Amari Beacham: Basketball means the world to me. I can watch it all day everyday and use it as stress reliever. Something about the court clears my mind.
Joe Gaiter: What is your untold story?
Amari Beacham: My untold story is that I’m an analytical thinker that’s always eager to learn and perfect my craft. I see things from multiple perspectives and use it to better myself and surroundings. Many people think I’m quiet but I’m just an observer.
Joe Gaiter: What has been your contribution as an assistant coach at Albany State?
Amari Beacham: My contribution has been working on our skill development and tracking our team efficiency. Believe it or not, I coach our bigs in the workouts mainly focusing on footwork, and post moves.
Joe Gaiter: What is your coaching style?
Amari Beacham: My coaching style is a motivating one. I often encourage our players to challenge themselves by bettering each other everyday. Iron sharpens iron and it makes the team more competitive.
Joe Gaiter: What is your relationship like with Head Coach Gayle and Assistant Coach White?
Amari Beacham: My relationship with Coach Gayle and Coach White are great as we all have tremendous knowledge for the game, as well as Coach Vince Caruso. We all understand each other’s personalities and use that to work well together.
Joe Gaiter: Was it hard to transition from playing basketball to coaching?
Amari Beacham: The transition from playing to coaching was definitely a different one. Seeing the game from on the court and in the offices are two different viewpoints that I am thankful to see at my age. Being that I was a leader on the court, the change flowed together over time.
Joe Gaiter: How do you get ready for a game?
Amari Beacham: Watch film, listen to music, think of winning ways.
Joe Gaiter: How do you use your experience as a basketball player help struggling athletes propel their game?
Amari Beacham: A way that I use my experiences to help struggling athletes to propel their game is to influence them to work towards a specific goal. I’ve learned that a daily goal allows you to elevate your game quickly.
Joe Gaiter: What are your thoughts on ASU’s 17 – 14 season and lost to Miles College during the SIAC Finals?
Amari Beacham: My thoughts are that our guys faced adversity and came together and fought together all season. One of our goals was to become the East Division Champions and we achieved that. Although we came up short in the SIAC finals, our team showed a lot of resiliency and toughness throughout the year. We have shown that the culture of ASU Men’s basketball is changing for the better.
Joe Gaiter: What do you feel like you are becoming?
Amari Beacham: I feel like I’m becoming a great resource and influencer to people who are younger than me or even my age. To provide information about many things that I may have experienced.
Joe Gaiter: How do you strike a balance between being a coach and being a friend?
Amari Beacham: I have a unique relationship with the team as they view me like a brother and still show respect as a leader on the sideline. I understand what they go through as student athletes which makes balancing coaching and friendships enjoyable and manageable.
Joe Gaiter: How is Albany State recruitment going?
Amari Beacham: Our recruitment is going well. We have a couple of solid guys who are ready and eager to make an impact as soon as possible. We are all excited for next season.
Joe Gaiter: What is life like for you outside of basketball?
Amari Beacham: Outside of basketball, my life is pretty busy. I work while also being a full time student and remain to stay active. In my spare time if I’m not watching sports then I’m playing my PS4.
Joe Gaiter: What are you grateful for?
Amari Beacham: I’m grateful for the opportunity Coach Gayle gave me and the knowledge I’m gaining on this ride. Also the HBCU experience, there’s nothing like it.
Joe Gaiter: What has coaching taught you about yourself?
Amari Beacham: Coaching has taught me that I am a versatile person that embraces new challenges confidently.
Joe Gaiter: What is next for you?
Amari Beacham: God knows.
Joe Gaiter: Final Words?
Amari Beacham: Final words: Go Rams and Go Heat (Miami)
Joe Gaiter: Shout outs?
Amari Beacham: S/o to ALL my family. Love y’all thanks for the support in everything. Also big s/o to Coach Sharman White for showing me at a young age that you can love the game even while not on the court.
IG: Ferrari__Amari
Twitter: Ferrari_Amari3
Coach Amari Beacham, Albany State, Interview with Joe Gaiter was last modified: May 14th, 2020 by Joseph Gaiter
