Life is largely based on timing and opportunity. The most talented individual might never cross paths with the right people to even get discovered. There is no certainty in following any path, rather just faith in the journey. Take being a high-level coach, for example. So much of coaching lies within your background, reputation, and ability to win games while developing players to their next stage. That being said, Mike Wright has been one of North Carolina’s best coaches over the last decade. After reaching incredible success with Liberty Heights and Combine Academy, Coach Wright has resurfaced with Tennessee Collegiate Academy on the Nike EYBL Scholastic League.
There are plenty of coaches who can win with talented players, but not every coach is capable of elevating his prospects and putting them in positions to excel. Meanwhile, Coach Wright is clearly different. He put together countless rosters full of underrated, under-recruited pieces and consistently won against noteworthy competition. Given the influx of independent programs over the recent years, this concept seems pretty familiar. However, he was certainly among the pioneers who helped push independent basketball to its current state.
Going into his newest situation, Coach Wright has no shortage of intriguing pieces. The team is headlined by several nationally recognized players in Christian Gibson (UCF), Keeper Jackson, Mason Williams, Lincoln Vinson, and Dylan Jones. Additionally, Chase Givens, Nate Miles, Jaxon Hardaway, and D’Nharayne Vital will be vital to their success. While it might sound crazy given the long list of players he’s coached over the years, this might legitimately be his top team. In addition to the guys who already hold status, his teams are also known for their depth of rugged, intelligent, versatile array of college-level pieces. Given the respect he’s earned in the basketball community, there should be nothing but high expectations for Coach Wright with his newest endeavor.