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Jonathan Smith

@j_smith301

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The Player Coach 🥼
Lead Coach of Hoop Mountain Kuwait | K-8 Educator | Div. 1 Head Coach
Maryland

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My passion has always fueled my purpose. As the youngest Division 1 Head Coach in Western New York History at 27, I proudly say I have accomplished one of my biggest dreams.

This season was beyond basketball. Upon being hired, I inherited a team with seven young men carrying GPA’s below a 1.5, no athletic trainer for half the season and no assistant coach.

My mission was to galvanize a group of young Black men, many of whom came from the inner city of Buffalo, to be apart of something bigger than a jersey and number. It was about teaching them that their circumstances do not define their ceiling. My goal was never just to develop better basketball players, but to help develop young men who knew where they came from, understood where they could go, and believed they could become more than what the world expected of them.

Six months with these young men taught me lessons I’ll carry for life. I poured everything I had into this opportunity, and I’m proud to know that it made an impact on those who received it. To those who supported me, believed in me, and rocked with me throughout this season - it’s LUV forever! #ThePlayerCoach taken in Accokeek, Maryland by @j_smith301

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2 months ago

Early mornings and late nights! Take advantage of your opportunity 🏁 #itsjustwork by @j_smith301

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a year ago

Everything is a lot. But shit, nothing is nothing. taken in Buffalo, New York by @j_smith301

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9 months ago

Doing the job I’ve wanted and living the life I imagined since a kid is an incredible feeling. I’ve been through everything you can think of, stayed down and accomplished great feats. Now, this is the dawn of a new chapter, blessed is an understatement! by @j_smith301

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2 days ago

Trippin is my last resort. taken in Kuwait City by @j_smith301

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a month ago

. @hoopmountain.kw

#highlights #kuwait #fiba #basketball #ballislife taken in Kuwait City by @j_smith301

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a month ago

. @hoopmountain.kw

#highlights #kuwait #fiba #basketball #ballislife taken in Kuwait City by @j_smith301

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a month ago

I made a different vow. taken in Kuwait City by @j_smith301

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a month ago

Seeds I planted years ago birthed an infinity tree. The harvest keeps coming, and I’m simply enjoying the fruits! by @j_smith301

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2 months ago

Passion dies where settling begins. by @j_smith301

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3 months ago

My guy E hit me before heading to South Dakota to get one last workout in. After our session before we left, he said a prayer that words can’t measure. Beyond the court, it’s relationships that matter most. Proud of you E, keep thriving! @sdcoyotesmbb y’all got you one! taken in Buffalo, New York by @j_smith301

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3 months ago

Every now and then, my players question if I still got it and throw that ”Unc” term around 😅 and of course I gotta get in my duffle! I remember slapping glass on layups feeling like @kingjames back in the day 🤣 Always and forever having fun with it! #ThePlayerCoach taken in D'Youville University by @j_smith301

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4 months ago