Submit Your Science Of Basketball Entry Now! (applications can be made at the bottom of this page)
Gopher fans in grades K-8 can channel their excitement into “The Science of Basketball,” which is a fun and unique educational opportunity designed to showcase the basics of science involved in the sport of basketball.
To participate, students (kindergarten through eighth grade) are invited to submit a 90 to 120 second video explaining one aspect of “The Science of Basketball.” Videos should demonstrate an understanding of a scientific aspect (physics, kinesiology, energy, momentum etc.) and relate it to the sport of basketball. For example, a video may explain Newton’s Laws of Motion when bouncing a basketball or what type of force is used when shooting a basketball through a hoop.
Submissions can be from individuals or groups. This initiative, developed in partnership with the Science Museum of Minnesota and Sport Minneapolis, is designed to emphasize the importance of science in sports.
How to Enter: All video entries must be public, closed-captioned, and posted on YouTube. Links to those videos should then be submitted via the competition portal below by February 26, 2021. Finalists will be announced on March 13.
Criterion: Videos will be evaluated based on scientific research, creativity and communication.
Winner Selection: Entries will be organized into three age groups: 1) kindergarten through second grade, 2) third through fifth grade and 3) sixth through eighth grade and by individual or group for a total of six categories. A panel of judges will determine the one finalist selected from each category for six video finalists. From the group of finalists, the top two video entries overall will be named the winners.
Grand Prize:
Gopher Athletics Backpacks, Sport Minneapolis prize pack (valued at $100)
Finalists:
Finalists will receive complimentary passes to the Science Museum of Minnesota.
For any questions, contact Elizabeth Walters (ewalt@umn.edu)
| Science of Basketball Judges |
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Quincy Lewis
Quincy came to the Twin Cities from his hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas, graduating from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies with an emphasis on education. He later returned to the U and earned a master’s of education in sports management.
He is currently the Director of the M Club, Gopher Athletics’ Varsity Letterwinner Club. Previously, Quincy spent four years as Major Gift Officer with Golden Gopher Fund, raising support for the University and the athletics department and one year as the Director of Student-Athlete Development for the department.
Quincy was a four-year letterwinner on Minnesota’s men’s basketball team before playing pro basketball for 10 years with the Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves and in Spain, Israel and Greece. Quincy has stayed involved with pro basketball through his role on Fox Sports North as a studio analyst during Timberwolves broadcasts.
In addition to his professional work, Quincy serves on the Big Ten Conference African-American Advisory Commission.
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Dr. Bradley Nelson MD
Dr. Brad Nelson is a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon and an Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Minnesota. He is the Medical Director for Gopher athletics and is a team physician for the Gopher basketball team. Dr. Nelson has authored a number of research papers and textbook chapters on knee and shoulder injuries in athletes.
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Kendal Shell
Kendal Shell grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. Shell began playing basketball when he was three years old. Shell was recruited as a preferred walk-on to play at the University of Minnesota in the Big Ten for Hall of Fame coach Tubby Smith. Shell later earned a scholarship to play for the Gophers and finished his career under Richard Pitino. While playing for the Gophers, Shell appeared in 1 NCAA tournament and 2 NIT tournaments. Walking away with 1 NIT tournament championship. Shell finished his career at The University of Minnesota with a degree in Business marketing and minors in Leadership and Sports Management. Shell began his pursuit of a Master’s Degree in Sports Management and Applied Kinesiology during his 4th year at the U. Shell was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) beginning in elementary school and continuing it throughout his college career. During that time, he spearheaded several Bible study groups for his basketball team and other Gopher athletes. Since graduation Kendal has served as the COO of Hoops and Christ and the Co-Founder of Hoops and Beyond and the We are Leaders Foundation. All organizations focused on developing the youth through professional athletes on and off the court. Kendal is currently the Senior Brand Manager at PlayersTV, the only athlete-owned TV network.
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Kate Taber
Kate Taber is the Assistant Athletic Trainer for the WNBA Minnesota Lynx as well as the Operations Manager for Mayo Clinic Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.
Kate received a degree in Athletic Trainer at the University of Iowa and a master of education from the University of Minnesota. She spent most of her career as a collegiate Athletic Trainer at the University of Minnesota working with both Men’s Baseball and Women’s Basketball. She transitioned away from the collegiate setting in 2015 when an opportunity arose for a position with the WNBA Minnesota Lynx in conjunction with a clinical position in Mayo Clinic’s Sports Medicine Center. Since 2015 Kate has served in the capacity of Assistant Athletic Trainer for the 4x WNBA Champion Minnesota Lynx.
Kate is also an active member of the Minnesota Athletic Trainers Association Governmental Affairs committee and currently serves as the President-Elect of the association. She also serves as the PR Committee Chair of the Athletic Trainers in the Physician Practice Society.
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