Welcome to the Dr. Stacey Show where we are talking about all things faith, love, and wellness as it relates to raising kids. I'm your host, Dr. Stacey, and today I am super excited to have with us Coach CJ Bromell. And Coach CJ is actually born and raised in Conway, South Carolina. He's a personal basketball trainer, and he helps youth improve their basketball skills, develop knowledge about basketball, but also works through mentorship, fellowship, and helping our young kids to develop. He started Next Level Basketball Training Program to help kids find their way using the game of basketball. Coach CJ, thanks so much for being with us today. My pleasure. Thanks for having me. Well, Coach CJ, before we've been talking in this pre-show, and I'm super excited, talk to my audience about your why and this connection of even your spiritual connection with basketball. My why is really to go as far as like when I was a kid, I always had a really great work ethic. I always wasn't the best kid out there on the court. I started getting good when I was like Probably fourth, fifth grade. So a little bit before then, I always used to get bullied a lot. No, you're not good. And I never get picked up. But then as I started working on things on my own, started learning the game for what it is by just watching people on TV or watching people who were good. I'm like, okay, so I think that's the way you're supposed to play. So the next thing I started playing, pick up more, help build my confidence. I knew where I was going wrong at in certain areas. So I would attack those weaknesses, determine the strengths. And then next day, you know, I started making a lot more friends and then they start believing in me more because of my passion, my dedication for the game of basketball. And even way before then, as far as I can remember, my grandma and mom will always tell me when I first came out the womb, I always had a ball in my hand. You know, it's just they always knew. Along with God, I knew I was going to do something special with that ball one way or another. And I just wouldn't let it go. Then when I got into high school, I went into cardiac arrest my junior year. So back in twenty fifteen, I went to cardiac arrest. They the paramedics and the doctors couldn't tell me exactly what necessarily happened. I guess that was just my time and luck ran out because I overly. exhausted myself by just working out playing. But then I was going through stress and you deal with things off the court as well like in terms of like things at home or things at school with just life in general. It could be hard for a lot of us. So I wasn't really having anybody really kind of put that positive note in my ear. It was just always me. I always had to pull myself out of it. So I just relied on basketball a lot to help me get through to get through those rough days. Then next day, you know, I was on the other side before I woke up in the hospital. I had a conversation with. really my inner self, but I believe it was God's voice, just interpretive, my voice, basically saying your time is not done. I got something else in store for you. Just trust me on this. Give it time. So they say, you know, I came at the life, uh, And then right when the doctors were about to pull the plug, that's when I opened my eyes. So it was a very tough decision for my family to go through that. And then they say, you know, I just woke up. I started screaming, like, to the top of my lungs. But I would say, for those who can relate in basketball, you know how you get fouled, and then you make an and-one shot. Mm-hmm. That's basically what it was. It was that type of thing. I'm here, right? Just like, ah, and I just couldn't believe it. Then I had to go through therapy and learn how to really talk, how to walk. The only thing I could do at that point was just kind of make a noise with my voice, basically, at that time. Then by the grace of God, I'm the man that you see today. Then it definitely took me time to kind of overcome not playing anymore. As soon as I got out the hospital, I tried to play again and again and again, going in and out the hospital, playing with my life. And I felt like at that point, too, I was playing with God a lot, which I had no intentions to. The next thing you know, you're just like, you know what? just stick to coaching, just stick with that. And I'll give you a more righteous life, a more righteous way of life. So next thing you know, I just kind of just put my sneakers up and then just started focus on the kids more. And they say, you know, I just found more peace in my life with that than me playing the game of basketball. So that's why I feel like intuitively and spiritually found me. And that's why I feel that's my heart. And that's what my purpose and my why is. Man, CJ, you just gave me so much, right? And I'm going to unpack it because even for a junior in high school to go through that type of experience, talk to us a little bit about where you were, even like that struggle of having to give up the game mentally, because that's huge. It was a lot because a lot of people relied on me, especially with me being one of the top players in the state and in my class. A lot of people just tend to think that I still got it because I'm young. A lot of people, they see the outside, I look okay. But deep on the inside, you're just lost. You just did it because everybody else told you, hey, you should go. Of course, obviously, you growing up, that's not like a great idea. But my brain didn't come to until I got a little older. So next thing I just stopped doing it. I love the game always. But it's like when I teach other kids and I kind of see what I'm going through, similar patterns to what I went through. It's like, OK, I have the ability to stop this. I have the ability to help change that. So of course I couldn't change myself, but if I could change another kid, you know, I'll definitely, I'll take that. And it's almost like I changed myself in a sense. Yes. And, and that is, you know, and I love that even in that moment, you said, okay, I can't play. So some people would have just given up on basketball, right? Like they would have been so hurt. So like defeated to say, you know what, Lord, why are you doing this to me? I'm done. And you heard God say, no, no, you're not done. Don't, don't put this, you can put the shoes aside, but don't give up the game. Right. Exactly. Yep. changing that focus and energy even to say okay let's support others in basketball and cj you just said something to the hoop dream and i always talk about that and the pressure that we feel when sports are something that we're good at right you're like i'm i'm great in the state i'm doing well right and then to have this happen what's that pressure like for kids It's a lot of pressure because some of their families just rely on them to play on just that one sport or multiple sports. Like we have to make it out. There's no other option. They would feel disappointed if you didn't make it out to, you know, to a point where, you know, you guys go have a better living for yourselves. And a lot of parents kind of live through their dreams and hopefulness through the kids too. And I feel like it's just a lot of pressure on kids. I'm grateful enough that my family didn't put that pressure on me, but I kind of put the pressure on myself because I want it better for my family situation. You have to want that for yourself in order to work really hard to get to where you want to be. That's where you're going to get that. That inner dog in you, that's where it's going to come out at. If it's something that you want as a kid for yourself, for your family. So that was something that I wanted. So that's just the kind of way I went about it. Yeah, and so many times we do hear that story, right? Like that is, again, the idea that sports for a lot of families becomes the opportunity, right? And then I'm not just gonna say for a better life, but even right, the opportunity to even help others. And so you were halted in your dream because of a physical ailment, right? And so then you said, okay, I'm gonna take this now. And talk to us a little bit about what did you develop at this point? I did a way more close relationship with God, I would say, in the long run. Because when I did kind of stop playing, I did lose a lot of faith. My tank was definitely empty because that's literally all I knew. But I did happen to forget at that time that if it wasn't for him, all that stuff I wouldn't be able to do. I wouldn't be capable of meeting certain people, doing certain things. You know, I get emotional when I talk about it, but you know. It saved my life, I would say. It kept me out of trouble. It definitely kept me out of the streets. When I say streets, from my perspective, I can't speak for everybody, when I say streets, being outside when the streetlights are on. And for those who know, you know you ain't supposed to be outside when the streetlights are on. But as a kid, I never was in any trouble. I just only got in trouble really because I would sneak out of the house and go play pickup basketball. That's how much I love the game. I want to pick up basketball with the older guys. I knew that that was my competition. That's where I was happy at versus, you know, playing kids my age. But, you know, nowadays, we don't be outside that late. So it's not good to be out late. But, you know, for those who know back in the day, you know, for those who know, you know. The lights came on, everybody was supposed to be home. Right when that sky turned orange, yellow, bluish looking, yeah, go home. So and so you developed next level basketball training program. And I love that you have this heart for youth and the mentorship part of it, but also the fellowship part of it and helping them talk to me a little bit, because when people think of basketball training, they're only just thinking of the game. But you do so much more. You do help with the game. So let me let me start there. Let's talk a little bit about how do you help kids and how does a training program differ than kids just playing, you know, by themselves outside? back in our day we didn't really have uh trainers as much unless you played at a collegiate level or professional level as far as kids there's a lot of self-taught players so the generation is a little different so back then we just literally would watch tv like uh people from and one and uh people from like fiba or anything like that or the nba we will watch these games and we'll go to these games we're like okay that actually seems really fun it looks really cool let me go outside and try that so nowadays it's more so you see things on the internet and that's it then they could go doing in these games and pick up games and think everything is okay That's not how you play. That's not the proper way of passing the ball. They try to be all flashy, but you don't work on these things. We had to navigate ourselves to work on these things to understand what the game actually is for what it is. Not to set no rules, not to make up these crazy shots that not even Steph Curry himself wouldn't even make. I was like, you really think out of all the people you're going to make that shot, not to delay their confidence, but that shot you just personally don't work on. Twenty four seven. Steph Curry worked on his shot. Twenty four seven. Yeah. Kevin Durant, all the great professional shooters and collegiate players who are definite shooters. They work on our shooting form every day, nonstop. That's technique. That's something that you have to work on. in order to be a successful shooter you can't just bother and shoot ten shots and that's it because you're tired that's not how it works they shoot shots they work on their farming mechanics when they're drenching in sweat about to pass out that's how much in standard shape you got to be in to be a great consistent shooter same thing with ball handling same thing that's and once you kind of learn those things and master those things it becomes a lot more easier. But again, basically not to go off topic there, but basically like just basketball itself, a lot of trainers help kids learn the proper ways of dribbling and basketball, especially if they're not self-taught hoopers. Yeah, and you know, it's funny because if you watch like the all-star basketball, I love all-star weekend, right? But some point in the all-star game, right? In the beginning, they're flashy, they're doing, and then they lock in, right? All the flashiness stops, right? Because now they're trying to win the game in the all-star game, right? So that's why we tell kids, listen, there's a difference even in the first five minutes versus the last five minutes of even the all-star game. And that's interesting for the kids that are saying, okay, or parents even, I love how you said the dedication, because if you watch any documentary on, right, a Steph Curry or Kevin Durant, any of the top level ball gamers at this point, they talk about this dedication. They talk about the hours of training, working with specialists. I think, you know, I read somewhere the other day with LeBron James, even now, how much he does in like self-care and training and how much time they spend in the court. And I'm going to say this lovingly because some of our kids don't even have that level of dedication now. what do you think physical i call those players that they just like the game you don't yes really love it to the point where you're even sleeping with your basketball taking everywhere you go you got to go that's type of that's how person i was for those who know me that's really all i had in my hand that's why i'm mostly known for nothing else really but of course being a nice quiet person because i was always a introvert i was always a loner so it was more so just that's what brought me out of my comfort zone it's done a lot for these kids too and also lastly i want to say too as far as like the dedication a lot of good players don't just not stretch and just go up there and throw up shots they do stretch build their routine and they also work on the little things that you guys don't see on television as far as like the the training part they do those things before they play games to keep their skills sharp and to keep their mental sharp that's also why it's important to have a trainer and like i said versus you being a self-taught hooper but if you have a trainer you literally have somebody who specializes in these areas to help your child be successful because you're working on just your ball handling you're working on just your shooting mechanics you're working on IQ on the court, then on top of all that, add that together, throw it in the oven, go play pickup. Because if you play more, you learn more through your mistakes and successes. You learn where you're comfortable at. You learn where you're not comfortable at. And that's when you go to a trainer or work on things on your own if you're really that dedicated. And then that's when you're going to see the improvement. Your mindset is going to start unlocking itself. And that's why I feel like it's done for me. I didn't have a trainer. I was my own trainer. Because in my brain, I always had my favorite player, Derrick Rose. I always had him, his voice in my brain, because that's who everybody mimics, and that's who I mimic my game after of. So the way he does his layups, dribbles the ball, and the way he saw the floor, I'm like, okay, I did see that pass, too. So I must be on the right track if I saw the same thing he saw in these highlight plays before and after. Then they say, no, I started to transfer that throughout pickup games and under the whistle with these referees and stuff. And then next thing you know, it just started to click. Then that's when your IQ starts to unlock. And that's why it's- IQ, because a lot of times we don't equate sports with IQ, but you have to have a level of, iq even the idea of like critical thinking and the skills that are required to navigate um playing a game like basketball how does a trainer help develop like critical thinking skills hand-eye coordination situations on the court to get into and get out of in order to get the shot off, like little things like that. Basically, a lot of things you see a lot of collegiate, great high school players and a lot of professional players do as well day in, day out. But it's important that if they're doing it at an older age, why not do it for the youth to help prepare themselves so they have the knowledge and the capability and awareness for when they get older. And that's when, that's why I feel like it's gonna skyrocket it more. A lot of people just go, I'm like, oh, LeBron did this type of layup and this dunk. I'm gonna do it one or two times. Oh, can't do it. And that's it. You gotta keep going until you feel it. I'm not gonna do the same layup like LeBron James. Nobody in the world really is averaging like being six, eight, six, nine, two, fifty, pure weight, nobody's not really built that way. Okay, then how can I do it off of your size? You gotta find your way. There's only one occur in the world. There's only one koala in the world. What about you? Let it be just that one unique you. What is so unique about you? Maybe you're not the best shooter. That's fine. You don't have to be a shooter to be a good basketball player. You could have a nice little free throw game. That's very important. You can be a person. I like the set screens, go for layups, pass the ball. You might be somebody to help get teammates open. You probably the best defender, best rebounder, et cetera, like that. So let's make people unique. Nez Rahman is not the best shooter. He's the best rebounder known to man in basketball. We still teach Shaq about his, his free throw line, right? Like, for someone who at that time used because back then that game was physical and that was so it's more so of using your size yeah it's strange advantage shoot a shot Yeah, and I love how you're saying that. Find what you're good at even in the game. And that's part of, I think, when you talk about a trainer or a coach and someone being able to say, because we get locked in, right? Kids will see and say, oh, I have to be the step. I have to be able to do the three points. And that may not be their strength, and they may not be. That's how they're built and designed. You know, I always think about Allen Iverson, right? And just, hey, listen, he's not built like Shaq, but he had a purpose, and he did what he needed to do on the court. And again, Hall of Famer for sure. How young, and this always fascinates me, how young do you work with kids when it comes to basketball training? The youngest client I had was two. whoa talk to us about a two-year-old like what do we do and how does that help develop from a developmental perspective for kids coming from a kid who actually came out like i said before i came out the womb basically with a ball in his hand i know what it's like to have somebody that's very passionate about this game if you're super duper passionate about something you're bound to listen A lot of people think, oh, they're a two-, three-year-old. They're probably going to act up and not pay attention. Just the way you got to talk to them. Not every two-year-old you have to talk to is going to be the same. Some of you might be a little rough around the edges. Some of you might have to be soft and gentle. At least they understand the point that as they get older, that's when things start to change. It's a level of trust. If a player trusts you, that's when everything builds. Not as you being their friend, but they have to understand, you know, you being their coach. Because I train a lot of two year olds where it's like they'll lock down, they'll lock in and they'll listen. How do you do that? I'm like, yes, it's just God's touch. It's just the way you got to talk to them. I'm not the type of coach, period. All my kids know this, unless you really are not locked in, period. That's the only time I yell. But if you're trying, that's all I look for. One percent a day is better than no percent a day. You're not getting no scholarship tomorrow. A lot of parents got it. I get no scholarship tomorrow. We're not going to know. Being on NBA draft next week, give them time to grow. Give them the tools. Invest in your child. Because a lot of players who are successful now, they had trainers. Yeah. That's key. That's true. They have and had trainers. For since little. Right, right. And that's how they're able to learn these advanced things to do. But if you're just sending them to these teams and your players not getting no playing time, there's a reason why. Because if you have ten kids on your team, you should use all ten of those kids. Is your child actually working outside of what you're doing with your team? That they're not working on their flaws because nobody's perfect. You might have had one bad practice. Okay. Take notes. Where did I go wrong at? What does coach need from me in order to get this playing time? Then when my moment comes, what did I learn? How can I take what I have learned onto these games? That's where it comes to IQ at. You have to remember these things. That's like preparing for a test. You got to have the IQ in order to prepare for this test so you could answer certain things correctly. That makes sense. Yeah, and you know what, Coach? I always talk to the parent that's like, why are we putting so much emphasis on sports? And why are we pushing kids in sports? And I'm always on the fence of, because you know what? For some kids, that sport keeps them connected to community. It keeps them connected to education. It gives them mentorship and opportunities that they would not have any other way. Exactly. It's an outlet, too, because a lot of kids need some type of stress relief. If your kid likes to fight, if they like getting in fights in school, There is one way to solve it. In a professional boxing camp, let them box. Make some money off it. Let them box. Because those trainers and coaches, they teach those type of kids discipline. Or if your kid, if he's hyperactive, okay, put him in soccer. Okay, put him in track. Okay, put him in this, put him in that. Let him blow off that steam. A lot of kids don't know how to channel their emotions, so they hold in a lot of things. They just don't know how to express it. So basketball for me, when I do come across these kids that actually do want to play, they're like, coach, I want to play. So why don't you give them an opportunity to teach them to play? If they don't know what's going on, okay, get them an instructor. That's like if they're failing in school. If they're failing in math, give them a math tutor. Yes. So they can pass math. I mean, that's just common sense. That's the way I look at it. Yes. You know, mine's the whole funny part. I just love helping the kids, period. Just, and also it's the way for them to connect with just, a lot of them tell me too, like they connect with God a lot more ever since because I don't bring up God a lot. I do from time to time in my lessons, but it's like they will come out their own way and be like, coach, I've been with God a lot more since I first met you. Yeah. I never thought I would meet a guy who believed in me more than I believed in myself. And a lot of great teams and basically nationwide. There's always somebody out there to help a kid that's helped them improve so much. I helped Barack Obama at one point. Somebody helped Michelle at one point. Somebody helped Michael Jordan at one point. A couple coaches who he was under, they helped him get him to where he was. And you know what I'm saying? Same for Kobe Bryant. A lot of great athletes in the world and people. So, I mean, why not give your trainer a chance? Why not give this person a chance to help your child get to where they want to be? And it takes a lot of stress off you. It's an investment. Yeah. Think of it as like, oh, I'm wasting my money. Now, if you don't see no improvement, no whatsoever. That's understandable. And that program just ain't meant for your child. But also the things that your children are learning from, from this instructor, when they're getting tutored, they have to do the assignments on their own. Right. You can't just always rely on attorney. Gotta rely on that child. You gotta hold them accountable. That's where, you know, you change their mindset a lot. And that's what next level does. But, you know, it's interesting. You just said even the investment, let's say a tutor. We don't always see the results right away, even with a tutor. Right. We might see. I think about how many people will spend three, four years paying for a tutor for the SAT. That's three and four years out. Right. Like we pay for what we value for sure. Correct. Even the idea of saying in this day and age, if you want your child to play, even at the collegiate level. It is important to invest in training. I mean, we invest in a lot of I think of football. Football is such an expensive baseball these days. I mean, the amount of money that people have put into training and camps and right. And in any sport, I mean, my daughter was a soccer player. My son played tennis and ran track. So trust me, I've been on field after field and travel teams and this and that. And so just write the level of investment I have a diver that I'm a therapist for and it's four and five hours every single day in the pool. Like these are the investments that parents are making because again, the kids love the sport. And I love that you say there's a difference between liking it and loving the sport and then also seeing it as not just fun. It's what you want to do. Right. We're professional athletes. It's a career. And so I think about, you know, we're training. I train for my career, you know, for twelve years. Why not the two year old start training for their career for twelve years? Right. And so even putting that training piece to say it's a professional career and people do land professional opportunities. in this career, but you have to be prepared. And so I love that. So coach, as we're closing out, what would be maybe your final thought or nugget to a parent, to children in this space? What would be kind of your final thoughts to share with parents around training and basketball? Learn to love the game. Don't just like it. Literally, you have to fall in love with it, because you only get one life. And there's only so many things in this world that you would love, even a person or people in your close circle. But if you love something, cherish it. Take every moment and just breathe and learn. to perfect your craft because you only get one. And then when it comes to the young kids too, you're not going to be a kid forever. You're going to get older. Your body's going to change. Your mind is going to change. Your love and hate for things are also going to change. But the only way, if you really are a Hooper like you say you are, learn to fall in love with the game and play the correct way. Be coachable in every aspect. Be coachable as being a son means being teachable because you don't know everything. That goes for my teenagers. They know it all. Young adults, learn from the kids too because they will help open your heart up a lot if you allow them to. You don't always got to be so strict and just military all the time. Run against the military. You don't got to be so hard on them all the time. Learn to listen to them, especially when you work with young ones. Parents, also, it goes for you, too. Listen to your kids. If they need help, find help. Find help. If they're not learning themselves and they still want to play and they find interest in something, help them. Give them the resources that they need. And to the young kids, just like I said again, just fall in love with the game. You know, don't overwork yourself. If you feel like you need to speak to someone, if you can't find nobody, Talk to God. But the way I talk to God at that time was just shooting hoops and literally just do a basketball. And it helped me out a lot in the long run. So take my advice. I know what it's like to be there. I know what it's like to be in a dark space. I know what it's like to have a lot of weight on your shoulders. But at the end of the day, you only get one life. Focus on you. Don't focus on nobody else but you. It's your path, your journey. Nobody can tell you nothing different. So if it's negative, don't shoot that shot. If it's positive and they're passing you the ball, just take the shot. Trust me, you will score. You're going to miss one hundred percent of times if you don't score at all. So you definitely can make it if you just believe in yourself and work on your craft. It is possible you can make it. And that's my last thing I want to say. I love it, Coach CJ. All right. So before I let my guests go, I humor y'all in participating in a Laffy Taffy joke of the show. So Proverbs seventeen twenty two says a joyful heart is good medicine. So I tried to make it basketball related. So I got a little Laffy Taffy here. So you ready? All right. Why did the basketball player bring a duck to the game? Go ahead. You have an answer, you have a thought. I never thought about being involved, but no, I haven't. OK, he wanted to shoot a foul shot. I know. All right, Coach TJ, let everybody know how they can get in touch with you. How can they be if they're in the Conway, South Carolina area or maybe even close by and they want to participate in next level basketball training program or reach out to you? How can they get in touch with you? You can get in touch with me on Facebook at NXTLVLBasketballTraining. And you can also follow my personal page as CJBromel, C-E-J-A-Y-B-R-O-M-E-L-L. And you can also get in touch with me on TikTok and Instagram at nxtlvlbballtraining. And lastly, I got a little something for the world, too, that I think you all will definitely love. It's called Good Ball Movement. So basically, for those who know, For good ball movement, like, you know, you pass the ball to other people, your teammates, and then you guys score, you know, when the ball is being passed around like it's supposed to. But the way I kind of did it was I flipped it to where from a basketball standpoint, it's, you know, you're scoring not even just in the game but scoring in life so it's very motivational it's very impactful um i had a lot of celebrities who reached out and said they love my work they share my stuff so i feel like he'll definitely be god sent to all of you if you guys just tap in and follow you can follow that page on facebook at good ball movement it's on facebook groups And you'll see the little basketball that says good ball movement on it. Or you can follow up on Instagram and TikTok. Same username. It's good. Then you got to put a dot after good, then ball movement. So it'll be good.ballmovement. And you'll find me. And I do follow back. So definitely feel free to reach out. I love it. Thank you. All right. So before we go, our Love Our Babies Well segment today, we really talked today the importance of even just resilience. And I love how Coach CJ said that, you know, if we continue to shoot our shot, we will win. Sometimes setbacks are just set ups for what God has in store for us and changing one part of our journey. God has it all. The book is written by him, so he knows what's going to happen next. Be patient, trust the process, and trust that God is working it all out for your good. Thanks so much for tuning in today to the Dr. Stacey Show. Until next time, keep the faith, love the babies, and pursue wellness. My pleasure.
