North Texas teen selected to train with Dirk Nowitzki's former coach in Germany
A young North Texas basketball player is getting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train overseas with the same coach who helped shape NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki.
Freshman heads to Germany
Michael "Tise" Lawson
CBS News Texas
At just 14 years old, Michael "Tise" Lawson, a freshman at Grace Preparatory Academy in Arlington, has been selected to attend a basketball camp in Germany led by Holger Geschwindner, Nowitzki's longtime mentor and trainer.
"I'm going to be going to Germany for a basketball camp, and I'm excited and preparing for it," Lawson said.
Only American selected
Lawson was the only American chosen for the camp, a selection made by the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center.
"I was just thanking God, especially," he said.
Unconventional training methods
Geschwindner is known for his unconventional training methods, which include dancing and rowing, in addition to traditional basketball drills. In a past interview with VICE Sports, he explained how his approach differs from typical American trainers.
"He doesn't do what you see trainers here in America do," Lawson said. "I personally think he is one of the greatest coaches ever."
Dirk sends encouragement
Lawson's story has even caught the attention of Nowitzki himself, who sent a video message wishing him luck.
"It's a big tradition, and we are excited to include Michael Lawson this year," Nowitzki said in the message.
Family beams with pride
As Lawson prepares to head overseas, his father, Lanre Lawson, said the opportunity is a dream come true.
"This is his dream. He wants to be in the NBA, and this makes a huge difference in his life," he said.
Hard work pays off
Lawson's coach, Fred Campbell, said the teen's work ethic sets him apart.
"High school basketball is highly competitive here in North Texas," Campbell said. "We get a lot of reps up, and we just have fun in the gym and stay consistent with it. When you're the most committed, you get rewarded with cool trips like this."
Confidence and gratitude
Lawson credits his coaches and support system for helping him reach this moment.
"Thanks to Coach Fred and others, they all prepared me for this moment," he said. "I found confidence, confidence I didn't even know I had."
Ready for the challenge
As he heads to Germany, Lawson says he's ready to take his shot — and prove what he's made of.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
GB top Para-canoe medal table at Euro Championships
Laura Sugar added a European title to her Olympic and World Championship crowns [Getty Images] Great Britain's Para-canoe team added a further three medals on the final day of the European Championships to finish top of the medal table. The team finished with nine medals in all - four golds, four silvers and one bronze - seven medals clear of any other country. Advertisement Laura Sugar raced to victory in the KL3 200m event, finishing 1.747 seconds ahead of France's Nelia Barbosa. The win means Sugar has now added a European title to her Olympic and World Championship crowns. Edward Clifton added silver by finishing behind Portugal's Norberto Mourao in the men's VL2 200m event, while Stuart Wood finished runner-up in the VL3 200m. Charlotte Henshaw won two of Great Britain's six medals on Saturday, winning the KL2 and claiming silver in the VL3. Henshaw was beaten in the VL3 women's final by compatriot Hope Gordon, who won by half a length. Olympic silver medallist David Phillipson, 36, held off Italy's Christian Volpi to win the KL2 men's final in a time of 41.516 seconds. Jonny Young claimed silver in the men's KL3 final, while Taylor Gough earned a bronze in the VL1 final on his international debut.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Tommy Fleetwood's Wife Clare Fleetwood Has Surprising Role in His Career
Tommy Fleetwood's Wife Clare Fleetwood Has Surprising Role in His Career originally appeared on Athlon Sports. As the Travelers Championship heads into its final round on Sunday, Tommy Fleetwood stands at the top of the leaderboard with a stunning 16-under-par. The 34-year-old Englishman carded a bogey-free 63 in the third round, including an eagle on the 13th. If he holds onto his three-shot lead, Fleetwood can claim his first career PGA Tour victory, a title that has eluded him despite 41 top-10 finishes. Advertisement What makes his journey unique is the woman by his side: his wife and manager, Clare Fleetwood. Married to Tommy Fleetwood since 2017, Clare has played a crucial role in both his personal and professional life. The two first met through Tommy's brother, Joe, when Clare was already working in sports management. Despite a 23-year age gap, their relationship blossomed after she became his manager in 2015. Tommy Fleetwood looks on during the second round of the U.S. Open. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images 'As we ... sat there listening to different proposals, I'm like, 'I can do this,'' Clare, 57, shared on the Performance People podcast. ' But I just for some reason at the beginning thought I couldn't and I shouldn't. ... Then we gave it six months, and it worked, so we carried on.' Clare, a seasoned professional at Hambric Sports Management and vice president for European operations, initially considered stepping aside when their romance began. But after sitting through other management proposals, she realized, 'I can do this.' Tommy credits her with keeping him grounded, saying, 'She's very clever. ... She judges situations better than you do when you're playing.' The Fleetwoods share a son, Franklin, born in 2017, and Clare has two sons, Oscar and Mo, from a previous relationship. With Tommy's consistent performances and Clare's sharp guidance, the Fleetwood duo continues to chase that elusive PGA win. The Travelers Championship might finally be their moment. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Washington Post
an hour ago
- Washington Post
Sonia Citron outshines Paige Bueckers as the Mystics clip the Wings in OT
Sonia Citron camped out in the corner and raised her hand twice. As Brittney Sykes began the Washington Mystics' final offensive possession, she tossed the ball inside to a rolling Shakira Austin, who immediately pivoted to her left and kicked it out to a wide-open Citron. The WNBA's No. 3 draft pick went up without hesitation and with perfect form, letting her right wrist hang well after her release. The ball didn't even graze the rim as it ripped through the net and Citron threw up three fingers with just 12.9 seconds left in overtime.
