Jerron Love, a Soundview resident and student at Riverdale Country Middle School, is heating up the Internet with videos showcasing a talent that already has coaches taking notice and making plans for the future.
“He reminds me of a young Andre Barrett,” said AAU coach Artie Green, comparing Love to the Bronx basketball star that has achieved some success in the NBA and its D-league affiliate.
The videos, which can be accessed at www.youtube.com, show Love sinking baskets from all over the court, making great passes and creating plays off amazing ball handling skills.
The young point guard has always been a fan of the game, but only started playing at 10-years-old, imitating some of his favorite stars, including Steve Nash. It was then that his father knew Love, a.k.a. the Golden Child, had a natural gift.
“He’s like a sponge,” Jerry Love said of his son. “He just picks up on everything.”
The proud father, who admits to not have an extensive background in basketball, got involved, looking up every bit of information about the game, in hopes of helping his son. “I approached it as if I was trying to get into the NBA,” he said.
Love, who plays with older 8th graders and has been known to school some high school players on the courts, excelled quickly, picking up on the important mental aspects of the game.
“It’s 90% mental, 10% physical,” said the 6th grader, whose talents shine on the 30-minute Just 10 motivational DVD. “Basketball is all about seeing things before they happen; planning the game out beforehand.”
Love practices day and night on and off the courts.
“I don’t have to be on the court; I can just sit at home and visualize the game,” he said. “I think about how to rotate the ball on a shot and how to set up a defense.”
Love has learned this first hand, growing as a player from his first year when he competed unsuccessfully in the Maryland Invitational two years ago.
“I didn’t play a good first game and my dad took me out of the tournament and back to New York,” he recalled. “I wasn’t ready and he felt I needed to work on my game.”
Love came back the following year, losing in the championship game by only one basket.
In the meantime, Love, whose speed with the ball always makes him a threat in the lane, is making a name for himself on the Harlem Kings and in the Gauchos basketball league while hoping to play for his Riverdale school team when he becomes eligible in 7th grade. But high school and college is already a hot topic for those who have seen him play.
“This kid plays at a 12th grade high school level,” said AG, the Voice of Harlem, known for announcing various games, including those involving Love. He added, “I’m going to keep track of him.”
Melvin Kennedy, who was a referee on hand for one of Love’s games, agrees. “He shows a lot of promise,” he said. “He is someone people need to start watching. I am looking forward to seeing him on a bigger stage than this.”
Love is also hoping to compete at a higher level, but maintains his priorities, as a student. “I want to take this as far as I can take it,” he said. “But right now, school comes first.”
