Kyle Marcus Brown’s Advice to Athletes Around the World

Chasing an athletic dream is the holy grail of a childhood experience. Whether it be playing hoops at recess, touch football, or little league, we’ve all had our phase of wanting to play on the big stage. For Kyle Marcus Brown, he’s kept that dream in his back pocket throughout his entire life. Brown is a college basketball player committed to Columbia College, a D2 NCAA PacWest school. Genfluencer had the opportunity to interview him and talk about what the sport means to him. 

Q: What made you get actively involved in sports? 

A: Being raised in Southern California, I was always around sports. I started out playing football for the SYFL (Snoop Youth Football League) on the Pomona Steelers. I got the opportunity to be around  Snoop  Dogg and future NFL and college teammates. Unfortunately, football was not my calling. In 6th grade, I started playing basketball. By the time I was in 8th grade, I was one of the Top kids in the city and valley. I had all kinds of High schools wanting me to play for them, including Chino Hills, Damien, Ayala, Upland, etc. I chose Charter Oak High school in Glendora to play out my freshman year. As a freshman, I was averaging 17.2 pts a game, alongside 50 point games against Damien and Northview High school. 

Q: You manage your social platforms well. What value do you see in digital media? 

A: Digital media has become quite extensive over the last few years. I mean, you have all these websites and media outlets that help kids get noticed by college coaches and well-known people.  Growing up, I didn’t have as much social media. I had to go to many camps to show out, whereas now all you have to do is upload a video, and it’s getting shares and likes beyond the reach of traditional camps. Some people do business straight from their house using only digital media, selling products directly from their phones even with business. 

Q: What motivates you to play basketball the most?

A: God, my family, and the people I’ve met. Basketball has given me a platform. I’ve been to Adidas camps, Team USA Workouts, worked out with other great college players, NBA players, and trainers. Being around that type of environment and getting the feedback from them has been uplifting for me. Of course, nothing is possible without God. He’s the one who wakes me up every day and provides opportunities for me. My family has always supported my choices and always tells me to keep going after my dreams and goals. I can’t thank them enough!

Q: Given that you’re a college basketball player, what’s a piece of advice that you’d give to student-athletes? 

A: The best advice I can give is to stay focused, hungry, determined, and coachable. During my senior year of high school, I never went to a party, homecoming, or prom because I was obsessed with being in the gym all day. That’s how my whole high school career went. Parties and all that fun stuff will always be there, your chance at big things will not. Grades are important. You’ve gotta stay on top of that. No coach wants a student-athlete to represent their program if you’re not taking that seriously, which means they can’t take you seriously. Trust goes a long way in life! 

Q: Have you enjoyed your time as a college player? Secondly, how do you balance being a student-athlete?

A: I’ve had my ups and downs. A college career is not easy! I’m at a new school now (Columbia college), and I’m excited about the opportunity coach is giving me. We have a relatively new team with a few returning players, and we’re looking to make a name for ourselves! Having 2-3 practices is hard to balance with homework and studying, especially with attending meetings and being on the road. To be successful and balance out everything, you need a calendar or a notebook. That’s the key. Write everything you’re supposed to do that week or so, give yourself time to do everything, write it all down, and follow that agenda. 

Q: Do you have any additional information you’d like to share with Genfluencer? 

A: To anybody who says they can’t do anything in life, that’s not true. I’ve been cut from teams, I’ve been told no from coaches, and many people have turned me down, but I’m still going strong! I’m happy with my life and with my decisions I’ve made so far. It’s never going to be easy. Life’s not easy. If you love something, go after it and tackle it with everything you’ve got! 

As Kyle Marcus Brown continues to build up his basketball resumé, he hopes to earn a spot in a professional league, achieving the goal that he set in the sixth grade. 

To keep up with Kyle Marcus Brown, follow his official Instagram @DreamChasingKB!