SHOWOUT TAI: THE BULL OF NYC

When you think about prestigious AAU programs around the country, look no further than NYC and the renown Gauchos programs. Producing prospects such as Stephon Marbury, Kemba Walker, Kenny Anderson, Kyrie Irving and Felipe Lopez, Gauchos has a long history of top notch guards.

Next at the helm is the young bull Tai Turnage; a poised, bucket getter, ball handling point guard, Tai is well on his way to being the next great point guard in a long line of greats. He is a proven winner at every level he has played at thus far. 

Let's get to know Showout Tai...

1.When did you first start playing basketball? I started playing at 2 years old. 2.Who has been the biggest influence on you as a student athlete and why? My dad and Coach Mitch. My dad because he’s worked with me my whole life and Coach Mitch cause he’s coached me since 2nd grade.  3.If you could work out and be mentored by one player in the NBA, who would it be and why? I’d wanna workout with Trae Young. I feel like he puts in a lot of work for his size.  I’d wanna be mentored by Trae Young, Dame Lillard or Steph Curry. I like how they play and I watch them on YouTube the most.  4.Tell us a little bit about some of the things you work on to improve your game. I really work on everything. My dad always says that I should be able to  do everything. Oh, we just started focusing on my core, and speed and agility more. 5.One of the things we noticed most was your versatility and mentality. What gets you so focused before games? Before we get on the court I like to isolate myself and just listen to my pregame playlist or just zone out and think about what I have to do if I don’t have music. 6.What is the most important lesson your parents have taught you about being a student-athlete? That my school work always comes first.

7.We at Top Elite feature players and teams on the rise and those who have been exceptional for a while. What are some things you feel are your strengths as a player? I have a high IQ and high skill set, and I play both sides of the ball. 8.If you had to choose one player or team as your toughest competition, who would it be? The team is UPlay and the player is Mel Mel or Kayden Mingo from Black Ops. 9.How many hours a week do you train and what part of your game do you work on the most and why? I workout a lot, like 2-3 hours a day. I work on my ball handling and shooting the most. Cause I have to be able to make plays for teammates and myself at all times. 10.When you have a tough game, what are some things you do mentally that keep you motivated? I get upset with myself sometimes If I'm struggling, but as long as we win I’m good. 11.If you can do and be anything else besides a basketball player when you grow up, what would it be and why? I don’t wanna do or be anything else. But my dad said pick something so I guess a trainer so I can help other kids get better.