We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andrew Roberti a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Andrew, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

The moment that stands out MOST to me is when I decided to take the risk, go “ALL-IN”, and bet on myself. It was scary. Real scary. Like, Michael Myers running at you with a knife in a horror-film, heart beating out of your chest type scary. But, I had the utmost faith in God that, with his guidance, we could create a one-of-a-kind, successful basketball business. At the time in 2015, I didn’t have a lick of business experience. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Friends and even my own parents questioned my decision and rightfully so. I didn’t have much money. At age 26, I was still living at home with my parents. All signs were pointing toward failure. Little did they know, that’s where I operate best. When the odds are stacked against me that’s when I shine the brightest. I was steadfast in knowing that if others could do it then “why can’t I?” If I failed, I could live with myself because at least I tried. I didn’t have a plan B and I certainly never planned on failing. The kid with zero business experience is now in year 6. That in itself is a miracle. All glory to God!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Born & raised in the 954. I was a kid with the crazy dream of playing in the NBA. Being the next MJ, Allen Iverson, Tracy McGrady. “Eat, sleep, & breathe basketball” pretty much sums up my childhood. I kept that same energy until I was 26 years old when my dream of creating an all-encompassing basketball training facility manifested. In 2016, Won Shot Basketball Academy was born with one mission in mind – develop young men and women ON & OFF the court.

Won Shot Basketball Academy training is built on a system called the four S’s – Strength, Speed, Spirit, and Skill. When players possess all four characteristics, we believe they’re able to tap into their full basketball potential.

•Strength integrates upper body, lower body, and core strength training as well as mental toughness development.
•Speed encompasses quickness, agility, explosive power, vertical jump, and defense.
•Spirit embodies faith in Jesus Christ. Confidence and belief in yourself/your abilities, basketball IQ, and performance under pressure are also vital.
•Skill includes shooting, dribbling, finishing at the rim, creating space, and 1 on 1 scoring.
The goal is to build a tough, well-rounded, fundamentally sound basketball player.

Any player that walks through the doors of Won Shot knows we’re all about “getting buckets.” We believe shooting is the single most important quality for any basketball player. Getting buckets means you can score when you want, how you want, and where you want on the floor. In order to make more shots, players must possess the correct shot mechanics. With extreme attention to detail, Won Shot coaches take great pride in reconfiguring a players shooting form, starting from the feet and finishing up with the follow-through.

Won Shot Basketball Academy is the ONLY basketball specific training facility in all South Florida. We don’t cater to any other sport. If you’re a serious hooper that seeks to take their game to the next level, Won Shot is where you train. Every basketball player has a dream of playing college or professional basketball and it’s Won Shot Basketball Academy’s mission to give its athletes the best opportunity to make this happen. It won’t be easy. Winning never is.

Today, Won Shot Basketball Academy is the standard for basketball training across Florida, training players as young as elementary all the way to college, semi-pro, G-League, NBA, and WNBA professionals. As a coach, the thing you are always most proud of is when a trainee writes to you and tells you how much you’ve changed their life. To me, there’s no better feeling. As a business, my proudest moment was working alongside Dwyane Wade, my favorite basketball player, at his summer camp (2018, 2019)

Some of the most gratifying moments as a coach have come off the court. I’ve come to realize that teaching players the game of basketball is not enough. Basketball eventually comes to an end at some point and time. Our greatest joy comes from teaching our athletes about Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is our WHY. Basketball is the platform we have to showcase Him.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

A spirit of perseverance. Man oh man, there will be times you want to quit especially in the beginning. I know I wanted to. I questioned myself and questioned my abilities. Every entrepreneur has an outrageous vision that every person will flock to them when they open a business. Sadly, that’s not how it works. Many days are lonely. Many days I’m caught pondering if I should go back to a 9-5 job. Many days I had to fight off a low bank account. Many days I compared myself to other basketball trainers. Those first few years are rough. What I learned during those times is that prayer is essential. Pray and keep praying. My faith was (and still is) being tested, yet God stayed faithful to his promise and provided every single time. My advice is to take things one day at a time, one win at a time. Won Shot’s mantra is “Won Percent better every day.” 1% for 365 days adds up. By the end of the year, you’re now 365% better. Persevere. Push. Stay up late. Wake up early. Make the phone call. Get off social media. Ignore the noise. Focus. Build relationships. Get out and network. Fight for your business – it’s counting on you!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I’m so humbled that people would spend their hard earned money to get training from a guy like me. It’s a great feeling when people entrust their most important asset, their kid(s), to you. I don’t take that for granted. I genuinely care about each client; whether it’s traveling to support them at their local games or giving one-on-one attention after practice, I am there to improve your child’s basketball skills or athleticism and lead them to success on & off the court. I believe people come to Won Shot because they’ve heard about the results from past clients. Results are the name of the game. That’s what people are paying for. Ultimately, I think parents want a safe, fun, engaging community for their kids to learn and get active. Won Shot is that spot.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wonshotba.com
• Instagram: @wonshotba
• Facebook: Won Shot Basketball Academy
• Linkedin: Andrew Roberti
• Twitter: @wonshotba
• Youtube: WonShoTV