The Houston Knights is a sports mentoring organization that
facilitates the athletic and academic development of young athletes in the
7th through the 12th grade. Members of the Houston Knights are or have the
potential to be top players in the sport of basketball in Texas. Typically
at least seventy to eighty percent of the players are “at risk”
students due to previous academic deficiencies, family issues, and/or socio-economic
reasons. Over eighty percent of the members are minorities. Our mission is
to significantly impact the player’s Attitude,
Athletics, Academics,
and Achievement.
Attitude
All players are required to exhibit positive attitudes towards others. Coaches and adult volunteers provide guidance and serve as role models for each player. The Knights are expected to respect themselves, their teammates, coaches, competitors, and all others. Mentoring, coaching, and teaching is done in a positive learning environment with emphasis on building player’s self-esteem and confidence. The intent is to improve the player’s current attitude and build a foundation for the future. It all starts with attitude.
Athletics
The Houston Knights organization was established to provide advanced training and skills development that promotes both individual and team success in highly competitive games and tournaments. The Houston Knights is an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) sanctioned organization. AAU teams are some of the most competitive in the United States. The Knights participate in sanctioned practices, games, and tournaments including an annual nationwide tournament that starts with regional qualifiers held every spring. Participation in local, area, and national events increases individual and team skills, prepares players for school team tryouts and exposes them to college recruiters.
Academics
The Knights organization provides resources and guidance to assist players with achieving their academic goals including preparation for college. Each player must participate in an assessment of their academic achievement and present their report cards to coaches during each grading period. Weaknesses are identified and the player and mentor will design a plan for improvement. The Houston Knights provides loaner personal computers and printers to at risk players that include software for SAT test preparation, internet access, and school projects.
Achievement
The long-term success of each individual player will determine
the success of the Houston Knights. Each player sets individual goals and
participates in setting team goals. Many of the players have been recognized
for their individual skills including numerous awards at basketball camps
and skills competitions. While many of the players have had successes in academics,
this remains a major focus for the Houston Knights. Junior high academic success
will determine high school and college performance. The goal of the Knights
is for all students to improve one letter grade each grading period until
they can sustain an A-B average. The Houston Knights have been recognized
as one of the top teams in the Houston area.