Frank Ryder visits NYS basketball practice

On Feb. 21, Niwot Youth Sports basketball welcomed special guest Frank Ryder to practice at Flagstaff Academy. Ryder, a Boulder native and former Colorado Buffaloes center, stopped by NYS Coach Jason Christopoulos's practice to share his collegiate and professional basketball insight and experiences with local boys and girls.

Ryder spent two years playing for the University of Colorado under coach Tad Boyle before transferring his senior year to the University of Denver. Following his collegiate basketball career, he played professionally for Psychiko Athens of the Greek Elite League.

Ryder is recently engaged to his fiancée and now lives in Boulder. Since retiring from basketball, he works with his family in their successful local contracting business.

Standing at a whopping 6'10", Ryder wowed his young audience with his basketball skills, including a few jaw-dropping dunks, and, most importantly, shared his secrets to basketball success, both on and off the court.

Among the many tidbits and anecdotes about his experiences in and around the sport of basketball, Ryder stressed the importance of eating healthy, studying hard, getting a good night's sleep, listening to your parents and coaches and, of course, practice, practice, practice.

Several other NYS coaches as well as a large turnout of parents and family members were on hand to witness and participate in the fun. Practice started with a long warm up and stretch, led by Ryder.

The players then executed several drills to hone their individual dribbling and shooting skills. They later engaged in competitive game simulation drills, demonstrating their ability to work together as a team.

Ryder and the NYS coaches were close to the action, interjecting their knowledge and guidance for the young cagers. After practice, the players were treated to an autograph session where Ryder signed photos, shoes, and jerseys for each and every kid.

"I had a great time," Ryder said after practice ended. "It's a blessing to have an opportunity to work with kids, implementing good values, skills and sportsmanship, which is vital to the growth of the player and the game as a whole. I am very thankful to Niwot Youth Sports and Coach Jason for including me and I am honored to be a part of such a wonderful community organization. You can be sure I will be back if invited again."

"It was an absolute delight to have Frank in this gym with our kids," Christopoulos said. "Frank is a smart, conscientious athlete and simply a great person... a gentle giant. Our kids responded tremendously to his positive instruction, his athletic ability, his patience, and his deep knowledge of what it takes to succeed in basketball and in life. He's an all-around terrific human being and we look forward to having him join us again next season."

Niwot Youth Sports basketball consists of several teams, across a range of elementary school age groups, comprised of boys and girls from Niwot, Boulder, Longmont and other neighboring cities and towns. NYS coaches are all volunteers and enjoy the tremendous support of families and local businesses.

Information about Niwot Youth Sports basketball, as well as its various other sports and programs, can be found at http://www.niwotyouthsports.org.