The Jim Couch National Training Showcase held a two-day basketball camp over the weekend at the Mott Haven Educational Complex in the Bronx, hosting more than 75 players from 12 states and five countries. The program is a testament to the career, achievements and dedication of Couch, who has lived in the New York City area since 1956. He was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s first coach, and trained him on the playgrounds of the Dyckman Housing area, where Jabbar’s legendary sky hook was born.
In addition to the camp, participants benefited from the nutrition, wellness, fitness and educational information provided for the high school players Saturday. Sunday showcased games featuring the outstanding invited athletes.
“The weekend went well,” said Couch, whose program operates solely on donations.
He threatened to start charging because of the enormous expense. “We were able to get some of the best talent,” he said. “The parents, athletes and fans really got something out of this. We’ve been doing this for five years. We invited several other organizations free of charge, so that the student athletes could experience proper training firsthand.”
He operates the program along with his son, Sean. New York Knicks second year forward Maurice Ndour took time from his schedule to participate in the weekend program, an invaluable experience for all those who attended.
Couch, 85, a City College graduate from Asbury Park, N.J., is recognized for his development of players, his programs serving the youth and his community, getting lights installed in the playground area of Dyckman and integrating the Rutgers tournament, among other things. He was inducted into the NYC Basketball Hall of Fame in September. During his acceptance speech at the New York Athletic Club, Couch, one of the most entertaining and colorful inductees that evening, estimated that he’d work about 15 more years, retiring when he turned 100, to the amusement of the evening’s audience. “I’m still kicking,” he jokingly reminded everyone.
