February 26, 2021
Five-star recruit out of high school. Number one pick in the NBA Draft. Too quiet to lead. These are all labels that Anthony Bennett has worn through the years. After listening to this episode of Mental Buckets, it will become clear that Bennett is a fighter. He's overcome injury, ignored the doubters, and continuously worked to sustain a pro career in the NBA, the G-League, and internationally. Learn more about the fire that continues to drive Bennett towards basketball success, and the veteran players who've supported him, regardless of what challenges he's faced with.
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February 21, 2021
Behind the creation of UPBYCF lies years of activism for both Turners and a sustained interest in bettering communities in The Bay Area. They know the statistics that six times as many low-income students drop youth sports when compared to those from high-income families because of access (Aspen Institute Project Play Initiative). They also know firsthand the power sports has to build character because “a survey of 400 female corporate executives found 94% played a sport and that 61% say sports contributed to their career success (EY Women Athletes Business Network/espnW, 2014). The launch of UPBYCF is bounded in these statistics and in past experiences both Turners have had with nonprofits such as The Boys and Girls Club, Big Homie Project, and Play MakeHers. Yearly clinics at UPB have focused on women’s empowerment, and tackled issues like access to sports, and hunger.
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February 12, 2021
Justin Anderson was considered a top recruit coming out of the D.C. metro area starting in eighth grade, and was considered a top 50 prospect coming out of Montrose High School. With offers from Maryland, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Texas, it’s easy to assume he was bound for greatness immediately out of his high school, but in fact, it was his preparation and diligence on and off the court that made him able to have a successful professional basketball career.
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February 05, 2021
Brandon Ashley steps into the UPB gym, and his energy radiates across the court. If Brandon is there, you feel it with each step, each dribble, each bounce. He works hard, talks loud, and plays big. Any trainer around him is probably smiling, laughing, chatting. But, make no mistake, Ashley, commonly called “Bash” by those who know him, wasn't always brimming with positivity.
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January 21, 2021
UPB is proud to have two additions to our on-court staff in Ashley Hawkins and Asha Thomas, both working as coaches at the UPB team. Both bring a myriad of experiences on-the-court and in around the game of basketball, and we know they will be assets in helping the next generation grow their skills.
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January 14, 2021
Yash Maheshwaran stepped onto the Amador Valley High School football field for what he figured to be a routine volunteering opportunity. Little did he know, on this day, his involvement with Special Olympics would begin to become not only a hobby, but an integral part of his life. Yash spent much of a day with a young girl and her guardian, and his outlook on the day remains, even three years later.
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December 31, 2020
This past December marked the 2nd annual Hoopin' with Santa event at UPB in partnership with The Boys and Girls Club of The Peninsula (BGCP) and The Big Homie Project.
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December 23, 2020
By every “traditional” measurement of success, Russ Smith should be on an NBA roster right now. He led the Louisville Cardinal to a national championship in 2013, and averaged 18 points per game. He became the highest leading scorer in NBA Summer League one summer, and in 2016, he hit a new G-League record with 65 points in one game. In fact, in a season for the 76ers G-League affiliate he averaged nearly 30 points, and eight assists per game. Russ Smith has proven himself at every single step of the way, even when counted out.
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