Interview of Michael Weinstein of Fundamental U

Earlier this week, I got the opportunity to sit down with Michael Weinstein, the Coach at Fundamental U. Weinstein has previously coached at Rising Stars, and made his debut by creating Joy Of The Game in 1993. The creation of Joy Of The Game led to his start with the Rising Stars in 1996, which became a prominent name in the AAU world. In 2011, He decided to sell Joy Of The Game to take a break from basketball for the time being. But in 2012, he got the itch to start coaching again and he created Fundamental U. He wanted to help kids again and teach them the fundamentals of basketball. To him, there is nothing better than helping kids fulfill their dreams with the help of playing college basketball.

Here what Coach Weinstein had to say:

(Jarrell) When you started coaching your club, what was your vision and why club basketball?

(Coach Weinstein) My first time coaching was 1996. I started because I wanted to coach teen basketball and have my kids play against better competition. My vision was to help kids improve as players by competing against the best competition and helping them prepare for college.

2. Who are some of your best alumni?

(Coach Weinstein) Ben Brust, Lenzelle Smith, Jack Cooley, Jason Richards, Buckey Cox, Lavonte Rice. Micheal Thompson I’ve coached over 207 division one players.

3. Favorite win and against who?

(Coach Weinstein) The 2009 Nike Showcase sweet sixteen game with Rising Stars in Orlando was the game of the summer. It was called the upset of the summer by Dave Telep.  We were up against All Ohio Red, who were the defending national champions. They had seven high major players. That was a great team, most memorable win for me.

4. Players to watch on the team and x-factor?

(Coach Weinstein) Bobby Frasco is number one prospect on our team. He’s a great shooter, about 6’5″. Stefanos Fasianos, Riley Glassman. Jack George long can shoot it. Those would be our four players to watch. X factor is James Clarke. He’s a tough kid who can shoot it, makes everything work.

5. What college coaches are getting in contact with you the most about your players?

(Coach Weinstein) Many Ivy League and Patriot League teams have called. Bucknell, Lehigh, Davidson and Elon.

6. Most difficult team you played during the spring?

(Coach Weinstein) Milwaukee Rebels. We lost to them in triple overtime, turned into a sudden-death game.

Interview done by: Jarrell Strong

Editied by: Alec Kinsky