3 minute read
By: Andrea Aruino
Before becoming a Player Development Assistant at UPBasketball, Marcus Tapia spent years developing his own game on the same courts where he now coaches. Having experienced the game from both sides, Tapia is using the knowledge he gained throughout his playing career to help younger athletes improve. Born and raised in Burlingame, CA, Tapia has been playing basketball for 13 years, including four years on varsity at Burlingame High School, where he served as team captain during his senior year. After spending years developing his game through high school and competitive AAU basketball, he now hopes to use what he has learned to help younger athletes build their skills and confidence.
During his basketball career, Tapia competed for several AAU programs, including Team Esface, Work Hard Play Hard, SF Soldiers and NorCal Rush. One of his proudest accomplishments came while playing for SF Soldiers, where he competed in some of the top AAU circuits against talented players from across the country, including athletes who are now in the NBA. The team was even nationally ranked at one point, giving Tapia the opportunity to challenge himself against high-level competition. He later continued his career at Burlingame High School, where he played varsity all four years and served as team captain during his senior season.
After years of playing, Tapia wanted to find a way to share the knowledge and experience he had gained with younger athletes. His interest in coaching came from enjoying the opportunity to help players understand the game while watching their skills develop over time.
“I've always enjoyed sharing my knowledge and experience of basketball with younger players. One of my favorite parts of coaching is seeing players improve their skills over time and knowing that I played a part in helping them get better,” Tapia said.
His connection to UPBasketball began long before he joined the coaching staff. Tapia originally trained at the facility when it was known as Nothing But Hoops and continued going there when UPB took over. After spending years around the program, he became familiar with the coaches and the environment they created. When the opportunity to become a coach came along, he already knew it was a community he wanted to be part of.
Having played for so many years, Tapia understands the layers of knowledge it takes to become an influential coach. Being a reliable leader means more than understanding the game, it means understanding your player and what level of basketball one must meet them at. As a newer coach, he is learning how to combine engaging athletes during each drill while encouraging them as they go.
“One of the biggest things I've learned as a coach is the importance of being patient, especially when working with younger kids. I've also learned how to work with players of different skill levels and how important it is to set boundaries and keep kids disciplined when needed,” Tapia said.
As he continues growing as a coach, Tapia wants to expand his knowledge of different drills and training techniques to make each session both fun and challenging. He also places a strong emphasis on teaching players values that extend beyond basketball. Hard work, respect, and perseverance are the principles he hopes athletes take with them, encouraging them to stay committed, respect those around them and continue pushing themselves when things become difficult.
Outside of coaching, Tapia is currently attending College of San Mateo, where he is pursuing a degree in Business and plans to transfer to a four-year university. As he continues his education and develops in his role at UPB, he is finding new ways to stay involved in the game that has been such an important part of his life.
