Fiba Europe Cup Basketball

How to Get Your Basketball Muse Certificate in 5 Simple Steps

You know, I was scrolling through my social media feed the other day when I saw everyone talking about this new Basketball Muse Certificate program. Honestly, my first thought was "what in the world is that?" But then I started digging deeper and realized it's actually becoming quite the trend in basketball circles. What really caught my eye was how the program timing aligns perfectly with some major college games - like that already announced UST-UP game at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, which will be paired with the 2 p.m. clash between University of the East and National University. It got me thinking about how basketball culture is evolving beyond just playing the game itself.

Let me walk you through what I've discovered about getting this certificate. The first step is probably the most obvious but also the most overlooked - understanding what the Basketball Muse Certificate actually represents. It's not just another piece of paper to hang on your wall. From what I've gathered through talking to coaches and players who've completed it, this certification focuses on the artistic and strategic aspects of basketball. We're talking about appreciating the game's rhythm, understanding player movement as a form of expression, and recognizing those beautiful moments of synergy between teammates. I remember watching a game last season where UE and NU played, and there was this particular play where three players moved in perfect synchronization - that's the kind of basketball artistry this certificate aims to recognize and develop.

The second step involves what I like to call "basketball immersion." This is where you start connecting theoretical knowledge with actual game observation. Personally, I found that attending live games gives you that raw, unfiltered perspective you just can't get from watching on TV. Take this Sunday's schedule for example - being there for both the UE vs NU game at 2 p.m. and sticking around for the UST-UP matchup at 4:30 gives you this incredible opportunity to compare different team dynamics back-to-back. What I typically do is bring a small notebook and jot down observations about player positioning, offensive patterns, and defensive strategies. Over time, you'll start noticing patterns - like how certain teams tend to accelerate their tempo in the third quarter or how individual players create space differently. These observations become crucial when you're working on your certification portfolio.

Now here's where things get really interesting - the third step is all about documentation and analysis. I can't stress enough how important it is to create detailed game breakdowns. When I started my journey toward the certificate, I probably analyzed around 47 different games across various leagues. What worked best for me was focusing on specific elements each time - maybe concentrating solely on pick-and-roll situations during one game, then shifting attention to transition defense in another. The key is being systematic about it. For instance, when you're watching that UE-NU clash, you might want to pay special attention to how they handle fast breaks, then compare it with how UST and UP approach similar situations in the later game. This comparative analysis really helps in developing that deeper understanding the certificate program values.

The fourth step surprised me the most - it's about developing your own basketball philosophy. This isn't something you can rush; it evolves naturally as you consume more basketball content and reflect on what you've observed. I remember having this revelation during a particularly intense game between UP and Adamson last season where I suddenly understood why certain coaching decisions made sense in context, even though they seemed questionable at first glance. Your basketball philosophy becomes your lens for interpreting the game, and it's what makes your certificate application stand out. Mine personally leans toward appreciating defensive artistry more than offensive fireworks, but that's the beauty of it - everyone develops their own perspective.

Finally, the fifth step is about putting everything together in your certification submission. This is where all your observation notes, game analyses, and philosophical reflections come together. What most people don't realize is that the review committee actually spends about 12-15 minutes on each application, so you need to make every word count. From talking to three people who successfully obtained their certificates last year, I learned that the most compelling applications often include specific game examples - like breaking down a crucial moment from that UE-NU matchup or analyzing a strategic adjustment from the UST-UP game. The personal touch really matters here; they want to see your unique perspective shining through.

Looking back at my own journey, what I appreciate most about the Basketball Muse Certificate process is how it transformed from being just another certification to becoming a framework for understanding basketball at a deeper level. It's changed how I watch games - now when I see teams like UE and NU preparing to clash, or when I'm waiting for that UST-UP Sunday showdown, I'm not just watching for entertainment anymore. I'm observing, analyzing, and appreciating the beautiful complexity of this sport we all love. And honestly, that perspective shift has made basketball even more enjoyable for me. The certificate itself is great, but the journey toward earning it - that's where the real value lies.

Fiba Eurocup Final
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Fiba Europe Cup Final
Leah Schnell ’01
Fiba Europe Cup Basketball
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Fiba Eurocup Final
Dr. Ralph Swearngin

 

Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.

The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.

“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”

Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.

Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.

Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.

Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.

Tickets to the Hall of Fame luncheon are available to purchase How Spotrac NBA Data Helps Teams Make Smart Salary Cap Decisions . To learn more about the Athletics Hall of Fame, please visit skyhawkathletics.com.