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I’d like to thank Logan Louks for participating in my series of basketball journey posts. Logan played for the UCSB Gauchos in Santa Barbara, California in the Big West Conference in NCAA DI during the 2013-14 season which was my senior season as team manager of The Master’s University Mustangs in Santa Clarita, California in the GSAC in NAIA DI. I managed the Mustangs from 2010-14 and we played the Gauchos during each preseason.

In sharing his journey with me, Logan wrote, “My road to the collegiate level was not a smooth and easy path. I was not a highly recruited player in high school even though I was named one of the best players in the area of Northern California. In order to be recruited, I went to every opportunity I could go to get in front of college coaches and get my name out there.

Whether it was a camp at the University, open gyms at my local University at Saint Mary’s of Moraga, and I even went to a Division 2 / 3 camp that was hosted in my area. I honestly didn’t mind what school I would go to I just knew I wanted to continue my basketball career. I did not receive my first offer until I was a senior in High School.

That being said, I was fortunate enough to land a preferred walk-on position at the University of California, Santa Barbara. UCSB is a Division I caliber school in the Big West Conference, it was my best opportunity for an education, and gave me an opportunity to prove myself at the Division I level. I was playing against the best talent, which elevated my game each and every day.

Although I received minimal time being a walk-on and battling two injuries that required surgery, I wouldn’t have changed a single thing. I feel truly blessed to have received that opportunity by Coach Bob Williams. It’s amazing to think of all the opportunities that can arise from a little orange ball. All the places it took me and all the relationships I made will last a lifetime.

Logan also shared some advice for younger players by writing, “My advice for younger players, don’t be discouraged about rankings. Don’t be discouraged about your recruiting situation. Take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself, work hard every day at becoming a better player, and go to every opportunity that presents itself.

Go play at your local university, go show out at lower division caliber camps, reach out to past players who made it to the college level and see if you can get in front of the coach or play against the team.

Make the most of your opportunity because there is nothing more fulfilling than seeing all that work pay off once you reach that next level. Then when you get to that next level, out work everybody.

I remember showing up to my first summer session practice that officially started at 7 AM, I was in the gym at 5 AM. You always have control of your attitude and effort. Be the hardest worker on the team and create habits that will elevate your success. Nothing is better than being a collegiate athlete, I can promise you that.”

Thank you for reading my work on The Cannon Network. With The Cannon Network I bring you stories from every level of basketball. I have had coaches, players and team managers share advice and their journey in the basketball world with me.

I have been making info graphics teams, coaches, players and team managers. I managed an NAIA team and worked with every level of player. Managing my college team led me to study every level of basketball and I enjoy writing about every level including NAIA, NCAA, NCCAA, USCAA, JUCO and Canadian basketball.

I will also be writing about other sports on The Cannon Network. Here are ways you can support me on The Cannon Network.  Every donation of any amount is very appreciated. You can support me through 1 time or monthly donations through PayPal. If you are a coach, player or team manager and want to share your story with The Cannon Network then message me on my social media platforms.  Follow The Cannon Network here.