Bob, I could not thank you enough for showcasing Keith's talent within the Branch West Academy system.  Your recognition of Keith's shooting ability, ball-handling, vision and overall basketball IQ system allowed Keith to play his natural position and take advantage of the opportunities you and the Branch West AAU tournament games were able to present to him.  That recognition, in my opinion, was critical in getting a "look" from Division-I colleges.

Few players are fortunate enough to play for a high profile program or have a head basketball coach that is actively engaged in helping their kids play at the next level. The reality of it is is that while most coaches are high school teachers, they simply don't have the time or wherewithal to be tasked with what you can do for them on a full-time basis. The visibility, contacts and credibility you provided for Keith were of tremendous value to us.  We are extremely pleased that Keith is; a part of the USC Trojan family, playing in the PAC-10 Conference, playing for Head Coach Tim Floyd, playing at the Galen Center, and a member of a back-to-back NCAA tournament team that can hopefully earn a third trip back to the "dance" this season. 

Thank you for your hard work and commitment to kids who desire to play at the next level.  I'd highly recommend you to any parent or player looking to boost their visibility, experience and opportunity.  Well done, Bob!

 
Respectfully,
Jerry Wilkinson

Matt Hermes

September 2002

It’s hard to put into words, the benefits I gained training under Bob Gottlieb and Marv Marinovich for a year. To put it simply, these two men get the job done, and I am first hand proof of that. After attending Maine South High School in suburban Chicago, I knew I wanted to continue playing ball. When the recruiting process began I was receiving lukewarm interest from Division II and Division III schools, so I decided to walk-on at Drake University.

Upon receiving little playing time my freshman year, one thing was obvious. I needed to get better in all facets of my game. It was that epiphany that started my road out to Southern California. After that dismal freshman year, I researched some of the ways to improve my game, and all roads seemed to lead to Bob Gottlieb.

As I spoke with Coach Gottlieb on the phone, I was excited to hear that he was as serious as I was about achieving my ultimate goal of a Division I Scholarship. I moved in with Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb and they became my family away from home. They took me into their house and made me feel right “at home” throughout my year with them. I was put through intensive workouts at Marv’s gym during the mornings, while at nights, Bob and I would work on all phases of my hoops game. You cannot put a price on that kind of one-on-one coaching.

I also managed to get some college credits while attending a local Community College. After playing in several leagues and showcase events, with my games professionally filmed to become the basis of a film package developed by Coach Gottlieb for college coaches to evaluate my abilities, my dream came true. I was offered a full ride to a Division I college.

At IUPUI, I was playing on ESPN against Top 25 teams with 1st round draft picks. I KNOW none of that would have been possible without the physical and mental training of Bob Gottlieb and Marv Marinovich. I am forever indebted to them for turning my goals into reality.

Matt Hermes
September 13, 2002

Note from BG: Matt Hermes is a tremendous success story that should be an inspiration to athletes all over the USA. It is possible to make it, whether it is at an NCAA D1 program as did Matt Hermes, or at an excellent school at the NCAA D2, NCAA D3 or one of the NAIA levels. However, it could not have been accomplished without a total commitment to a goal, Matt’s outstanding work ethic, and the unqualified support of Matt’s father Mike Hermes.

The Hermes are a hard working, normal middle class family from suburban Chicago. They are not wealthy, nor were they poor. However, they wanted to give Matt a chance to live his dream. They encouraged Matt and supported it financially for an entire year. In a way, it was an investment, one that paid off handsomely, as Matt earned a full NCAA D1 basketball scholarship for 3 years at IUPUI.

Matt had attended Drake as a walk on for a year prior to his training in Southern California. The cost of school at Drake was close to $30,000 for the year. In the end, their investment in Matt was a fraction of the $90,000 they saved when Matt was given a total basketball scholarship to IUPUI.

Matt not only became a starter at IUPUI, but as a senior he 7 games scoring over 20 points and was arguably their best player. He had a wonderful career at IUPUI. With Indianapolis a short drive from Chicago, the entire family was able to make most of Matt’s college games. He had several 28 point games vs. well regarded Valporiso University for example.

Matt was a wonderful guest in our home that year. He liked Southern California so well, he has moved out here and is working in Orange County, and recently came over for dinner. Matt is not only one of my wife’s favorites, but also that of Hank, the family golden retriever. He got a big hug from them both and some of Jane’s southern fried chicken. We are not sure which he missed most, Jane, Hank or Jane’s southern fried chicken.

Matt is also one of Marv Marinovich’s personal favorites. His work ethic with Marv is legendary. It was no accident Matt was successful and got to live his dream. All of here at BWBA are very proud of this outstanding young man.

Travis Miller

February 2009

Bob,

As you remember, Travis participated in your Branch West Training and Development Program for 3 years from 2002-2005. Though he played JV as a junior in high school, with your help, he started and had a good solid senior year at Santa Margarita H.S., in Orange County, in 2005.

Thanks to the Branch West Recruiting Assistance Service, he was recruited to play at the University of Redlands the last four years.

Tuesday night, against arch rival Occidental, he hit a game winner with 2.7 seconds left on his last college shot in front of many friends and family members. He started every game his sophomore and senior years. His junior year he was hurt a good part of the year.

Travis averaged 26 minutes per/game, 7 ppg and 7 rebs/g and will graduate on time this May with a degree in Business. Travis absolutely loved his experience at the University of Redlands.

Bob, when you and I were talking D3 Basketball for Travis 5 years ago I didn't know what to expect, After experiencing 4 years with Travis at Redlands, I gotta tell you it was the ride of a lifetime.

There were ups and downs, injuries, a head coaching change, but when it ended Tuesday and I had a chance to reflect on all of the memories we had, I would not have traded the experience for both Travis and our entire family for anything.

My purpose in writing you this morning was just to say thanks for making it all possible through your efforts on behalf of the Branch West Recruiting Assistance Service. Travis wasn't a Deon Thompson playing at North Carolina, he was an average kid who just loved playing the game, and it was a whale of an experience.

Sincerely,

Eric Miller


Note from BG: Travis's defense, rebounding and overall toughness were an indispensable part of the University of Redland's teams these past four years, and he was universally liked and respected by both his teammates and coaches.

Levi Wenrich

March 2008

Bob - Thank you for all your help it certainly paid off.  Levi is very excited to play for a coach who’s priority is to build a team that could make a run in the NCAA Div 3 Tournament. We are impressed with Coach Nelson Whitmore.  It’s a perfect fit for our son, and we appreciate everything you did to put that together. You have been a blessing to our family.

Thank you,

Scott and LaMarr Wenrich

Trey Putnam

Jan 2004

My son, Trey Putnam, starts for the nationally ranked Dominican Penguins in San Rafael, CA, and maintains a double digit scoring average. It is expected that his team will again, this year, return to the NAIA II National Championships. What a fantastic experience!

Trey had the choice of attending low D-1 schools or starting as a Freshman in other divisions. In the end, with Bob Gottlieb's able assistance, Trey was able to choose the best school for his basketball and academic skills to blossom. Trey is thoroughly enjoying his college basketball experience, and we can't thank Bob Gottleib enough for opening the 2001 recruiting doors necessary for Trey to comfortably choose the best program and school to showcase his talents. In my opinion, Bob Gottlieb's college contacts and knowledge of how to match an athlete's skills to a
program's needs is unsurpassed in the Southern California area.

If you would like additional comments regarding our experience with Bob Gottlieb and his organization, please feel free to contact me at 805-886-3633.

Thank you,
Darrell Putnam
Santa Barbara, CA

Matt Morgan

October 2007

Dear Bob,

I think there is no better time to write a testimonial letter than after there has been a success story to follow the recruitment process.

We were glad that you approached us after watching Matt play in an HS Shootout tournament in our hometown, Colleyville, TX. Matt enjoyed playing in your California tournament and was impressed with the number of College opportunities that you sent our way.

Your prior coaching experience in Milwaukee had a positive influence on Matt choosing MSOE (Milwaukee School of Engineering www.msoe.edu). Once again it has been ranked highly by US News & World Report.

Matt is now entering his Junior year. His has earned a Varsity letter and been a major contributor as a combo-guard in his first two years. His 3 point shooting was a key reason MSOE was interested in Matt and his clutch shooting and ball handling has not disappointed them. MSOE under Coach Brian Miller, has set school history records for wins the last two years. This year they enter the Northern Athletics Conference Division III with great expectations as they have not lost any players to graduation.

Matt has enjoyed the cityscape that the downtown campus of MSOE offers and the camaraderie of his teammates and coaching staff. Matt has played in Southern California, St. Louis, Iowa, Northern Michigan along with many trips to Chicago. Next year the Coach has scheduled two games in the Dallas area vs Texas teams that will allow Matt's local family & friends to witness.

None of this would have been possible without your efforts Bob, we join Matt in expressing our gratitude for your efforts.

We would be more than happy to be used as a reference for other parents who may be considering your recruitment services or are considering MSOE.

Below are pictures of Matt in action.

Best personal regards,

Gene & Carol Morgan Colleyville, TX

John Parilo

Aug 2002

Working on the fundamentals everyday on your own is good, but working under a professional, teaching the game everyday, there is just no comparison. He pushes you to be best you can be while demanding you are doing the skills correctly. After we work on my fundamentals I go play pick up games at the beach where everything I learned before I incorporate into the game. While you are playing, Coach Gottlieb is still coaching you from the sideline or under the basket while the game is going on, so you work hard and improve your skills, and most importantly, improve your understanding of how to play.

I have improved greatly as a basketball player and if I keep this up I believe I will be playing my dream which is to play and compete on a college basketball team. The three weeks that I have been here, I have worked with Marv five days a week on my strength, quickness, endurance and overall athleticism.

Every athlete working with Marv goes on a diet called the Zone Diet. This is not to lose weight, but rather to change the way you eat. This diet will help you achieve maximum physical performance. While I have been on the diet and working with Marv, I know I have improved greatly because when I played pick up ball at the beach the first time I was here, compared to the days I play there now, I feel and other people have noticed a huge improvement in my athleticism, largely due to Marv's training.

I worked very hard the last three weeks training with Bob Gottlieb and Marv Marinovich but I not only trained with Bob, I also lived with him and his wife at what I like to call Café Jane. Mrs. Gottlieb is an incredibly nice person and believe me; she can cook some of the best food I have ever eaten in my life. While living at the Gottlieb house I had chicken, salmon, white fish, mahi mahi, salads, fruits and vegetables. Everything she cooked was delicious. I always went back for some more food every night.

I'd just like to thank everyone for helping me to reach my goals and being supportive of me and also just being up front where I have a possibility of playing basketball on down the road. I'd also like to thank my parents for letting me train in Southern California for three weeks I really appreciate all the opportunities they have given me.

Nate Perlmutter

Aug 2002

In the past two weeks training with Bob Gottlieb and Marv Marinovich I felt like I have improved tremendously or in Bob's words, "one thousand percent". When I first came in my skill level was in a lot of ways below par. My game needed a lot of work. I was pretty quick and explosive but I couldn't shoot, I had bad footwork, couldn't run a team, and I was just overall very sloppy and inefficient. By the end of the two weeks I felt like a completely different player. When I first came there was a lot missing from my game. Bob immediately saw what I needed to work on, got on my back constantly and gave me no choice but to improve. I now feel like a much better solid point guard.

When I was here I also worked out with a trainer, Marv Marinovich. He had me work on quickness, balance, explosiveness, and overall strength. I saw very good results after working with for the two weeks that I was here. His training program is very sport specific so every thing we worked on really transferred over to the basketball court. It was the best strength and conditioning program I have ever done. I would highly recommend training with both Bob and Marv for any one that works hard and really wants to be a great player.

Justin Hynes

August 2003

Justin is about to embark on his college career later this month. However, before he leaves we need to thank you for your part in his life and successes. It will be three years this fall since you became involved with his basketball skills and his life goals. I remember the first practice. One of his complaints was that he never got the ball in high school basketball unless he got a rebound. Playing varsity as a freshman the older boys did not have much confidence in him and the coach wanted him to rebound and play defense. And like most kids he wanted to score and be part of the offense. Nevertheless, at that first practice you were helping the kids learn to "feed the post". He was playing the post and when the other players did not get the ball to the post they were replaced by kids that could or at least try. You would help them with "He's open. Now. And when a post man works that hard to get his position we need to get them the ball! "

We were definitely impressed with that concept. However. Your personal evaluations and the precise work upon Justin's potentials was the difference in his success and/or failure as a player. Moreover. It lifted his confidence to complement his game. You stated that he would not be playing the center or #5 in at high level high school competition or in college. And should learn to shoot from the outside. Learn to dribble and put the ball on the floor to penetrate to the basket or create his own shot I remember you working with him on drills with the left hand only. Moreover, in scrimmages he was not allowed togo to the right these drills and methods made the difference. He can go either w . Y now and shoots the "three" with confidence and accuracy furthermore. His natural skills of offensive and defensive rebounding as well as shot blocking were improved with your encouragement advise, suggestions and with your basketball skill drills in these important attributes.

Lastly, I want to thank you for directing us to the best basketball camps advisors. Taking the time and effort to help Justin make the Branch West teams. Surrounding him with players that he liked and played well with and against playing him IV the major tournaments, focusing on his skills. Assisting him with continuous improvement as a player: hence. . Better person in life as a result of his learning and building confidence in his own ability to reach and be successful at attaining positive goals on the court as in life.

As in most lives, we had our ups and downs, however, with your continuous help and encouragement Justin now has a full ride scholarship to Montana State University at Billings, Montana with a great caring coach and wonderful warm family environment that will be major contributing factor to his opportunity to succeed in life with playing basketball. The things that he loves and is well schooled and has fun and are challenging for him. The contribution of Branch West Basketball Academy has served our family with new and improved basketball skills. Honing of natural skills. And a positive and productive influence in the sport we love, as well as in life. Great confidence builder, goal oriented method of living and learning. Moreover, your support and friendship will last us many years to come. I know you will be watching Justin's progress with interest since your programs were such a major influence in his potential success.

Forever grateful,
Johnny Hynes