In 2013, West Coast rapper, "The Game" loss his friend Michael "Frogg" Rershard Jr to gun violence. In his friend's memory, he established a basketball team, The Frogg All-stars, a west coast youth basketball team run in part by Coach Burrell Lee III. Recently, we were fortunate enough to get an opportunity to catch up with Coach Lee III and ask him about his team's aspirations for the upcoming season.
1. What separates the Frogg All Star organization from the myriad of other AAU programs across the country?
Coach Lee III: I would have to say that most of our players have been with the Frogg Program since day one. If not, they came in during the 11u or 12u season. We don't add to win, we play with what we have. The family atmosphere we have built is a brotherhood. That has helped us to where we are now.
2. What is the back story on how the Frogg All Star organization was created?
Coach Lee III: The Game [West Coast Rapper] had a friend that was murdered a few years back. In memory of his good friend, he started the Frogg All-Stars Basketball Program. His friend's name was Michael "Frogg" Reshard JR. He was killed on March 27, 2013. The team was started in May of 2013. Michael Reshard JR. was also an up and coming rapper from Compton.
3. Who are some notable players who have worn the Frogg All Star uniform?
Coach Lee III: We are only three years old so the kids are currently making the history of the program.
4. For your 2021 team, do you expect to have much of your roster in tact from last year, what if any gaps are you looking to fill before next summer?
Coach Lee III: I have most of my roster [in tact]. I lost three starters but the players who were on the bench have filled those holes and we are rolling haven't missed a beat.
5. Describe the team's 2016 summer season and point out any significant tournament victories or games that stand out in your mind.
Coach Lee III: It was a great 2015-2016 season. We lost in the championship of the tournament in Portland, we went to New Orleans and lost in the final 8, we also lost in the final 8 of the Las Vegas Fab 48. We have won a number of tournaments.
6. What is your team's philosophy on offense and defense?
Coach Lee III: We believe that our best offense is our defense; We pressure the ball full court. If the players buy into playing defense then our offense is easy. We do shoot a lot of 3s off the fast break, but when we have to slow it down, we move the ball, cut, screen and try to find the holes in the defense.
7. Who are some players to watch from your team next season?
Coach Lee III:WHERE DO I START. EACH PLAYER IS SPECIAL
- PEYTON WATSON (G/F) IS A 5’10 LONG GUARD THAT REBOUNDS AND SHOOTS THE BALL WELL
- SHYHIEM PARM (G) IS A LOCK DOWN DEFENDER, BUT CAN ALSO BLOW BY YOU
- SCOTTY WASHINGTON (G/F) 6’1 IS A GREAT PURE SCORER THAT PLAYS DEFENSE AND OUR YOUNGEST FROGG
- TAEO THOMAS (G) IS A GUARD THAT COMES OFF THE BENCH AND PRETTY MUCH DOES IT ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BALL
- JEREMIAH PAUL (F) IS 6’4 & ONE OF THE HARDEST PLAYERS IN THE GYM, EVERY TIME HE STEPS ON THE FLOOR, HE CAN SHOOT THE MID RANGE AND IS A GREAT REBOUNDER AND DEFENDER
- BOBBY BOLTON (G) IS A GREAT SHOOTER, LEARNING THE PG POSITION
- HARLEM TAYLOR (G) IS THE GAME'S SON, & CAN SHOOT THE BALL
- JUDE WILL (F) IS ONE OF THE SMALLEST BIG MEN, WILL BATTLE ANYONE DOWN LOW, GREAT BASKETBALL IQ
MARCUS GREEN JR. (F) 6’2 NEW TO THE TEAM, LEARNING HOW WE PLAY, BUT HAS BEEN A BEAST ON THE GLASS AND IS IN THE RIGHT SPOT ALL THE TIME
8. How many opportunities has your squad had to play west coast teams? How did you fair against those teams?
Coach Lee III:LOST TO THE FOLLOWING:
WEST COAST ALL-STARS, CITY BALLERS, PRODIGY, TEAM DREAM, VEGAS ELITE
WE BEAT THE FOLLOWING TEAMS:
VEGAS ELITE, EARL WATSON UAA, GAMETYME ELITE, CITY BALLERS, SAN DIEGO SLAYERS, TEAM DREAM, BILLUPS ELITE, RC BULLS, BIG CITY SPORTS (NOW TAKE PRIDE), CALI ELITE, TEAM INLAND, PRODIGY, SAN DIEGO SABRES, ARC, AND THE LIST GOES ON (WE ALSO WENT 5-3 IN A HIGH SCHOOL JV LEAGUE, SPRING OF 2016)
9. What was your record last year?
Coach Lee III: 87-27
10. Who are the top teams in your area for 2021?
Coach Lee III: West Coast All-Stars, Baller Select, EWE UAA, Team Dream, Prodigy, Vegas Elite, MVP Flight Elite, Gametime Elite, San Diego Slayers, and City Ballers [among others].
11. What style of play is Frogg Allstars known for?
Coach Lee III: Up-temp and pressure. We are like Paul Westhead's teams with the Lakers and Loyola Marymount, we pressure and get the ball up the court.
12. What would it mean for your team to compete for a national championship next Summer?
Coach Lee III: It could be great, but at the end of the days is all about getting ready for the next four years of basketball. High School is next on the agenda and I feel my kids are ready to move on and compete for the next four years and earn a basketball scholarship.
Most Club teams won’t support other teams, but I want to say that Coach Lee has done a GREAT JOB preparing his players for the next level. Good luck on the upcoming season Coach Lee!!