the atkins diet

I know I need to burn more calories then I take in, and I am going to keep that in mind. I have been thinking I have to be on some special diet, but i now know that I dont. I thought about doing an atkins type diet, but then I realyzed that if I want to keep the weight off and do some kind of a lifestyle change, i have to do somehting i could do for the rest of my life. I have untill the fall to become the best basketball player I can be to go try out and hope to get some minutes as a freshmen at a Juco. I want to get to around 190, i know that wont happen by the fall, but maybe i can come close, but get there soon. 3 yrs varsity. For my weight I have decided to cut cals, and do some cardio. Had some problems though, and I know now that I am just mad and not at peace witht he game of basketball. Help me out please. I am 6'3 300. I am looking to get faster, and more explosive for basketball. I dont want to just focus on losing weight. I was a pretty decent player in hs. Please help me.