Landon Vermeer Recounts his Edge Basketball Experience
Looking back, one of the biggest achievements that truly began in the Edge gym was the foundation Mike helped build in me at such a young age. I was one of the early-day Edge kids—probably around 4th grade—still figuring out who I was as a player. What Mike gave me wasn’t just drills or reps; he helped unlock creativity in my game, which is such a lost art today.
His training developed my handle, my footwork, my ability to see the game differently—but more than that, it developed my confidence. And anyone who’s played at a high level knows confidence is the separator. That foundation carried me through middle school, high school, and ultimately into my collegiate career.
Everything that came after—from playing at the next level to developing my identity as an athlete—started in that Edge gym with Mike pouring into me long before I even knew what I was capable of.
Something outside of basketball gained at the Edge that shaped you
Mike taught me something that transcended basketball: the power of skill development as a lifestyle.
Mike’s approach wasn’t just about getting better at a crossover or a jump shot—he taught us the value of intentional reps, continuous growth, and taking ownership of your craft. Those lessons shaped me long after my playing days.
Today, as a sales leader, I talk to my teams about this all the time. I tell them, “You’re not years away from a promotion—you’re skills away. Skill-stack your way to the next level.” That mindset came straight from my time at the Edge.
Mike showed me early on that success—whether on the court, in business, or in life—belongs to the people who relentlessly sharpen their tools.
A memory that speaks to the positive energy in the gym
There are so many memories that come to mind—from being a young athlete grinding through 1-on-1 battles and skill sessions, to later coming back as a coach for the camps.
What always stood out was the energy. Every camp/training session was fun, competitive, loud, encouraging, and full of people who genuinely wanted to get better. Mike set that tone every single day. He has this unmatched enthusiasm that fills the entire gym and instantly makes you believe you can do more.
And above everything else, Mike cares. I’ll never forget when he drove 4+ hours on a weekend to watch me play in college. That’s who he is—he invests deeply in his athletes, from 4th grade Gold Crown all the way through my college career and beyond.
The Edge wasn’t just a gym. It was a community. A place where you felt believed in.
Favorite move learned
My favorite move will always be the “Lando Hop.” I mean—who doesn't love a move named after them. :)
But honestly, that’s a perfect example of what made the Edge so special. Mike didn’t just teach moves; he poured confidence into you. He made you feel like you mattered, like your game was worth celebrating.
I have countless memories of him stopping an entire camp because a kid made an incredible play, and he wanted the whole gym to celebrate it. That kind of recognition—those moments where a young athlete’s face lights up because someone believes in them—those stay with you.
As a former player, a coach, and now a father of three, I’ve realized how rare and impactful that is. Mike wasn’t just building basketball players—he was building belief, joy, and identity. And that’s something I’ll always carry with me.