Tag: GRPS

Talking hoops with Thomas Kelley

The Beer City Hoops crew was blessed with the opportunity to talk to Union Red Hawk star alum and MSU graduate team manager Thomas Kelley. We had some questions about the state of basketball in GR, what kids can look forward to as they make the climb from high school to the real world and, as always, the ever-elusive list, “Who is GR’s Top 5?”.

What do you think about the work GRPS is doing in bringing attention to the district and showing off the level of athletic competition recently?

“It’s a great thing for the city of Grand Rapids. With Ottawa Hills having the Floyd Mayweather Classic and now Union having its’ Showcase. Great thing and a great opportunity for the youth to show their talent.”

Kelley went on, talking about his time as a Red Hawk, “My time at Union was great. Always looked forward to going to Union since I was young. My parents went there. Uncles, aunts, pretty much everyone in my family attended Union. So the Red Hawk blood runs deep for me. As soon I as I stepped foot in there, I wanted to do my best to bring the basketball culture back like that had in 80’s. A lot of my childhood friends attended Union as well, so I felt very comfortable. The staff was great also. From Ron Maybin as the athletic director, Mr. Walker and Ms. Chambers being an influence to all of us. Made the transition easier.”

The varsity boys basketball team is off to a great start and getting a lot of attention from the media. What do you tell the kids as the season moves towards the playoffs?  

“(The) biggest challenge about the high school playoffs is simple. ONE AND DONE! It’s different than the professional ranks. Played in Europe for 15 years. So (over) there, we used a series for a playoff format. So you can make adjustments. But high school, it’s just like the NCAA tournament. It’s the best team on that given night, which can be tough if a team gets hot. Have to be able to make in game adjustments right then and there. No time for another game. If you can’t, you’re done!”

Kelley went on, “My advice to kids. Take advantage of your window. Don’t rush things. Soak up all the knowledge you can. Take advantage of the sources around you academically and athletically. Hey, because most high school kids think they know it all. Been through it and we do not.”

Geno was a bit reluctant, but went with family, friends, legends and teammates, yourself included. Care to name your local top five players?

“Top 5 is so hard. A lot of people can make a case. Going back for me, my uncle Donte Kelley, who is a Redhawks himself. He was a heck of player. Also my cousin, Jamie Cole, who went to Creston, had a great high school career. But for me in my time… Tough. My 5 would myself with Geno Carlisle, Thomas Kilgore, Ennis Young and Justin Jennings. All 5 from high school right into college went Division 1.”

Any last thoughts?

“Want to give a shout to Brandeon Guyton, the high school coach at Union, trying his best to turn things around, and the Athletic Director Justin Walker. They are doing a good job. Shout out to GRPS as well.”

And with that, Kelley said his goodbyes and headed off for a contest at Northwestern with MSU hoops.

Livin’ the dream on Tom Izzo’s bench. Carry on, Red Hawk!

GR’s Top 10: #4 Geno Carlisle

#4 Geno Carlisle Ottawa Hills 6′4 G

Geno Carlisle has played in a wide variety of places when it comes to his basketball career. My favorite is the driveway of my childhood home near the Grand Rapids/Kentwood border. Here in GR, many know Carlisle’s skills whether they remember him at GR Union or at Ottawa Hills. While the basketball scene has always been doted on by the local media, Carlisle didn’t get the amount of press deserved for a talented kid coming out of Grand Rapids.

Upon leaving GR in 1994, Geno went off to Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. He led the Wildcats in scoring 14 times during his Freshman season and was named to the All-Big Ten First Team after his sophomore year, in which he averaged nearly 15 points. Always searching for the next challenge, Carlisle transferred to Cal-Berkeley. Having to sit out due to NCAA transfer rules, Carlisle was selected to compete on the USA Select 22-&-under team that faced off against “Dream Team 3″ at the Palace of Auburn Hills, home of the Detroit Pistons. Carlisle was scoreless in six minutes of play.

When he arrived in the PAC-10 in 1997, Carlisle led the Golden Bears in scoring and was named to the All-Newcomer team. To follow that up, during his senior year in 1998-99, Geno led Cal to the postseason NIT Tournament title at Madison Square Garden in NYC.

Going undrafted in the NBA meant Carlisle would begin his professional career in the CBA with the Rockford Lightning. Carlisle left the CBA to chase his dream internationally until 2002 when he returned to the newly formed NBDL and the Mobile Revelers. Geno returned to the NBA Summer League in 2004 with the Orlando Magic and played in six games for the Portland TrailBlazers in the 2004-05 season, making his debut on November 17, 2004.

Carlisle’s father, Clarence, was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1973, but was released before the season.

(photo credit: Willamette Weekly)