User:Choosmith/sandbox

Charles "Choo" Smith, Jr., born November 30, 1970 in Baltimore Maryland to Charles and Brenda Smith. Choo as he is known is a former American Basketball player for the world famous Harlem Globetrotters. Choo played in over 400 games for the Trotters. Choo has played in all 50 states and 26 countries. Choo founded Choo Smith Enterprise in 2005 where he serves as the founder and CEO. From this organization Choo Smith Youth Empowerment, a 501c3 non-profit organization was born. Choo Smith Youth Empowerment focuses on his 4L Philosophy (Love it, Learn it, Live it, Lead it). Choo has a passion for mentoring and educating the youth. He works with kids as young as 5 years of age. Choo believes that the earlier you start training our children the more likely they are to succeed.

Early Life

Choo was born in Baltimore, Maryland and he attended the historic Baltimore City College High School. City is the 3rd oldest public High School in the United States. As a youngster Choo excelled in three major sports (Baseball, Football and Boxing). His father stated that he believed football was Choo's best sport. Choo took up the game of basketball late. He only played in his senior year of high school. While Choo has offers to play major league baseball he put down his glove to perfect his basketball game. Upon graduating from City College High School in 1988, Choo took some time off to determine what he wanted to do with his life. After seeing one of his best friends killed in front of him Choo made the decision to attend college at Bowie State University where he received a full scholarship to play basketball. Choo earned the starting Point Guard position until he broke his leg. Choo ultimately lost his position wit the Bowie Bull Dogs. That was not the end. He was recruited by the legendary Will Jones, Head Coach for the University of the District of Columbia, Firebirds. Choo transferred to UDC and became the starting Point Guard leading the Firebirds to over .500 season for the first time in 10 years. For his exceptional basketball skills Choo was voted MVP of the team and he finished his college career as the school's all time leader in steals and assists. Subsequently he won the Pigskin Classic Award as the "Best Player' in the region.