An Unspoken Goal: IMG Academy Basketball | Hang Time - Episode 1

In April 2019, IMG Academy's National basketball team claimed the GEICO High School National Championship. Come fall 2019, the team took the court prepared to defend the title. Fast forward to Spring Break 2020, and that's where the training, the grind, and the competition was completely put on pause. Due to COVID-19, seasons stopped and were then ultimately canceled, and the 2020 GEICO tournament was completely canceled. So where did that leave IMG Academy?

While the majority of IMG student-athletes departed for the break and were faced with distance learning and remote/virtual training for the remainder of the academic year, a small portion of IMG's basketball team, including Moussa Diabate (senior forward), stayed on campus. They had a place to sleep, food available, and an empty gym to train in. In August 2020, student-athletes returned to campus with new safety protocol in place as well as a renewed energy to pick up right where they had left off last season, regardless of what the future would hold.

We're going to play games. If we get shut down, we have the ability to close the doors and train {them} at a high level and still be able to play against multiple teams here on campus. There's a lot of kids around the country right now who are not able to do so, and we let them know that. They're privileged to be able to play. In the midst of a pandemic, they're still able to, with all of the precautions, go out there and test themselves. They know that. They recognize that. And they appreciate it. I think that's why they're a hungry group because of it."

- Sean McAloon, IMG Academy National Basketball Team Head Coach

In this episode of Hang Time presented by Under Armour, take an inside look at IMG's basketball program, Head Coach Sean McAloon's outlook for the 2020-2021 season, and what this team's goals look like this year. Will they be able to finish what they intended to start last year?

The determination and the fire within IMG's basketball student-athletes has never been greater. Whether you're looking to hone your skills before heading to college, interested in training alongside this passionate group of individuals, or seeking an opportunity to compete due to uncontrollable situations locally, we invite you to visit the links below to learn more about how IMG Academy could be the right fit for you and your family.