharing it.  Thanks again.
   – Rhonda Wilson 892-7313 bussinger@mail.altelco.net  

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Thank you for the tools and techniques you have worked on with Emily. We see her use the tools at every game. She really loves basketball and is quietly becoming a team leader. One of the things she learned from you is everyone is part of the team - in games Emily will pass the ball to all the girls on the court, she seems to set it up for everyone to have some success. Parents have commented that she could be more focused on scoring herself but isn't. She learned that unselfish play from her camps with you.  She has been called up to varsity as a freshman!!
   – Julie MacArthur julie.macarthur@yahoo.com 

Thanks again for all that you do for the girls.  You are providing the best coaching I've seen in any sport.
   – Richard "raw" Williams II, raw@me.com (586) 212-9032 

I wanted to tell you that when I'm watching the boys play, I can tell who has been to your clinics.  They are the boys who are keeping the ball up and skipping backwards down the court.  I've even seen the "sometimes the best shot is no shot"  and the boys throw it back out.  It's just very cool for me to sit in during your clinics and then see it in action because I never played and had never really picked up on the nuances.  They only won 2 games last year, and they are .500 so far this year.
   – Laura Mervenne  lmervenne@charter.net 

Thank you Coach McGannon. Kate and Jake had an awesome experience. They are wishing that the clinic lasted for more than three days! We learned a lot by watching the drills; very helpful for sure as we work with them.
We’d like to sign up our two kids for the summer camp in early July (K-2). I look forward to our kids attending the camps.
We are very glad to have found your organization, and that the kids are learning the sport in this way. Earlier, I had considered having the kids participate in a local recreation league, but having little ones scrimmage just didn’t sit right with me...how could they, I wondered, if they didn’t know the fundamentals? (It must just be mayhem) My dad worked with my brothers and I on skills for many, many years before we ever played in a game...maybe fifth grade, as I recall!
   –Susan Vinkemulder  susan@vinkemulder.com 

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I am so proud of my daughter and feel very blessed that she is such a great kid!  You have been such a great mentor for her over the years.  Thank you for all you've done to encourage and develop her as a person and an athlete.

For the third straight year you have given our grandson, Jacob, three days of outstanding basketball.  It's amazing to me how patient you are with ALL the younsters.  Jacob is now in the fourth grade and I have seen giant improvements in his basic skills AND in his understanding of the game in general.  Thank you, Jim, for being the outstanding teacher that you are.  I/We look forward to attending many more of your camps.
   – Mike Secory  mikesecory@yahoo.com
      Former Spring Lake HS basketball coach
      WGHN radio game announcer of local high school basketball

Haley made the team! Two freshmen girls (both from your camps) were moved up so the competition for playing time will be tough, but Haley is trying her best. I wanted to thank you for the great pep talks you gave the girls. Especially the one about you can only control what you can control - be on time, be prepared, and stay positive. This perspective has really helped Haley during the try-out process and as she moves forward this season.
   – Kathy Mullins   kkmullins69@aol.com     

I have been associated with Coach McGannon the past two years and I have nothing but positive things to say. The Summer Instructional Basketball League (SIBL) provided a terrific alternative to other tournaments for both my 7th and 8th graders.

The parents were happy with the cost, the limited travel and the emphasis on the basics before the games. Jim has also come in personally to work with my Varsity players on their free throw shooting.

The SBL covers all the ground.  Younger kids are TAUGHT the game but also play.  Older, stronger players COMPETE.  The format is second to none.

In an age where too much emphasis is put on "street ball", basketball fundamentals are clearly being sacrificed for one-on-one moves, individual egos and overall flashy play.  Basketball Basics is exactly what we need from the very youngest levels through high school. He is an excellent coach and an excellent person. I would place him in the extremely high end of the coaching spectrum. He would be an asset to any young person looking to improve in the game of basketball.
   – Jeremy Andres
      U.S. History Teacher
      Basketball Coach Mona Shores High School
      andresj@monashores.net    

Thanks for your help this week with the Team Camp,  it's all I hoped it would be and more. The evaluation form looks great, I will have height, weight, grade and age for all the players Monday.  Nate is very interested in having his profile on the web site.  The boys and my wife are very impressed with you and the instruction, and excited with what the future holds. Thanks again!   As you may know, the boys won their state championship division this year!  I have no doubt their skills improved as a result of your time with them.  

   – Kent Karnemaat, Fremont, MI karenemaats@ncats.net

PLEASE NOTE: Nate Karnemaat was recruited by several colleges and has agreed to play for Grace College in Grand Rapids.  Congratulations Nate!

Thank you very much for putting together a instruction/leagues/camps to develop players in West Michigan! At Michigan, we strive to be solid fundamentally on the offensive end and to frustrate teams with our defense, so we are definitely on your side!  You are running things in a terrific fashion....keep up the great work.    Sincerely,

   – Dawn Plitzuweit
      Womens Assistant Basketball Coach    
      University of Michigan

Dawn was Grand Valley State's head coach when they won the Division 2 National Championship in 2006.  She has since moved on to U of M in Ann Arbor. 

Fundamentals, repetition, learning it the right way: emphasizing technique, attitude and court awareness-that’s what Basketball Basics is all about.  Small group instruction is a great plus when compared to the high end mega-camp crowds. I am impressed with the sound teaching and modeling for developing student-athletes. Choose this organization and both the parents and players will be thrilled. 

   – Ken Erny, Athletic Director, Fruitport High School Kerny@fruitport.k12.mi.us  (231) 865-4034

Thanks to Basketball Basics for giving back to our community.  Basketball Basics donates the proceeds from several clinics to our scholarship fund.  We've been awarded a $4,000 matching grant from the JSJ Corporation to raise funds needed for our scholarships.  Basketball Basics' contributions help us get to our goal.  It also provides funding for those who financially can't afford to participate in our recreation programs. 

   – Jill A.Vander Stel, Coordinator
      Northwest Ottawa Recreation Authority (NORA)
      Grand Haven Area Public Schools
      1415 Beechtree, Grand Haven, MI 49417
        vandersj@ghaps.org

I know we will definitely get the kids involved in one of your leagues, camps or clinics at some point.  I am a strong believer in what you are teaching and have heard from several people how much their kids have improved after working with you.
Glad to hear about GVSU participation in the Allendale camps.  I'm sure the players/coaches are looking forward to it and will do a great job!
Best wishes,
   – Mike Peterson  616 847-2527  Mikepeterson@chartermi.net 

Being a varsity coach and father of two, I understand the difference between players who have been preached the fundamentals and those that have been properly taught these key skills.   I highly recommend any interested player/future player to participate in Coach McGannon's clinics and camps.  It is well worth the time invested.  The players, both boys and girls, will love the game even more when they have this clear fundamental advantage.   Footwork, ball handling, developing full court vision, life lessons, it's all here and more.   My daughter is hooked and my younger son, a future prospect, will definitely participate also. 
   – Paul Masko, Fruitport HS Head Varsity Baseball Coach pmasko@altelco.net 

I just had a conversation with a parent of a 9th grader who said your clinic was the best they have ever sent their kid to. Teaching fundamentals, and the mental game-very impressive to them. 
   – Ken Erny, Athletic Director Fruitport High School  Kerny@fruitport.k12.mi.us (231) 865-4034

After spending 3 days at your camp with my grandson Jacob, I just needed to e-mail you a note and let you know just how much I appreciate the time and effort you and your staff put into each hour.  The drills and explanations you give are perfect! They are always age-appropriate and easy to understand and follow.  Jacob said he wished the camp was 10 days long instead of only 3.  He hopes to enroll in your summer camps this year.  Thanks so much.  

   – Mike Secory, Former Head Coach Spring Lake HS  mikesecory@yahoo.com
       Instructor at many camps and clinics

Just a minute to pass on / share a recent experience with Logan. Logan came home from school this week and mentioned in his advanced PE class they did the most intense workout yet this year. He said he wasn't even tired and had the best heart rate when they were finished. I asked him why he thought that happened and he immediately responded because of the good workouts he gets with your b'ball program. He also told me he had some time to play a game with his classmates and they were very aware of how much he improved. He then mentioned how he tried to show them and tell them some new ways and strategies he recently learned and was very comfortable calling some plays which he never would have dreamed of doing before. he is becoming a team player and leader without even recognizing it yet. Thanks for showing him what he can achieve with a little hard work and of course the right coaching.
thanks again, cya in June.
   – Julie Kitchen  Kitchenpcm@aol.com

Ross is unable to make the last 5th/6th grade boys league game this Sat. He had a great time and learned a lot. Looking forward to working with you again soon. We were impressed with the instruction he received and what a great staff you have!

Thank you,
   – Kurt and Jan Koella 

Are you going to be offering any more shooting clinics?   Alli said she felt like this has really helped her.  Please let me know when you will be offering this again .

Thanks again
   – Lauri Wierda wierdal66@msn.com

My kids just finished the sessions at St. Mike's. We were very happy with your patience and focus on positive feedback. We would like to sign my son up for the 3rd/4th April session for instruction/scrimmage and both kids up for the summer camps. We would need an incoming first grade spot for Kaylor and an incoming 4th grade spot for Tom. Are these spots all available?
Thank you.
   – Terri Siebelink

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I just wanted to thank you for the positive experience my daughter Isabelle had at your basketball clinic on Wed. She came home so fired up about playing. She loved the slide wide-go low. This was her first basketball experience and it was great! I also appreciate you telling the kids that school comes first. She has been keeping the book you gave her with her and reading whenever she gets a chance. She can't wait until next week!
   – Shari Bertolone sjb1108@comcast.net

I just wanted to let you know that my son, Christian LOVES being a part of your basketball program. He hates that it ends this week.  Thanks for making it an enjoyable time and learning experience for him.
   – Kiesha Guy  kguy@nccsweb.org

Hunter really enjoyed himself at camp this week. He woke up everyday anxious to get to the court and get started.
We appreciate all you do for the kids in our community.
   – Eric and Cindy Moe ecmoe@chartermi.net

You are great with the kids and Chris has really improved tremendously since your camps.  He is the leading scorer on this year’s freshman team.  Thanks for your effort and I look forward to Chris coming again to your camps.
   – Steve Moe  cjtsm@aol.com      

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