The New York First Company - Impeccable Gifts and Unique Wonders

The acquisition of shooting skills is highly dependent on the teaching and learning process. This "experience" offers a rare opportunity to improve a basketball player's mechanics with Jack Ryan, one of the best who has ever played the game.

From youth to adult, peewee to pro, basketball players of all skill levels can benefit from Jack's tips on the jump shot, free throws, and ballhandling. He will offer insight into both the physical and mental aspects of "knocking down threes," as well as suggestions for basic practice drills.

With private, one-on-one instruction held on the hallowed ground of one New York City's asphalt playgrounds, the Mecca of street basketball, Jack will build on the player's ability base to reinforce what he or she is doing correctly, remedy mistakes, and improve both understanding and enjoyment of the game. The player will have the opportunity to build confidence and self-respect during this unique, one-hour basketball experience, tailored to the individual player.

About Jack Ryan
One of the most celebrated players to come off the storied playgrounds of New York City, "Black Jack" Ryan's basketball exploits began at John Jay High School, where as a senior, averaged 26 ppg. Ryan later took his game to East 5th St. Park in Brooklyn, where he mastered the tricks and shots he became well known for. In his first season in a recreational league at West 4th, Ryan played one game against former Piston Phil Sellers and scored 44 points. Ryan is also known for his very proficient 3-point shooting. According to an article written by Bobbito Garcia about Ryan in Slam Magazine Streetball Special Collector's Issue, Chris Mullin once described Jack as the best shooter he'd ever seen who hadn't played in the NBA. Also, the article states Peter Vecsey got Ryan a tryout with the New Jersey Nets in 1990, but was the second-to-last man cut, ending Ryan's NBA aspirations. Yet, Ryan still proved his mastery of the 3-point shot when he won the 2005 City Slam 3-Point Shooting Championships, which aired on ESPN. In a blowout, Ryan outpointed streetball sharpshooter Deshun "Father Time" Jackson, 22-12, to take the title. During All-Star Weekend in New Orleans he set three new marks in the Guinness Book of World Records: one for longest time spent spinning the ball on his nose, another for longest time spent spinning the ball on his toe and another for making the most free throws blindfolded. In the media, Ryan was featured on the cover of the New York Times Sports section on December 3rd, 2003, and in May of 2003 was named as one of "Slam Magazines Greatest Playground Ballers of All Time." His career on the city blacktop made him legendary and his career as a Harlem Wizard helped him transition into a new audience. Aside from streetball, Ryan is also known for performing during halftime shows at NBA arenas with the basketball performance group "Project Playground."