Warriors Host Coach's Corner Inspired Timeout

Established 1946 | 7-time NBA Champions

September 19, 2012
Warriors Host Coach's Corner Inspired Timeout
Students of Aptos Middle School were treated to a chalk-talk moderated by Warriors Radio Broadcaster Tim Roye with Warriors guard Charles Jenkins and Assistant Coach Jerry DeGregorio

Charles Jenkins and the Golden State Warriors broke down the defense at San Francisco’s Aptos Middle School as the team hosted a chalk talk on Tuesday, September 18.

150 student-athletes, coaches and parents attended a Coach’s Corner at Aptos Middle School auditorium after school Tuesday, listening to the experiences, lessons and strategies of the Warriors second-year guard and Assistant Coach Jerry DeGregorio. The audience also had the pleasure of hearing from Warriors Radio Broadcaster Tim Roye, who emceed the event.

“I had a great chance to talk to the kids about my experiences as an athlete, and the importance of education in my life,” said Jenkins. “I wanted to share my story to let them know how important an education and graduating college was to me, and how everything else will take care of itself after that,” Jenkins continued.

A second-round draft pick out of Hofstra University last year, Jenkins was not expected to start the season as a Warrior, earning a roster spot at the last minute and finding success during his rookie year. Jenkins attributed his success to the lessons he learned during his four years at Hofstra and the strong work ethic he developed over that time.

“From listening to me, I hope the kids learn if you take care of your school work early, you can focus on basketball or having fun exclusively, and if you practice that now it’s definitely going to help and become natural to you.”

Despite his strong play last season, Jenkins knows he has to fight for his spot on the team and for playing time this year and wanted the attending youths to aspire for the same drive in their lives.

“I never stop getting in the gym early and working on my game, working all summer to where I want to get to, and I hope that these kids can take that attitude toward their sport.”

Assistant Coach DeGregorio also spoke about the importance of balancing athletic obligations and ambitions with schoolwork, emphasizing the importance of academic goals and plans.

“It’s important teaching kids at this age when they have their whole lives ahead of them, guiding them in the academic and athletic decisions that are coming in their lives.”

Coach DeGregorio spoke to the students about his experiences coaching at all levels of basketball, and an important strategy he learned along the way.

“Find someone you admire and like in your profession and try to copy how he or she made it. Find something you like about the job that they did and possibly add that to what you do too.”

Following the chalk-talk and Q&A with Jenkins and Coach DeGregorio, the Warriors held a raffle for the students with prizes ranging from autographed photos and basketballs to tickets to a Warriors home game this season. Warriors Broadcaster Tim Roye enjoyed spending time interviewing Jenkins and Coach DeGregorio and was impressed by the enthusiasm and interest of the kids.

“There was an amazing enthusiasm from the students, their questions for Charles and Jerry, and of course having raffle prizes for kids didn’t hurt either!”

Sixth grade student and raffle winner of a signed David Lee mini-basketball, Akheem, was excited about what he could learn from an NBA player and coach.

“I learned you have to stay healthy, work hard, and make sure when you’re young to get there early before everyone else.”

Additionally, every student that attended the Chalk Talk received a Golden State Warriors black notebook and pens, which the team hopes will equip every student-athlete to succeed in the classroom as well as their respective sport.

Tuesday’ visit to Aptos Middle School is the second day of Back to School in the Bay: 5 Schools in 5 Days, as the Warriors will visit five schools and rec centers in five days to help raise awareness about the importance of education. Charles Jenkins highlighted the importance of the Bay Area’s basketball team reaching out to students and sharing their experiences with them.

“If there’s one thing the students can learn today, it’s to take care of your school work, because I wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t for that.”

To learn more about the Golden State Warriors efforts in the community please visit https://www.nba.com/warriors/community/.