Salo’s Showcase an On-Court Classroom for Year-Round Basketball Players
Jessica Lindstrom among college, pro players assisting sessions
SUPERIOR, Wis.- When young basketball players in the Northland want to take their game to the next level in the offseason, Salo’s Showcase is ready to answer the call.
“I would say I’m a hands-on, really detailed explaining. I’m very skill oriented.” As a local skills trainer, Luke Salo has become a “basketball guru” of sorts — a journey that started once his playing days were over.
“I was able to play one year (of college basketball), but unfortunately, I had two knee surgeries and a shoulder surgery — both basketball-related — so I kind of had to find other ways to keep basketball in my life and was very lucky to meet a couple players that played professionally. They kind of got me into working out with them, and then it turned into, ‘Here’s my friend, can you help him out?’ And I just started working with athletes, from their word-of-mouth on and on. And now, it’s really blossomed and something really cool.”
Salo’s training sessions have even featured college and professional players with proven on-court experience. That includes Jessica Lindstrom, a Superior Spartan legend who has since played professional basketball overseas.
“When I was younger, there was never an opportunity like this for girls to come and play five-on-five and have it be really competitive,” said Lindstrom. “So, to have something like this, and to be a part of it, is amazing. I really like to do it… It’s really rewarding on our end, too.”
During this summer in which Lindstrom has assisted in Luke’s training sessions, she’s seen a significant increase of local girls’ basketball players committed to offseason improvement.
“We had a skill session the other day — boys and girls were welcome,” she explained. “And there was triple the girls that there were the boys, which is absolutely insane. I think that there’s a shift happening a little bit. And I love to see it. I’m here for it. I think we’re all a little bit here for it. It’s been a long time coming. So, it’s really cool to be a part of it in the area.”
While it’s true that basketball is normally played in the winter months, Salo’s Showcase is proof that the season never really ends for players aiming to unleash their full potential.
“It’s becoming kind of eye-opening for a lot of athletes that if I don’t put in more work in the offseason to take advantage of these opportunities,” says Luke. “The increase in these opportunities that athletes are having now in the summer has been awesome for the game and it’s been awesome for the kids. To see all these athletes come and take advantage of that on their weekend when they could be doing other things; but getting their time in the gym with us has been really special to see.”
Players interested in joining Salo’s Showcase training sessions can learn more through the organization’s Facebook page.
