Basketball Phenom : Dakota Simms

I volunteer in helping to coach young Dakota. I think I learn as much from him about focus and dedication as he learns how to shoot over a 6’11 giant from me.

He is a smart engaging young man first and then a straight up very good player next. He is now 10 years old.

I track as many of his stories and videos as I know about and find, including his shoot around with Dominique Wilkins, below.

http://www.thetallstreetjournal.com/profiles/blogs/dakota-simms-basketball-boy

Balancing youth with talent and media buzz is difficult. Suffice it to say Dakota is mature for his age, but also enjoys video games, amusement parks and playing with his twin brothers.

While I know you hear on the contrary that its all for the parents, you won’t see his Dad in any stories above, although T is his primary coach. We treat the media exposure just like the basketball. It is something Dakota needs to handle and practice with the exposure on his own, just like his game.

Handling that kind of fame and pressure crushes a lot of our pro athletes and celebrities everyday. Hopefully, by exposing him bit by bit and having him make shots with the cameras on interview like an outstanding person while he is at a young stage will help him excel in any career he chooses, be it basketball or not.

- Cheyenne