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Unlock Your NBA Dreams: 10 Proven Steps to Master the Game and Dominate the Court
2025-11-04 19:12
Let me tell you something about chasing NBA dreams - it's not just about flashy dunks and highlight reels. I've spent years studying the game, both as a player and analyst, and what separates the real contenders from the pretenders often comes down to fundamentals and mental toughness. Just look at what's happening with Converge in the PBA right now - they've dropped two of their last three games, including that tough 88-83 loss to NLEX last Friday. That's the kind of reality check that makes you realize even professional teams struggle with consistency.
When I was coaching youth basketball, I always emphasized that mastering basketball is like building a pyramid - you need a solid foundation before you can reach the top. Converge's current 5-4 record and seventh place standing shows exactly why consistent performance matters. They're looking at Meralco right behind them at 5-5, breathing down their necks. That pressure either makes you or breaks you. I remember telling my players that every game counts, whether you're facing the top team or what some might call a "hapless" opponent like Terrafirma. Underestimating any team is professional suicide in this game.
What really fascinates me about Converge's situation is the mathematical precision of their playoff positioning. That sixth win they're chasing isn't just another notch on the belt - it potentially launches them into the top four conversation with that precious twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals. In my playing days, I learned that understanding the bigger picture separates good players from great ones. You're not just playing for tonight's win; you're building toward something larger.
The beauty of basketball mastery lies in the details. I've noticed that teams who dominate consistently share certain characteristics - they maintain defensive intensity even when shots aren't falling, they communicate constantly, and they treat every possession like it's the game-winner. Watching Converge's recent struggles, I can't help but think they might be overlooking some of these fundamentals. Their matchup against Terrafirma represents more than just another game - it's an opportunity to reset, to rebuild momentum, and to demonstrate they belong among the elite.
Here's what I believe separates dreamers from achievers: the ability to perform under pressure while keeping the long game in mind. Converge isn't just playing for a single victory - they're building toward playoff positioning, team identity, and championship habits. That's the same mindset I always tried to instill in young athletes. Domination isn't about one spectacular play; it's about stringing together consistent performances, learning from losses like that NLEX game, and understanding how each victory contributes to larger goals.
Ultimately, whether we're talking about aspiring NBA players or professional teams like Converge, the path to domination requires embracing the grind. It's about showing up with the same intensity whether you're facing the league's best or a struggling opponent. The teams that truly master the game understand that every matchup matters, every possession counts, and every win builds toward something greater. That's the mindset that turns basketball dreams into reality, whether you're shooting hoops in your driveway or competing for a championship.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
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.
