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Dave Hopla - 'Belfast's' Shooting Star

When Dave Hopla came to Belfast inside the '80's as being a struggling basketball pro who does have thought that 3 decades later he would return with the title in the 'best shooter from the world'.

Within the 1980's Belfast wasn't the destination of choice for most foreigners looking for a sojourn. The troubles, associated bad press and climate didn't exactly seem to offer prospective visa applicants a stylish and safe oversea's experience or apprenticeship!

Many people who did come, were offered financial or other enticements together to get reassured that they can will be safe and happy here. Those that took up the challenge somewhat individuals who valued experience over financial reward, might have had family connections here and can 'think away from square'. Many reluctantly stumbled on Northern Ireland with the sole purpose of putting some time in until an improved opportunity came their way.

As a possible avid fan of sports and someone actively associated with basketball here in the 1980's I have seen many American basketball players come to temporarily ply their trade playing within the National Leagues. Most was included with some trepidation but soon relaxed as locals offered hospitality and friendship far exceeding their expectations. Dave Hopla, was this type of import and what I love to call, literally, one among Belfast's 'Brightest Shooting Stars!'

While at senior high school basketball became Dave's passion but his relative short stature (5' 10") cheap these point line wasn't introduced before the 1980's meant he was under-rated and overlooked in the USA. He had decided at the tender age of 16 a lot of work work and "charting" his progress in log books would be the answer to his success. Three decades ago, if we do persuasion by St Galls Club he decided to lower his sights for a time and come to Belfast for a 5 month season. He was a young guy with great ambition and few responsibilities in those times and even though the standard of basketball wasn't perhaps first-rate, he loved the commitment, friendship and work ethic displayed by his new club mates. Soon Dave and Belfast had a 'mutual admiration society' going and the man wound up staying for Three years! A long time in almost any aspiring sports professionals life.

It had been probably while within Belfast that Dave's career changed course and foundations were laid for his journey to becoming a world-class 'shot doctor' and motivator. Dan Durkin, a fellow American with his fantastic coach at St Gall's identified in early stages that Dave stood a unique set of talents: he would have been a brilliant technical shooter, was obviously a bit of a show man and has not been simply a good communicator but stood a natural 'gift with the gab'!! Nonetheless it wasn't until much later after he retired as a player in mostly minor leagues that Dave's career and true vocation being a coach, mentor and motivational speaker started to flourish.

I had been fortunate to become the main Ulster Poly (now University of Ulster) women's basketball team which Dave agreed to coach to supplement his meagre player wage from St Galls. Coaching us would have been a minor culture-shock to him. We merely took part in local leagues and several tournaments and our approach was somewhat more laissez-faire than he was utilized to from the senior high school and college regimes in USA.

Looking back natural meats are already the perfect assignment for him to hone his communication and training skills. He adjusted on the challenge but still demanded commitment and standards from us at training and through matches. To start with, we had arrived somewhat giggly and awestruck from this blonde, blue-eyed, fast talking Adonis. He focussed on coaching much-needed basic skills but added your life coaching aspect by regularly reminding us that through basketball we could develop more vital life skills. He had the power to entertain and teach through the use of clever anagrams, humour, charm and showmanship to acquire his points across. A number of his catch phrases were: "Perfect Practicing to achieve perfection!", "Good could be the enemy of GREAT!", "You guys couldn't catch a cool in Alaska!" (A lower than subtle mention of our deficiency of ball catching skill!) "Time matters just to prisoners!" (Actually I'm still looking to figure any particular one out?!)

Among his current motivational topics is S.U.C.C.E.S.S ( sacrifice, unselfishness, character, commitment, excellence & standards in someone). The davidsonfitness is really a catchy mechanism allowing him to make use of his life experience stories to show how everyone can attain success in daily life. This process of delivery was crafted during some of those early coaching sessions in Belfast. Although climb onto the disposable throw line effortlessly shooting/swishing the basketball over and over again while at the same time 'shooting the breeze' and philosophizing! All of us watched and listened attentively though admittedly many of us more admiring of his physique than his wisdom at that time. While none of us proceeded to try out on the highest amount of basketball just about everyone has gone on have successful, fulfilling lives and search back with fondness on those days with 'Coach Hopla'.

Belfast and Ireland created a lifelong impression on Dave's heart! He linked to the off beat feeling of humour and was touched through the friendships he made within and outdoors of basketball circles. She has described Northern Irish people as "...the friendliest individuals the planet!" That affection is very much reciprocal while he returned recently to celebrate a reunion together with his old club St Gall's a good crowd turned up at Andersonstown Leisure Centre to see Dave play again and to enjoy one of his shooting/motivational presentations.

Now in their early 50's Dave remains to be pushing himself and improving! He has accumulated almost 60 log books, recording in greater detail every shot she has ever taken!! He still consistently makes around 98% of the shots he takes while giving a motivational talk. He holds records for NBA 3 pointers in just a minute along with the most free throws in a minute. One among his most impressive personal records is 1234 successful free throws consecutively. It may look an easy task to some but believe me that is certainly an amazing feat! He is constantly on the coach kids and NBA stars to shoot better and be the most effective in everyday life that they can be. More importantly Dave seems happy and balanced in the own life which is still doing what he would rather do... spend more time family, play basketball and teach.

Dave is illustration of an 'ordinary' individual that located Belfast, designed a connection then proceeded being extremely successful. Of course we can't take each of the credit however i want to think he took away somewhat Belfast spirit which helped him on his way!!