I Am A Basketball Junkie

by Dan Jonker

Co-Founder, Coach Calls Timeout

I spent the first 25 years of my life with a self-identity that was largely tied to basketball (a basketball junkie). When my varsity playing days were done, I spent the next 10 years trying to distance myself from that identity. I had to make career decisions and begin to expand my narrowly defined view of myself.

At 28, I went back to school for architecture and I’m very satisfied with that decision and my current job. Yet, without basketball, I could sense a part of me was missing.

During that time I met my wife, Lesley. She is insightful and compassionate and has helped me understand myself in ways I never could have on my own. She suggested I start playing basketball again; perhaps competition or camaraderie was what I missed. I started playing in a men’s league with some former teammates from Wilfrid Laurier University. Unfortunately, those days ended (too old, too slow, too fragile, two kids) before I was mentally ready to let go and I found myself back at square one.

I’ve come to realize that I miss many aspects of the game of basketball. It’s something I can comfortably discuss with anyone. It’s a game I love playing, visualizing and re-living. I love watching and analyzing games; angles, timing, players, coaches, etc. I needed more of that in my life.

A big part of basketball is coaching and the opportunity to shape young minds and teach life lessons within the context of the game. My brother, Brian, has been coaching for the last ten years as the head coach for the Mohawk College men’s basketball team and feels very inspired and fulfilled.

My most comfortable place in life is at home so coaching would be a difficult balance. Although I would love to help youth grow and develop into young adults, and I believe I would be good at it, I don’t think I could manage the time required away from home.

Knowing that about myself, I had to search for another way to welcome basketball back into my life. I have been fortunate enough to be around some phenomenal coaches during my playing days and I have learned a lot about the finer details required to be successful. I figured; why not create a resource to share basketball knowledge with other people who are passionate about basketball.

Seems like a logical fit, team up with my brothers Brian and Brady (also a basketball junkie) and develop a website where basketball coaches can come and learn from our knowledge base and from each other.

Over the last couple of years I have researched website development and in the past six months further honed my skills with this idea in mind. Our basketball coaching resource is now ready and I am very proud of it. I’m excited about the potential and can’t wait to see how it develops over the next few years. Our goal is to reach as many coaches as possible and in turn make the players’ experiences more memorable and fulfilling.