May 27, 2025

K Academy: My Quest for Basketball Redemption

Big news, everyone! It seems the universe has graced me with another opportunity to go to K Academy this week.

After my last experience, I’m definitely feeling like the redemption tour begins now.

Here’s the full story.

3 Years Ago

It was three years ago when I first went to K Academy.

I can still picture myself on that iconic Coach K Court.

Coach K Court

For those who aren’t familiar, K Academy is quite something – it’s a kind of secret basketball camp for OLD MEN (you have to be 35+).

No kidding! It’s a unique setup.

And the man running the show? Well, the camp is run by this legend, and by that, I mean the one and only Coach K. Being there is pretty surreal.

team photo K academy
Basketball team

Dose of Reality

Being one of the younger guys there that first time, there was this underlying thought that since I was the youngest person there, everyone there (myself included) thought I’d be a very good player.

Let’s just say the pressure was on, at least in my own head!

in the zone playing basketball
In the zone

To be brutally honest, I broke a rib, got nervous, and played horribly. It was a humbling experience.

The end result for our team? 0-8 record. Definitely not what I was hoping for.

Taking a tough basketball shot
Intense ball game

Second Chance

But that was then, and this is now! I’m heading back this week, and as I told myself while packing my bags, “the redemption tour begins now.” I’m feeling determined.

boarding a flight
Me at the airport

And it’s already been cool to connect with some amazing people. Look who I ran into – here is me with beloved Duke great, Grayson Allen. What a legend!

Grayson Allen and Dan  Lerman catchup
Grayson Allen and Me

So, that’s the scoop. I’m back on the campus, ready to give K Academy another go.

Armed with a few lessons from last time (and hopefully a stronger ribcage), I’m aiming to make some shots, contribute to the team, and maybe, just maybe, help us get a few wins.