Centerville’s twin basketball sensations Eli and Ethan Greenberg score big scholarships
DAYTON, Ohio — Centerville High School (CHS) seniors Eli and Ethan Greenberg share many things. Perhaps most obviously, the twins share a genetic makeup. They share a love of basketball. The 6’4″ guards on CHS’ varsity boys’ basketball team also share the rare distinction of both earning Division 1 basketball scholarships.
“This is highly unusual,” said Brook Cupps, head coach of CHS varsity boys’ basketball. “Nothing beats being a part of that experience. I’m grateful that we are so fortunate to work with such great kids and families at Centerville.”
Eli and Ethan recently answered some questions about their experiences.
What are your personal goals or athletic dreams within your sport?
Eli Greenberg (#2): To make it to the NBA or overseas
Ethan Greenberg (#21): To become a D1 basketball player
What is your biggest basketball challenge, and what do you do to manage it?
Eli: There are millions of kids who want to play at the next level. I just hoop; that’s how I manage it.
Ethan: My biggest challenge is underperforming and handling the pressure of performing. I manage this challenge through trusting the work I put into the game and understanding that one bad performance doesn’t take away from all the effort I’ve put into the sport.
What is your biggest sports accomplishment?
Eli: Committing to a D1 school for basketball
Ethan: Getting the opportunity and committing to the United States Air Force Academy
What was the best advice you were ever given?
Eli: “Just be you.”
Ethan: The best advice I was ever given was to “detach from man’s approval.”
What do you love about basketball?
Eli: There are so many different ways to contribute, and the feeling of making a shot never gets old.
Ethan: I love the competition that basketball brings and how competitive it is against your peers.
Do you have a pregame ritual that you follow?
Eli: No
Ethan: I do not.
What do you like to do outside of basketball?
Eli: Play video games and hang with friends
Ethan: I like to watch TV and read.
What has being a member of a team taught you?
Eli: Individual roles matter, no matter whether they’re major or minor.
Ethan: Being a member of a team has taught me to be competitive with people, but also happy for their success—to say, “Good game,” even if I’m not playing amazingly.
What is the best piece of advice you have received from a coach or mentor?
Eli: “Chop wood.” Coach Cupps tells us that “the process of chopping down a tree is central to the mentality of our program. It will never come down in one swing. It’s the faithful, consistent swings that, when added up, result in the tree’s falling.”
Ethan: “Detach from man’s approval.” This comes from Coach Cupps. It basically means to detach yourself from expectation, outside pressure and affirmations from people outside yourself that could affect you.
Describe a mistake you made while competing and how you overcame it.
Eli: Not having fun with it. I overcame it by realizing that if I don’t like it, why should I do it?
Ethan: Putting too much pressure on myself to perform and be successful. I still struggle with this, but I make sure to remind myself of the work I’ve put in to get to the point I’m at and trust that. This helps me break out of those expectations of myself.
What are your non-sports goals in life?
Eli: To be a millionaire!
Ethan: To have a job, preferably in the realm of sports, that takes me places and allows travel
Where will you attend college?
Eli: I’m going to Le Moyne College (DeWitt, New York) on basketball scholarship.
Ethan: I plan on playing basketball at the United States Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, Colorado).
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