Corey The Dribbler is a 4-Time Guinness record holder traveling the country inspiring students with the character message R.E.A.D. - Respect, Education, Attitude/Activity and Don't Bully or Do Drugs, the four principles he encourages students to live by!
Schools across the country are being inspired and awed at school shows by Former Harlem Globetrotter - Corey The Dribbler and his inspirational story! Corey Rich is a 4-Time Guinness World Record Holder that’s been featured on The Late Show with David Letterman, ESPN First Take, Comcast Sportsnet, Fox News and is widely considered the World’s Greatest Dribbler! Along with performing his amazing talents at NBA Halftime Shows, Corey travels the country inspiring kids to R.E.A.D., a character education message.
This is a character building assembly your kids will LOVE!
Respect, Education, Attitude/Activity, and Don’t Bully or Do Drugs are the Four Principles Corey The Dribbler encourages students to live by. Corey teaches the value in reading and how it led him to win a spot on the Harlem Globetrotters. Youth are taught to respect their parents, teachers, classmates, and that bullying is not cool! Corey encourages kids to excel in school while bringing a positive attitude with them every day. Staying active and fit is stressed along with drug awareness.
Besides an unforgettable ball handling show demonstrated by Corey The Dribbler, students will have fun being involved in several games with Corey, some including even the teachers! The kids will also have the chance to steal the ball from the World’s Best Ball Handler. This is truly an amazing experience your students will LOVE!
C-Rich, The dribbler who keeps the ball(s) bouncing non-stop.
By Jeremy Bauman (SLAM Online)
With the March Madness Brackets having been unveiled and the Michigan Fab-Five Documentary debuting last night, there is no question that the eyes of the basketball world are predominantly on the upcoming NCAA Tournament, which is how things should be at this time of the year. All of the kids work their tails off to be in a position to showcase their skills on national television and, ultimately, to compete for that elusive National Championship. For many seniors, it will be the last time that they play high level competitive basketball, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.
But then there's a rare breed—the player who discovers his true talents when his collegiate career is over—and that is precisely the way Norristown, Pennsylvania native Corey Rich channeled his abilities. Though he didn't participate in March Madness, Corey's basketball journey had just gotten underway when his eligibility came to an end. You see, this isn't your average basketball story that ends with Corey playing professionally and making a lot of money. This is a story about how one man believed in himself more than anybody else could ever believe in him—about how heart, determination, and self-will has propelled "C-Rich" into arena's and schools all over the country to show off his renowned dribbling prowess.
"Ever since I was a kid my dream was to play in the NBA," stated Corey, who earned the nickname because of his dribbling skills. "I was at Kennedy Kenrick Catholic High School, I went from school to school in college, and after college was over—even though I did play at those small colleges—it was tough to get noticed because the NBA scouts and the overseas scouts underestimate you. So that's when I decided 'I'm gonna go to the gym and I'm gonna stay in the gym as long as I can until I make my dream a reality.' So I went to the gym and specifically worked on ball-handling because I'm only 6-0 or 6-1, and in professional basketball that's small."
Corey played professionally in the Eastern Basketball Alliance (EBA) and since he was the smallest player on the court at his size, he worked on his ball-handling abilities for an astonishing amount of time each and every day.
"I started to work on my ball-handling for about 6 hours every single day and to speed up the progression, instead of handling just one I would handle two and you know, I just wanted to get better and as fast as I could," explained C-Rich, recently over the phone. "So that's when I just added three, and then I added four for hand quickness and I just wanted to keep challenging myself so I started handling five basketballs and six basketballs. It's all about challenging yourself every time you go to the gym and I just love making the drills very, very tough and it's something that I never get tired of doing."
Ever since he began honing his craft, Corey has parlayed his unique blend of ball-handling skills and a never-give-up attitude into opportunities left and right. After playing in the EBA, Corey played for a team called the Court Jesters—a team that is a few notches below, but akin to the Harlem Globetrotters—in 2009, and he made an impression so quickly that his head coach was willing to contact his friend, who happened to be the lead scout for the famed Globetrotters. Corey was invited to a tryout, impressed his onlookers, and played part time in the 2009-10 season (about 15 games). "It was a great opportunity to travel and see places I've never seen before," said Corey, reflecting on this once unthinkable experience.
Later during the summer of 2010, Corey was the guest speaker at every Sixers camp, and also performed on the Sixers Hoops Tour, where Executive Director Sonny Elia proclaimed, "I have seen hundreds of clinicians in my 30 years of directing camps and Corey is right there with the best."
And make no mistake about it: The reason that Corey has made this type of impression on people is because he is one of the hardest workers around and he has the passion to match his input. According to close friend and current publicist Jon Solomon, "Corey's determination is most comparable to that of a Kobe Bryant. He is the true definition of a person with the right attitude and determination to be successful in life."
C-Rich would have it no other way. Sure, he would he love to get a crack at playing at the highest level in the world someday. If that doesn't happen, though, he'll just keep using his passion and dedication to reach goals through the game of basketball. The agency with which he recently inked a contract counts a number of current NBAer's among its clientele and also has numerous ties overseas. This upcoming summer, C-Rich will be training these clients with regards to ball-handling—an experience that will help him to grow as a trainer and begin to build a name for himself at the highest level.
Right now, though, there is no doubt as to what his motivation is. Corey is currently in the middle of a hectic schedule of visiting 91 elementary schools from February through June—an opportunity that he uses to touch the lives of young children in any way possible.
"My purpose is to inspire the kids and I definitely love helping to make players better," he said. "As a basketball trainer that's what you love to do is making guys better and helping other players achieve their dreams. When I was younger I didn't have anybody I could look to [to help me with my game]. I had to learn everything on my own. So with that being said, when I see a kid at the gym I like to go up to him and give him a few pointers or different workouts that he could use to improve his game because I know I never had that.
"I just look to give back and you know, myself, being from a smaller town, those kids never really get a chance to see somebody who's made it or anything like that. So my goal is just to give back and help those kids achieve their dreams, whatever they may be—lawyer, doctor, dentist, teacher—to just keep going at it and to never give up."
And just because he doesn't have a clear-cut path to his next goal, let's just say he has an idea of where he wants to go and he fully understands the hard work that it takes to continue to reach his goals, time after time.
"My future goals with basketball are optional," said C-Rich. "Along with working with NBA players on their ball handling skills I plan on taking my ball handling skills overseas to different countries and giving them ball-handling shows as well as teaching them the art of ball handling. Although I can dribble 6 basketballs, my ball handling skills are authentic, and I can compete with anybody. If the opportunity comes to get a chance to play in the NBA, I would still entertain that idea. I still work on my overall game, but right now my focus is reaching the kids and giving them a positive role model."
Keep dribbling, Corey. If there's one thing that's certain, it's that the world needs more people with your mentality.
Stats
height: 6' 1"
weight: 185lbs
position: Point Guard
nickname: The Dribbler
Staff and students went out of their way to compliment me on this show. Never in my years of experience as a school administrator have I received such positive feedback about a school performance/assembly. Corey's message was more than powerful and inspirational, I believe it be life changing for some of our youngsters. Thank you for such a great show, professionalism, and meaningful connections for our kids.
Kelly Moran - Principal
Maple ES
Chardon, OH
It was was a highly engaging assembly with a great message! He did an excellent job of interacting with students and staff to create a fun and positive experience.
Contessa Pelfrey - Principal
Jamestown ES
Jamestown, CA
Thank you for delivering two fantastic assemblies with our children today; they LOVED every minute of it! Please keep it up; children need your message, and it is a most important one.
Shani Bruno - PTA
Plaza ES
Baldwin, NY
Corey was fantastic!!! He held the children's attention and kept them involved. Corey's dribbling skills were outstanding but his message was even better!
Justin Siesta - Principal
Windsor Bergen Academy
Ridgewood, NJ
I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed having Corey the Dribbler here at Grand Oak Elementary. Corey was amazing! He kept everyone entertained and we loved his message of working hard and showing respect! The students, the teachers and the administration all had a blast! He had everyone's undivided attention from beginning to end and I heard from many parents that their children could not stop talking about him at home! Personally, I loved the message that he taught the children. I took it home and we have had many conversations applying it to our own lives! Thank you for helping to bring him to our school! We would highly recommend him to others in the future!
Kelly Duffy - PTA Programs Chair
Grand Oak ES
Huntersville, NC
Corey 's assembly was very entertaining! He shared a great character ed message while keeping the children interested and engaged. The kids loved it and the teachers gave rave reviews!!
Gayle Cassar - Vice President PFO
RJO Intermediate
Kings Park, NY
Corey was great. He captivated the students with his talent and relatable context. Awesome experience!
Nora Montero - Parent Coordinator
PS 155
New York, NY
Corey was great with the kids and kept them engaged. He kept control of his show and had a great message for them. He was a very talented individual and both the boys and the girls from our school enjoyed the show.
Jennifer Geise - Secretary/PTO Board Member
Polk ES
Oakville, CT
This was by far our most exciting and favorite show! Corey was amazing! The students and staff had a great time! His message to the students about being respectful and working hard was inspirational to the students. We will definitely love to have him back.
Joanne Lowry - Administrative Assistant
Abraham Lincoln School
Oak Park, IL
Corey was great. He totally was able to control the audience - was great working with the kids and left us with a good message! I would recommend this assembly.
MaryBeth Giammarco - Intervention Specialist
Leptondale ES
Wallkill, NY
Corey was amazing. The kids are still talking about him. So happy to have had him at our school! Thank you so much!
Loretta Sparacia Bartick - Cultural Arts Coordinator
John Pearl ES
Bohemia, NY
The show was wonderful! I am sure we will book him again.
Darlene Denny - Secretary to the Principal
Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy ES
Port Tobacco, MD
Corey was amazing. So much fun, incredibly engaging and the kids and teachers loved him. He was so personable and had a great story the kids could relate to. Hard work and respect. We looooved Corey and would recommend him to anyone!!
Jenny Handjian - PTA
Montemalaga ES
Palos Verdes Estates, CA
Corey kept the kids engaged the entire assembly and it was a big hit in our school!
Michelle Vinci - PTA
Mandalay ES
Wantagh, NY
Corey did an amazing job. The students and teachers loved him. His message was clear and potent. He brought so much excitement out of the kids the entire time. Everyone was smiling for a while after the show. Our Principal was very happy with the assembly. Best show I have seen. Thank you for this opportunity.
Meenal Patel - Assemblies Coordinator
Grey Nun Academy
Yardley, PA
Corey did a great job and related to the students very well. We would love to have him back again in the future. We would highly recommend Corey to other schools.
Lori Cox - Guidance Counselor
Chestatee ES
Gainesville, GA
Corey is dynamic! He is talented and motivating. Corey involved our students and made the experience exciting and meaningful for all! I heard several people say that Corey was the best presenter they had seen!
Natalie Lissy - Assistant Principal
Liberty MS
Clifton, VA
Corey the Dribbler was enthusiastic and professional while presenting to both the 5th & 6th grade classes at Pennsauken Intermediate School. His character education message informed students that hard work builds success when achieving their goals. Students learned through his positivity and experience that they can accomplish anything if they put their minds and efforts towards what they want in life. Not only was Corey talented, he grabbed the attention of all students and staff with interactive activities, stunning tricks and witty charm, making the assembly exciting as well as educational.
Martha Shukdinas - Secretary to Principal
Pennsauken Intermediate School
Pennsauken, NJ
It was the BEST assembly we have ever had!! Kids are still talking about it!! We will definitely be calling you next year.
Kim Morin - Teacher
Tenney Grammar School
Methuen, MA
He was amazing. He entertained the children while teaching them a valuable lesson. I can't wait to have him back next year!
Michelle Hazen - Assistant Principal
Heights School
Roslyn, NY
The show was AWESOME!!! Corey was great and the kids absolutely LOVED him! Thank you so much!
Carla Widell - Teacher
Oasis ES
Thermal, CA
The students were all engaged. They loved the show and understood his message. One of the best shows we've had.
Louise Disch - Assembly Coordinator
Millmont ES
Reading, PA
Our students were absolutely fascinated and very entertained by Corey The Dribbler. He kept their full attention from the beginning all the way to the end. The show was supposed to be for 45 minutes. He and the kids were having so much fun that it did go over. He was amazing. I am so glad that we went with Academic Entertainment. Corey was committed and very professional. This was probably the absolutely best assembly we've ever had at VCS. Thank you so much.
Lisa Hinton - Counselor
Village Charter School
Trenton, NJ
Fantastic Assembly! Corey is EXTREMELY talented and he did an awesome job talking to our students!
Matt Dickersheid - Principal
Legacy ES
Ashburn, VA
Corey was absolutely amazing. He was professional, kind, generous, and the kids ADORED him. I absolutely loved the content of the show, how he told the story and how he managed our crazy audience. Would recommend him to other schools! Thanks!
Kelley Sanabria - Cultural Arts Chair
Bellows Spring ES
Ellicott City, MD
Corey's Character-Education School Assembly program was excellent! He was so motivating, entertaining and kind. Corey really inspired our students with his message of respect.
Lisamarie Calandra - PTA Arts in Education Chairperson
Eugene Auer Memorial School
Lake Grove, NY
Corey was a great presenter, wonderful "crowd control," and engaged the students and staff!
Mary Richards - Teacher
Monroe ES
Janesville, WI
We were NOT disappointed with Corey the Dribbler! Our 6th graders LOVED this assembly! They were engaged and interested throughout the show...Corey had teachers and students up on their feet participating with him. Corey's professionalism was appreciated as well...the assembly started on time, he was very adaptable to the venue (the gym had an area with a leaky ceiling), and he was very professional. His message of RESPECT was appreciated. Students were talking about the assembly for days afterwards!
Stacey Brinkman - 6th Grade Teacher
Central Manor ES
Washington Boro, PA
The children loved Corey's performance. You could hear the screams of happiness and laughter from the gymnasium in the office!
Carol Mays - Secretary
Upper Providence ES
Royersford, PA
Corey was great. He was friendly and personable, read the audience great and the kids loved him. Thanks for putting on a great show!
Romy Pavolotsky - Mother
Baywood ES
San Mateo, CA
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