Basketball gym helps hone skills
In order to play some serious hoops, there's really only one place in town to do it: Hoop Zone, a facility that's the brainchild of ex-University of Texas superstar center Bill Wendlandt.
He used to be known on the court as Big Red. Now, he's taking his love for the game and giving back to the community.
"Of course, I love basketball, I'm passionate about it. I've been a fan, I've been a player, I've been a coach. I'm a parent of a kid that plays basketball, so, it's my passion," Wendlandt said.
Passion and hard work were two of Wendlandt's trademarks during his days as a Longhorn, but since opening the doors of Hoop Zone in September 2001, he's found that it's important to give people a little bit more.
"We've got a video room with educational videos: 'How to Shoot a Better Jump Shot,' 'How to Play Zone Defense,' 'How to Study for the ACT, SAT.' And then fun stuff like watching Michael Jordan's highlight tapes," Wendlandt said.
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Snazzy machines like the Gun shooting device are not common in most gyms around town.
There's something else that makes Hoop Zone king of the court: A code of conduct.
"We're trying to promote good citizens, not just good basketball players and try to teach them life skills that they can learn in basketball -- that they can take to their future endeavors, whatever that is," Wendlandt said.
Each Sunday, former WNBA athlete Fran Harris demonstrates a different aspect of sportsmanship – from proper exercise technique to the importance of team spirit in
. Fran Harris has coached athletes of all ages. She was a member of the Houston Comets' first WNBA championship team in 1997 and is also a former UT Longhorn. You can visit her website at
.