Alaska basketball: leadership on the court and success beyond the game

Abstract

The importance of extra-curricular basketball programs in Alaska provokes diametrically opposed viewpoints. Some parents and school officials believe basketball advances students’ overall educational experiences, while others believe it detracts from them. In response, the parents and officials do provide programs but enact eligibility requirements and policies to regulate who can participate and how they do. Should students settle by simply doing just enough to remain eligible for a high school basketball season, or should the goal be to aim for a higher return on the investment of participating in high school sports? As coaches, teachers, parents and boosters, is lowering the bar for our youth the answer? Is basketball that important? Should Indigenous athletes be focusing less on their jump shots and more on their academics and traditional, cultural practices (dancing, Native Youth Olympic events, hunting, fishing, trapping)? Which students are successfully balancing both endeavors? Whether or not involvement in a high school, extra-curricular basketball program leads to later success in life (as determined by Alaska Native male participants) is the focus of this research project.