God Shammgod: A Rising Star
At just 15, God Shammgod was already making waves as a rising star on New York City’s basketball courts, notably at Rucker Park. Despite his burgeoning reputation, many seasoned players dismissed him as a mere showoff rather than recognizing his innovative dribbling style that would later shape the game.
Facing Criticism
In an interview with NBC Sports about his new memoir, ‘Word of God’, Shammgod reflected on how he faced ridicule for his flashy skills decades ago.
“Like 25 years earlier, people used to ridicule me for dribbling like this or being too fancy or stuff like that,” he noted, lamenting that during his formative years, cutthroat critiques overshadowed his talent.
Shammgod expressed a sense of irony that current players, who enjoy greater acceptance of this style, often don’t realize the struggles he faced to gain recognition.
“In my era, I was ridiculed for this. So I’m glad I’m getting praise now, but I’m like, man, only if y’all knew what I went through growing up where I wasn’t being praised for this.”
The Evolution of Basketball
Fast forward to today, and Shammgod has become synonymous with one of basketball’s most renowned moves—the crossover dribble that carries his name. As the NBA has shifted toward a game that values 3-point shooting and exceptional ball handling, players across all positions, including centers like Victor Wembanyama, are now expected to possess strong dribbling skills, showcasing the evolution of basketball where skills once deemed showboating are now professional necessities.
Coaching and Mentorship
Serving as an assistant coach for the Orlando Magic, Shammgod’s expertise is in demand. He remarked on how the league has embraced these skill sets that blend artistic expression with effective gameplay.
“Now you see the way the NBA had to accept it… you could tell a difference between a person showing off and the person really playing basketball,”
he explained, drawing comparisons to stars like Kyrie Irving and Steph Curry, who seamlessly integrate advanced handles into their game.
Teaching Style and Philosophy
Shammgod’s path as a mentor began as early as the 1995 ABC Camp, where he was encouraged by “Jelly Bean” Bryant to work with a young Kobe. Little did he know that developing his teaching style would enhance his legacy both as a player and a coach. His approach isn’t about cookie-cutter techniques; instead, he emphasizes creativity among players.
“Some people dribble like robots, and some people dribble. So it’s just all about teaching them how to find their own unique flow,”
Shammgod said. He distinguishes between imitating his style and helping players discover their own rhythm. Whether they dribble once or ten times, he aims to empower them to excel within their individual capacities.
Comfort in Uncomfortable Situations
In ‘Word of God’, Shammgod shares compelling anecdotes that reflect his journey through the basketball world, while also stressing the importance of comfort in uncomfortable situations—a philosophy that informs his coaching.
“I always wanted to make sure I was comfortable in uncomfortable situations when it came to basketball. So I just read and react,”
he shared, revealing how sometimes those spontaneous moves can look spectacular, while other times, they might be less conspicuous.
Legacy and Popularity
As basketball continues to evolve, Shammgod acknowledges his relevance, noting that his playing style resonates with today’s youth. The once-derided showboating is now celebrated, making Shammgod more popular than ever—much to the surprise of those critics from New York’s playgrounds years ago.
