Last summer Team IZOD 13U aka “Big Red Machine” ended the year on top of the Basketball Spotlight world. They had the Grand Championship, Player Of The Year and Coach of the Year. This season has not been so smooth. After a few tough early losses the rumor mill had this squad having internal conflicts and possibly disbanded. Therefore Basketball Spotlight reached out to reigning Coach Of The Year Franz Pierre Louis to find out what is going on.
BS: So what’s has been going on with Team IZOD 13U?
FPL: We have been focusing on becoming better student-athletes and better as a team.
BS: What is your response to rumors that you guys have broken up?
FPL: Rumors always surround great groups like the Jackson 5, Temptations, New Edition, and I guess now us. I'm glad that everyone is so concerned with us. We just played together in Baltimore last weekend.
BS: Can you elaborate on the pressure of a coach that coaches a team with a national reputation?
FPL: The only pressure that I truly have is preparing these young men for the next level. That's all.
BS: How do you handle the job of satisfying all the parents on your team?
FPL: We are only concerned with satisfying our team's objective.
BS: How hard is it to coach and have a son that’s ranked in the Top 10 of the country?
FPL: It's been a pleasure coaching a young man that shares my passion. It has not been as difficult as people may believe. We try to stay as humble and hungry as possible because rankings really don't mean anything at this point of these childrens young careers. It's a marathon not a race.
BS: How long do you really think this squad can stay together?
FPL: As long as they continue to improve individually and as a group.
BS: Last year you guys won the Spotlight Grand Championship, what’s your plan to return to glory?
FPL: To play each possession as hard as possible.
BS: What teams do you have on your target list before this season ends?
FPL: The only team that is on our target list is Team Izod. We are so focused on ourselves right now.
BS: Give us one word that describes your program?
FPL: Elite
BS: Final Thoughts?
FPL: I will like to thank all of our supporter and haters. Without you guys, what we do would not be possible. Thanks again...
