Norfolk Sports Club

Norfolk Sports Club met at the Holiday Inn Express for its October meeting. Coach Leo Anthony introduced guest speaker Joe Miller. Joe, who played professionally in the European leagues for eight years, reflected on his years playing basketball at Princess Anne High School for coach Anthony. Joe made some bad decisions while in school, not studying, not practicing hard, and generally having a very poor attitude. It was only after Coach Anthony suspended him from the team in his sophomore year did Joe realize that he had to change his ways if he wanted to play basketball in college. He was ultimately offered a scholarship at California University of Pennsylvania. He played center at 6'7" and was a first team Division II All-American, averaging 24 points per game. Joe tried out for the NBA but elected to play in Europe where he was very successful. When he returned to the States, he played a year for the Harlem Globetrotters, recounting that it was one of the greatest experiences of his professional life. It was here where he developed a desire to help at-risk troubled children. Through clinics and basketball camps, Joe sends his message to kids that no matter what obstacles they face in life, they can overcome. Joe unequivocally says sports saved his life and helped to make him a successful businessman and mentor to youngsters. He can be found as the sales manger of the Southern Auto Group, and every Sunday at the gym playing pick up games with his contemporaries J.R. Reed and Alonzo Mourning.