How much can you learn from the game of basketball? One source tells WGNS, a lot...
Above the Rim Gym (ARG) operates out of several community gyms that support all participants regardless of the school they attend. This organization is a non-profit organization which utilizes sports as the platform to communicate skills that transcend the world of sports to better prepare each child to deal with the world outside of the gym. Through teaching the fundamentals and advanced skills of basketball, life disciplines are introduced. Sportsmanship is a cornerstone of their mission. Each child is expected to not only be committed to the game, but also be committed to the team and its success. The athletes are expected to be good followers as well as leaders. Coach Gibson attempts to teach young athletes to become well-rounded future citizens by using the tool of basketball. He emphasizes the ARG –Aggressive, Respect, Gratitude- on the basketball court as well as in life.
George Gibson, a resident of Murfreesboro, TN, Blackman Township area since 2005, established ARG in 2006. At age 13, Coach Gibson went on to play at the AAAA high school level as a 3-year starter and served as Varsity Captain for two years at Great North Little Rock High School. Coach Gibson made All-State his senior year and was selected to play for the Arkansas High School All-Star team. For his efforts, he was awarded a full basketball scholarship to play at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). Throughout his four years at the collegiate level, he played for the UCA Bears in two Conference Tournaments, advanced to the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City and was selected to compete as a College All-Star. Coach Gibson also received his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Arkansas.
Coach Gibson established ARG as a way to give back to the community. WGNS was told in a press release that he feels extremely blessed being a successful basketball player, corporate businessman and father. The release also suggested that ARG, as well as Coach Gibson, are spiritually based, striving to be a Christian role-model for the community. The information we received on Tuesday stated, “Coach wants to encourage and grow the athletes that he coaches while teaching them that basketball is simply a sport that is used as a stepping stone to their future and he constantly emphasizes to both players and parents that Above the Rim Gym should always represent itself as a "class act" in all ways.”
In 2010, Coach Gibson received the Allstate "Coach of the Year" Award, a designation won by parental nomination. The coach attempts to nurture the basic tenets of responsibility, teamwork, goal-setting, self-discipline, anger management, sportsmanship, competing fairly, planning, setting priorities, first impressions, respect, and "acting the part". We are told the end result will be a child that is mentally stronger, fundamentally more sound, team-focused, goal-orientated and competitively grounded.
Currently ARG is in mid-season competing locally, as well as at out-of-state tournaments. ARG just returned from the Arkansas Real Deal in the Rock tournament, which is the #1 tournament in the country. Teams from all over the United States participated in this tournament and there were several college scouts there to view the athletes. It was an excellent experience for any serious basketball player. Team ARG 13u participated in the Real Deal in the Rock posting a 35 to 17 victory over the Arkansas Hawks (Red). Team ARG 17u was runner up to Nashville Elite in the Run and Gun Shootout 53 to 47 on March 17th. Team ARG 17u made it to the semi-finals in the Phi Slamma Jamma, losing by 6 to the eventual tournament winner the Lebanon Blue Devils. Team ARG 17U and 13U made it the Championship Game at the Battle in Franklin Tournament, both placing second. ARG has tournaments coming up in Ohio and Florida, as well as numerous local tournaments.
Above the Rim Gym is an active member of AAU and YBOA. ARG has a total of fifty two players, five teams, and eighteen staff participating in the organization from all over Middle Tennessee. The group has participants from Murfreesboro, Shelbyville, Woodbury, Franklin and many other surrounding counties.
Contact and Source Information:
WGNS is told that Above the Rim Gym is always looking for new participants, whether it is on the court or additions to the volunteer staff. The group reports, "We will partner with local organizations from the Middle Tennessee area that have a vested interest in the development of each child. If you are interested in taking your game “Above the Rim,” please contact George Gibson at georgegibson@abovetherimgym.com." If you are interested in sponsoring Above the Rim Gym, please contact George Gibson. You can also view ARG’s web site http://www.abovetherimgym.com for a current list of upcoming events, clinics and summer camps. ARG stated they welcome the opportunity to participate in the life of your child.
