Inside Team Takeover: A Grassroots Journey - Week 2 Recap
This week’s Team Takeover practice took place at the iconic Howard University, a school with a deep legacy not only in sports but in shaping leaders across all fields. Stepping onto this historic campus was a reminder of the rich tradition of excellence that Howard represents, and it was inspiring to see the players connect with that heritage. We had the chance to sit down with Coach KB, who has built a strong program at Howard, and his players, who spoke with pride about choosing an HBCU. The conversation went beyond just basketball—it was about the power of education and building a future off the court.
Coach KB emphasized that having another passion outside of basketball isn’t a “backup plan,” but a necessity for growth. The players reflected on how the HBCU culture is about more than just basketball—it’s about community and giving back. At Howard, it’s not just about winning games, it’s about being active in the neighborhood and embodying the values of leadership and service. Hearing the players speak on that sense of pride and responsibility added a new layer to what Team Takeover is teaching these young athletes.
We also got some invaluable insight from Coach Kyle of Team Takeover, who reminded the group that AAU basketball sometimes gets a bad reputation for being a numbers game, focused on individual stats rather than team dynamics. But with Team Takeover, it's different. They work to break that mold, teaching players how to play within a system—one that prioritizes teamwork over individual accolades. It's not about how many points you score, but how well you execute the game plan and contribute to the team’s success. No player gets more than 14 points in a game; it's about learning the fundamentals that will prepare them for the next level.
This approach isn't just about winning tournaments, it’s about preparing for college and beyond. AAU can burn players out with its endless games and singular focus, but Team Takeover makes sure these kids are learning to play the right way, so when they step into college, they’re already prepared to adjust to new systems and thrive. This week at Howard was a reminder of what makes this program special: it’s bigger than basketball—it’s about building character, leadership, and a mindset for success both on and off the court.
