Drop Step Dunk

Same Set for BLOBs

2012-02-02T22:15:00.003-05:00

Baseline-out-of-bounds (BLOBs) and Sideline-out-of-bounds (SLOBs) should be used to take an advantage of. Some teams just want to get the ball in. Others use the out of bounds plays as a scoring opportunity. My high school coach really stressed scoring out of BLOBs. Got this in my inbox today and wanted to share.
Same Set BLOB.

Season's End

2012-01-29T14:21:00.001-05:00

Well, our season ended this week. The "A" team finished with an 18-1 record. We lost our only game in the semi-final of the county tourney to a team that we had previously beaten by around 20 points. It was our 6th game in 7 days. I think it finally just caught up to them and seemed a little sluggish throughout the game. We had an undefeated season and captured the conference tourney. Definitely, a successful season.
My "B" team, the team I coach, finished 4-4. Being a "B" team coach, you never really know who you're going to have to play night in and night out. Thankfully, I normally did. I tried to get the guys as much playing time as they could and still let us be successful. I think we only lost to one team that I think we should have beaten.
This was probably the most fun year I have had coaching. It's not because we won a lot of games. It's because of the kids. Everyday, they came to practice with smiles on their faces and a hard working attitude. We had fun, but we also got down to business. I had a lot of fun getting to know them.
Some things I learned this year -

There is no substitute for not having 2-3 ball handlers. If you don't have a ball handler that can handle the ball and get your team into a flow offensively, you will not win many games. People always talk about whether to pick a point guard or a center. I will always vote point guard.
One of the most underrated things is the ability to handle pressure.
Another of the most underrated things is the ability to get open. If you don't understand how to get open, things will be bad for your team.
A coach must continue to stress process over product. This is what you can control. If you can get your kids to buy into the process of winning vs. just winning, you will be more successful. Better Every Day is a good philosophy. Or Improve Daily.
KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid. One thing I learned is that less is more. Teach kids to play basketball vs. teaching kids to run plays. I think we did this this year.

I hope to continue this blog a little more often now that the season is over and I can watch some college games.

Thanks for reading. Leave a comment if you'd like.

End of 2011 wrap up

2011-12-23T17:07:00.000-05:00

So, I'm getting ready to wrap up this year. As of right now our 8th grade "A" team is sitting at 9-0. Our "B" team is 1-2. We've got a lot of work to do. Both of our teams have 5 more games until our conference and county tournaments. One thing that I always try to do is to be playing the best basketball at the end of the year. Yes, it's always good to pick up wins along the way. Being undefeated is never something that you shouldn't be proud of accomplishing. I'm concentrated on daily improvement and making the team better. If you played your best basketball in November, then what have you been doing since then? I have enjoyed this break from school. We gave the players a week off over break. I think they know that they should be doing some conditioning over break because Coach Allen will be sure to remind them that they should have working out over break. I'm going to work with the bigs when we get back on finishing around the bucket and being strong with the ball. We tend to let the ball be slapped away by the pesky little players. Always something to work on.

I picked up some books to read over break.
You Haven't Taught Until They Have Learned by John Wooden
http://www.amazon.com/Havent-Taught-Until-They-Learned/dp/1935412086/ref=pd_sim_b_6
Inch and Miles by John Wooden
http://www.amazon.com/Inch-Miles-John-R-Wooden/dp/0756914108/ref=pd_sim_b_1
Soup by Jon Gordon
http://www.amazon.com/Soup-Recipe-Nourish-Your-Culture/dp/0470487844

First W

2011-11-17T22:13:00.001-05:00

My current coaching job is an 8th grade assistant/ "B" Team coach. I'm really enjoying it. We picked up our first win tonight. Which coincidentally, is also my first ever real win. Being an assistant for 8 years, I have been around a lot of basketball, but have never actually coached a winter game and made all the decisions myself. It feels good. I probably took one of the A team players out a little early before the deal was actually sealed, but we hung on until the end and pulled out a 5 point win. I uncovered a lot of stuff we need to work on, so back to work it goes.

Communication

2011-02-19T16:05:00.002-05:00

Basketball trainer Alan Stein has a great article on communication that is definitely worth a read. It's about the major difference between high school and college players. He decides on communication.
After I read this, the next day at work my boss asked me if this document that he sent me would work. I replied that it would. He came by about 2 hours later and asked if I had done something that is the third step in the process of what I do. I told him I hadn't because I wasn't told to do that. I would have skipped step 2 without any approval. He had thought that by asking me about step 1 that everything to step 3 would have been done. Right there lies the communication breakdown. I had no idea that I was supposed to have step 3 done. It didn't make sense to me when he asked me about step 3. I probably gave him the worst look ever because I was confused about why he was asking this.
Communication is so important so that everyone is on the same page. When everyone is on the same page, everything flows and the guesswork is taken out of a lot of things.
Communicate effectively and progress will happen.

Fundamental Importance

2011-01-29T22:35:00.003-05:00

As our season is around 3/4 of the way finished, I feel that this topic should have been posted a long time ago. I want to talk about foundations and how foundations must be solidly built at the beginning of the year.
We're 3/4 of the way done with our season, yet I feel that some of our guys are not well-grounded in the fundamentals to be able to execute simple things this late in the season. I think some of these things were overlooked early on in the season. We took them for granted. I thought they knew them, understood them, and applied them correctly. As we have went on with the season it has become apparent that we really didn't understand some of the core understanding of our system. It becomes evident in our execution of our offense. It's the small things that make the big differences. It's the understanding of the big picture; the learn it today so it will help us tomorrow and later this season things that we're struggling with.
I think it's a discipline thing. Having the ability to do things the right way at the right time.
So, what I have learned from this is that early on in the season a coach must base the understanding of his offense, the complexities of his defense, the underlying structure of the whole operation on the fundamentals. Everything must be based on them and you must recurrently go over them again to make sure your program is still grounded on its foundation.

On-Ball Defense vs Helpside Defense; and the 2 Dribble Rule

2011-01-25T09:35:00.007-05:00

At practice yesterday, we're working on some shell defense stuff. Our by far quickest player, and when I say quick, I mean extremely quick. Probably the quickest player I have ever seen on one of our teams. For some reason, no matter how quick he is, his on-ball defense is terrible. He can't keep an offensive player in front of him. As this is happening, I talking to another of the assistant coaches and we get into this discussion on what is more important defensively. Is it on-ball defense and keeping players in front of you off the dribble, or is it having great team helpside defense? Now, of course both would be the ideal and what every coach/team is going to strive for, but what if you had to choose one?
I decided to go with the on-ball defense as more important. Mainly my reasoning behind this was that if you have great on-ball defense, then you don't need to help. This thought brought me back to a discussion I had a few years ago with a different assistant who has since moved on from teaching and coaching. We talked about if you, as an on-ball defender, can stop the offensive player you're guarding for two dribbles, you have won. If he can't get by you in 2 attacking dribbles, he probably isn't going to beat you. (This only applies in the half-court and typically once the ball has been passed from the point guard to initiate the offense.)
When you think about it, if you can get in the dribbler, play solid defense without fouling, and hold him from penetrating your defense beyond two dribbles, you have won.
When thinking about helpside defense and if your on-ball defender can't stop his man in 2 dribbles, then you have to rely on helpside. The negative side to this is that your defense is probably going to be scrambling, a mismatch is going to be inevitable, and the offense will win that possession. I understand the great need for helpside defense, don't get me wrong. There is always going to be a time when you need helpside defense. Fact:Defensive players are going to get burnt. It's going to happen. Just like a cornerback in football. They have no idea what the receiver is going to do. They have to react. Sometimes your reactions are going to be slow. Your teammates must help you. But if you can stop your offensive player for their 2 dribbles that they are trying to beat you to the basket you will be successful. After two dribbles, he will know that he can't beat you. The trick is in 2 dribbles, they can also score.
If you stop your man, then there is no need to help. There is no scrambling. There becomes no mismatches. Keep your man in front. End of story.
Interesting article here by Luke Winn and Ohio State's defense and how they don't foul.
Daily improvement. Working towards excellence. Striving for perfection. Doing it with integrity and class.

Use Early Offense to Put Pressure on the Defense ASAP

2011-01-13T11:56:00.007-05:00

I was doing a lot of thinking about early offense and converting from defense to offense. I have assisted on a some teams that ran a secondary break, a-la University of North Carolina, and I seemed to like it. I think secondary breaks work well, as long as it's something that is done every time down the floor.
When converting to offense, I think the main thing to think of is that you want to put pressure on the defense as quickly as you can so that the defense breaks down as soon as possible. In all reality, most players like defense less than they do offense. I think that's a pretty widely accepted statement. But most players will and can defend for the first 10 seconds of a possession. They just switched to defense and are fully concentrated on their responsibilities. After that initial 10 seconds, earlier than that in some cases, is where defenses break down. Assignments get messed up. Communication is lost and points are scored.
What I want out of an offensive transition is to put as much pressure on the defense as early as I can. What's the hardest to defend? I say ball screens, back screens, and ball reversals. So, lets put as much pressure as you can as early as possible. Give your point an immediate ball screen, once the fast break has been stalled. Put the pressure on the defense to do something with it. Put a back screen in. There must be some communication on all back screens or a layup is going to be given up. Ball reversals make the defense shift and can put the defense at a disadvantage. Move the ball quickly. How about a combination of all 3? Whatever you do, you're going to be putting pressure on the defense. When you put pressure on the defense is when good things happen offensively.
I talked about secondary breaks earlier. You don't necessarily have to have a secondary break, but just look at how soon you can begin your offense. The quicker you put pressure on the defense, the quicker they will break down, leading to scoring opportunities. Everyone can play defense for 10 seconds, playing defense for a minute is pretty tough, especially if the offense is always putting pressure on the defense and forcing them to communicate, shift, and make decisions.
What are your thoughts on this? I love comments!

Planning to Prepare

2011-01-04T14:37:00.005-05:00

Everyday I get an leadership quote in an email from Giant Impact.com. Today's email consisted of the quote -
"Chance favors the prepared mind." by Louis Pasteur
This quote happened to come at a great time for me. Today, we have a game. One of our starters has been sick for 4 days. He did come to school today. Another starter has been sick for a couple of days and he didn't come to school today. Another starter, was in the nurse's office during school today throwing up. I have heard that one of the better second team's players wasn't at school either today. This is not boding well for us. But at the same time, I feel that once I came to terms with the usual starters not being available that mentally I have been prepared for playing without them. No it might not end up being the exact product of what was expected, but I think I have a plan for it and hopefully chance falls on our side. We'll have to shuffle things around a little and it's good that our JV doesn't have a game tonight so that some of the them get an opportunity to contribute in some varsity action. I have heard a boxing quote before that states, "Everyone has a plan until they get hit."
I struggle with looking ahead and tend to focus on the exact moment at hand. I do lack a little of forward thinking, but I think I'm getting better at it.
Improve Daily.

Service, Sacrife, Buying In, Team

2010-12-23T12:35:00.005-05:00

First things first. Every player on a team has a job to do. If it's scoring; score. If it's being a screener; screen. If it's being the most enthusiastic cheerleader; yell loudly. If it's something you don't like to do; do it anyway for the good of the group.

Everyone wants to score double digits. It's not going to happen. That's not how teams work. Teams start by thinking "We." Not me. As a coach, the only option is "We." How are we going to gameplan for this team? How are we going to score? How are we going to execute this specific thing? What type of defense are we going to be in during a certain situation? All of these decisions are always what is best for the team. I don't think there is a coach out there who wants to lose. Yes, losing is inevitable, even for the UCONN women's team. It will happen. But every coach prepares to win. Actually more accurate of my beliefs is that you do the things necessary to put you in a position to win. You can't just say, "Let's win." You have to do all things that are necessary of your specific team to put you into a position to win.

When I think of buying in the first thing I think of is serving others. If a player is out on the court looking to serve others by getting others involved, passing them the ball, cheering from the sideline, then good things are going to happen. Serving others can also be used when you are taken out of the game. The action that you should take should be one of a boost to the person coming into the game for you. You should be elated that someone else is going to get an opportunity to play in a game. During our last game, I was sitting on the bench and one of the players got an opportunity. He came in and played great. He executed what he was capable of doing. The guy that came out was so mad he got taken out he didn't care his teammate had just contributed greatly to the game in our favor. He was stuck on selfishness that he couldn't be playing right this very instant. (Side note - if you are a non-starter or a bench player, you always have to be prepared, because when your time comes you must be ready. If you're not, you might not get another chance.) Turning selfishness to service is the first step in playing together.

Another characteristic of buying in is sacrifice. Sacrifice is not doing the things that you would like to do. You want to start? You don't get to. You can sulk and feel sorry for yourself and inevitably hurt your team in the long run, or you can choose to come in and give your best effort when you get the opportunity. You can choose to make the best of the situation by cheering from the sideline important information to your team. There is some sort of moral discretion that must be made. Do you care about others on your team or are you a lonely island? This is an attitudinal (is that a word?) choice. There is always a choice to be made and in the end the choice you make, makes you. - Coach John Wooden, I believe.

There is a couple of quotes that I have come across that I believe speaks to sacrifice, serving, and buying into the system.

“I am only one, but I am one. I can't do everything, but I can do something. The something I ought to do, I can do. And by the grace of God, I will.” Edward Everett Hale

This is said by the Ohio State football team prior to taking the field on gameday. Each person has a responsibility. They can do it. It's up to them to do it. No one should ever just be sitting there on the sideline doing nothing, because there is something that you can always be doing.

"At least do your job."

This was in a locker room that we have been in this year while playing a road game. It's painted on the wall right next to the door which serves as a reminder. At least do your job. Do what you should be doing and if you do more, than that is great, but at least do your job and do it well.

I'm on Christmas break. It's been a while since I have last posted anything. It feels good to sit down and think about things and share with others. I would love to have some feedback on this.

Reflections

2010-01-14T14:12:00.002-05:00

One of the most important things that you can do once you finish something, whether it be a game, practice, or just an event in your life, make sure you take the time to reflect on it. There are times when I know I could have done a better job at something. Reflections also let you decide if you took the best plan of action so that the next time this situation occurs you will be ready to access the best route to take to combat the problem. Reflecting also lets you take a minute and really feel the impact that might have been made. In the moment things might have been a little blurry, but when you take the time to take another look at what happened, you might see something that never happened before.

I took this off of Coach Bob Starkey's Blog and I think it's really good. This is a blog that should be read every day. Just think about it, if everyone was exactly like you were, what would everything be like?

"What kind of a world would this be if everyone in it was just like me?"
"What kind of a country would America be, if everyone in it was just like me?"
"What kind of a company would my company be if everyone in it was just like me?"
"What kind of family would my family be if everyone in it was just like me?"

Playing to someone else's level

2009-12-03T11:02:00.003-05:00

I talk alot about at least matching the intensity of the opposing team. Match it or step aside basically. Of course, I always want to be above the intensity/energy that the opposing team is displaying throughout a game. You always hear about teams rising to the occasion and beating a more talented team. This usually involves a great TEAM effort from everyone.

Now let's look at the flip side of this.
A definitely more talented team is playing or practicing, think Varsity against JV team, against a team who is of lesser talent who is just going through the motions and not playing hard. Why is it that sometimes I see the weaker team basically dictating how the other better team is playing? It's almost as if the better team is playing down to their level because they are not getting pushed hard, so they end up walking doing things that wouldn't fly against an aggressive team. Things like jogging back on defense, weak closeouts, not having crisp, sharp passes are things that come to mind.

What are some ways to combat this "attitude."

Having great leaders speak up and say something
Having continuous effort at all times and not taking things easy. Working hard
If it's a JV/Varsity practice, how about the JV guys saying "Hey, you guys better pick it up a little because you're better than us and your effort is terrible." I could see a JV player not having the guts to say something like this, but at the same time in a practice it doesn't do anyone any good to not do things that are positively making the team better.
Knowing that if you know you're not going hard then you are not being successful and that you are letting the TEAM down. This is also a reflection of your character.

Expectations - what do you have?

On a different note - I am really liking the saying that is posted in Mackey Arena, home of the Purdue Boilermakers, that says "Defense Lives Here." What an amazing sign. It kind of reminds me of like a cave in the mountains and you walk up and here's this sign that says "Defense Lives Here." As in you they are telling you what's going to happen to you. I think that can really set the tone.

Medora Basketball

2009-11-30T09:43:00.003-05:00

Here's an article in the NY Times featuring a very small high school in Indiana called Medora and their coach, Marty Young and basketball team. Sometimes as coaches we have to deal with things that are out of our control. We have to be the positive light that players and students come to. Yes, it might not be welcomed by some, but we are here to make a difference in the lives of whoever we come in contact with as teachers and coaches. Coach Young and his squad didn't win a game last year, he's committed to the program and to making a difference. He's having to deal with issues of poverty and drugs in the small community. When some of the factories left town and the feed mills closed in the late '80s and '90s the town went down hill.

“If they’re in the gym these two hours, then I know they’re not in trouble,”
Young said.

Young and other coaches provide for the students meals and clothing when needed.

When asked about why the players keep playing if all they ever do is lose and this is the reply from one of the players.

“I have friends who say, ‘Why do this? They keep losing,’ ” said the
sophomore Glen England, excused from one practice last season to feed his
chickens. “I say I grew up playing basketball, all the way from kindergarten to
high school. I’m going to finish it out.”

Finding positives in the daily lives of people is an ongoing thing. Sometimes I wonder if I'm doing enough, and then I read articles on what Coach Marty Young is doing and then I know the answer.

You are ____?

2009-11-23T10:09:00.003-05:00

It's definitely been a while since I've posted anything here. But I'd like to get back in the swing of things. I know that every team has a little different approach to the game of basketball. Some may be more intense than others, some may pride themselves on the defensive end, some may put all their effort into offensive concepts. But more importantly, I think teams/coaches in general have a way that they want to be perceived. You can't be perceived as 45 things. You just can't, it's way too much to focus on. But you can be known as maybe 5 things. How about we call them cornerstones of what you want your team to be perceived as. When a coach comes up to you after a game and you shake hands, win or lose, you want the opposing coach to say that you do your cornerstones well. The opposing coach probably has no idea what your cornerstones are. But if one of your cornerstones is playing tough, hard-nosed defense continuously, and when you shake hands with the opposing coach and they say, "Your guys really got after us tonight." I think that might be the best compliment a coach could give an opposing coach; that his players executed the cornerstones of what the coach/team has laid out for this particular season.
If I could pick 5 cornerstones to be "known" as my 5 would be...
1. Ball pressure defense, disrupting the flow of the offense, making the offense a protector
2. Unselfishness both offensively and defensively and between teammates
3. Lasting energy / High enthusiasm / Great effort
4. Willingness to do more than your share
5. Being a family and extending it to others

If a team can do all 5 of these cornerstones, day in and day out, then they will definitely be successful. What do you want to be known as?

Quote of today -
"Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential." Winston Churchill

While I think in the game of basketball you do need strength and intelligence, it is ultimately wasted without continuous effort to reaching your potential.

share Mission G

2009-04-07T21:31:00.001-04:00

Another coaching move perhaps?

2009-02-15T20:20:00.003-05:00

Rumors are surrounding Phoenix Suns' coach Terry Porter that he might be relieved of his coaching duties. I really don't watch much, hardly any NBA ball. In this article by ESPN's Marc Stein they interviewed Shaquille O'Neal and I thought his take was very interesting on the whole coach-being-fired thing which seems to be an always talked about issue.

"It's kind of unfair for Terry. He came in with his system, and a lot of guys here are not really used to the system. But I like Terry. He's a knowledgeable guy. He played the game. It's always the players' job to go out and get it done."

It always seems that when things start going downhill, (oh, by the way the Suns are 28-23, so I'm not sure how that is grounds for dismissal) the coach is always looked at first as the problem. I think it's odd that two players have already wanted to leave and got traded. Maybe the fault, if there is one, may lay on someone besides the one coaching. Especially in the NBA where players are paid to play, why not just play. It is your job. I mean, I probably wouldn't argue with someone of Shaq's stature.
Anyone have something to add?

Chuck Noll

2009-01-23T10:32:00.002-05:00

There is an article on ESPN today, written by Elizabeth Merrill about legendary Steelers coach, Chuck Noll, that is a unique glimpse into the life of the coach who has won 4, count 'em, 4, Super Bowls.

My favorite quote from the article is by Andy Russell, a 7-time Pro Bowl selection, who had two stints with the Steelers. Inbetween those two stints, he served two years in the Army.

"In his first year, we won our first game and lost 13 in a row. But he never lost us because he never said things that didn't make any sense. He'd say, 'We will get worse before we get better. Because I'm going to force you to play the right way."

This truly shows how you can get better, doing it the right way, no shortcuts.

I knew that Coach Noll shaped Coach Tony Dungy I looked in his book, Quiet Strength, this morning to see what Coach Dungy had to say about Coach Noll and I found this quote from Noll.

"Champions are champions not because they do anything extraordinary but because they do the ordinary things better than anyone else."

Alonzo Mourning Retires

2009-01-22T14:59:00.002-05:00

I always remember 'Zo being an amazing competitor. I used to have a poster of him on my wall while growing up.

I was listening the Tirico and Van Pelt show on ESPNRadio today and Mike Wilbon was a guest and this is what he said about 'Zo. I completely agree with these and I don't think there could be any greater compliments.

"Zo played like he was a scrub trying to make the starting lineup."

He was a starter and still played this way. Truly amazing that he understood that the day you stop working hard is the day you stop living.

"The man off the court was even better."

What are you teaching?

2009-01-22T13:38:00.002-05:00

I'm in my last semester of getting my degree in elementary education and every day I see the similarities between being in a classroom and being on a basketball court. I have to ask you, what are you teaching? Are you teaching the fundamentals of the game? Or are you teaching kids to run a play. Can your kids make plays out of plays? I heard Seth Greenberg, coach of VA Tech, who just upset Wake Forest last night, say that in a DVD. I want to teach kids how to be successful when things are not going as perfect as they should. I want them to be prepared with the fundamentals to play the game of basketball for the rest of their life.
One last question.
When your time is up with your current players, will they be able to play a pick-up game in a park somewhere 200 miles away and be able to be successful? I don't mean successful as in win. But in a way that others can tell that they fully understand the game of basketball inside and out.

Here's a clip from Bob Knight that might help.

Insight into UNC Practices

2008-12-04T22:28:00.000-05:00

One word to describe UNC Practices. INTENSE.

Perfect Practice Makes Perfect. One little word can make a whole lot of difference. Anyone can practice, but what are you practicing and how well are your executing what you practice.

Rule Breaking, errr Bending

2008-11-19T19:07:00.004-05:00

Dana O'Neil of ESPN has written something that really irks me.

Gray scale: Recruiters struggle with perfectly legal yet ethically questionable

When does ethics and morals come into play. I ask that these coaches really sit back and think about what they are doing. Yes, it's legal, but you need to check your morals and if this is what you want your character to be displayed as. If I was a athlete being recruited, I would sure look first to the morals of the entire coaching staff before I made my decision. Just something to ponder about.

Quote from the article -
Many members of the NABC believe it's time for coaches to stop looking to the NCAA to fix what ails them and instead look in the mirror.

(Amen to this one)

Please either be black or white, don't toe the line in the grayed muddied middle. If you're playing/coaching the right way it shouldn't be too hard to do anyway.

Flippin' the M

2008-11-06T23:42:00.005-05:00

Long time, no post. I am sorry, been pretty busy. Hopefully, as the NBA season has already started and college and high school seasons are right around the corner, I might shed a little light on a topic that really stood out to me. I found this USA Today article today about the salaries of NFL players for the 2008 year. Yes, Ben Roethlisberger is the highest paid NFL player and that former Colt, DT/FB Dan Klecko, makes more than Donovan McNabbb!!!, but that's not what stood out to me. This chart shows the payrolls broken down by NFL teams.
What caught my eye is that the Colts' and Patriots' payrolls are one of the lowest. These two franchises have arguably been at the top of the NFL teams the past 5 years. You would think that they would have the top players that make the most money. But what they have are players who want to play for their coach, who will take lower pay to help the team out, and care more about winning than how much money they are taking home. Oakland is highest on the list with $152.4 million dollars spent on their payroll. For a team who doesn't win very often, it's surprising they're paying their players that type of cash.

This just proves that playing together as a team, and buying into their coach's system is the only way that anything will get accomplished. Their can't be a "Me" first attitude. You just flip the M upside down and make it a W. "We."

A Me can only go somewhere when they start thinking as We. If that makes any sense.

Crean Speaks at IU CHEERLEADING Camp!

2008-07-03T23:23:00.005-04:00

My wife is an all-star cheer coach at Elite Cheer and Dance in Clayton, and last weekend she took a bunch of her girls to a stunt camp at IU. For those who don't know, (I've been around cheerleading for about 9 years) a stunt is pretty much anything that goes up into a pyramid. Okay, so she tells me that the basketball coach came and gave a motivational speech to the around 500 cheerleaders. My first thought was "Way cool" and then....I just wondered why he would go talk to a bunch of cheerleaders. Isn't there something better that he can be doing? But then I realized how much of an impact a little speech can have. These girls probably have no idea that this is the coach of one of the most storied programs in history but when they go home and tell their parents what happens, that leaves a mark with their parents. He understands that he is going to have to take a grassroots effort to bring this program around to where it was at one time. My boss, a diehard IU grad and fan compared it to something that the late Terry Hoeppner would have done. His speech was based on something along the lines of "don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't do something, if he would have listened to all the people in his life, he wouldn't have gotten anywhere. Follow your dreams and don't let other people make all the decisions for you."
Pretty cool thing for the head coach of Indiana University to do and I applaud him. I think he is doing the right things to turn the program around and he might have just been talking to the future cheerleaders who will keep the cheering going during timeouts in the years to come.

Crean is IN!

2008-04-02T13:21:00.002-04:00

Tom Crean, formally of Marquette, has been named head coach at IU this morning. ESPNs take here.

"We are not going to be overwhelmed by the challenges, we are going to
have to embrace them," Crean said at a news conference Wednesday.

This is definitely the attitude to have! There is nothing that Crean can do about the mess that he has inherited, but he can turn it into a positive environment. I was telling someone the other day that what I wanted IU to do about their open coach situation and I said that I didn't think any of the Big Name coaches would come to Indiana because most of them have very good jobs and wouldn't want to mess with the possible infractions that might be handed down by the NCAA. And I didn't want IU to keep going lower in the Division I ranks just to find someone. I would have liked to see an up-and-coming DII or DIII coach get the job. Who? I had no idea, but this was my thinking. Anyway, I am pleased with the hire and I think that he will build IU's character back up and I think it will start with him. I think he is very excited to be at IU and bring them back out of this hole. I also think that he will do it the right way!

This brings me to another pondering question...Why do Division I coaches just bounce around the jobs. I mean one DI guy leaves and then the carousel just simply rotates around. DI guy fills this spot, DI guy fills the hole, another DI guy slips in to his job. Why don't DII or DIII guys ever get a chance to move up? Or better yet... Why don't assistants ever get a head job. It's always another head coach. I don't know just things to ponder.

Trace Adkins Should Have Won Celebrity Apprentice, because he Played the Right Way

2008-03-28T09:08:00.004-04:00

As I sit back and think about having kids Play the Right Way, (see Coach Finamore's blog in the Blogroll) I find myself at a loss. While flipping between Celebrity Apprentice and the NCAA games, found myself rooting for country music singer Trace Adkins. Trace played the game the right way, he always did the right thing and in the end a pompous jerk beat him. When "The" Donald asked all the other contestants who they wanted to win, it was about a 95% nod to Trace. The thing that makes me the maddest is the fact that Trump didn't see the good in Trace and awarded all the charity money to Piers' charity. Please hear me out in this, Piers' charity is amazing and what he is doing is great and I thoroughly appreciate all that the troops have done for me, everytime I see someone in uniform, I try to thank them for all they do, but Trace is fighting for money for his own daughter. He has to live with the fact that his daughter, who lives in his house, has a food allergy. I can't imagine not being able to eat anything I want.

Trace always conducts himself in a manner that is soft-spoken. He never puts anyone down, and he always chooses to see the positive in any situation. You never see him get mad, he just simply takes what he was given, thinks of a reaction to the problem and goes with it. He never bickers, never complains, never name-calls. What more did he have to do to show that he is an amazing individual? I am disappointed that Trump selected Piers, because the message that he sent is that well... you better act like Piers or you're not going to be rewarded with anything. And I know that the reward that Trace will receive at the end of his life, will be a lot better than what Piers will be getting. I just can't stand the way that Piers treats people and when someone stands up to him, Piers has no problem bringing them down even more to eventually put himself higher. I don't like the fact that the world will see that Piers got all this money for being a jerk and Trace got a number one single because, in Trump's eyes, Trump did that because of his show, if you know what I mean. When the world stops living by money alone, will the world start living? So the question is, Does playing the right way benefit or hurt you? You better bet that it is going to benefit you. The benefits might not come at once, but eventually they will. Have a good day!

Brownsburg in the Finals

2008-03-20T11:40:00.002-04:00

Brownsburg's (21-5) going to State and will play Marion (24-4) in the Championship game at Conseco on Saturday Night. I happened to watch their sectional final game vs. Decatur Central and they narrowly escaped that game with a three pointer with 5 seconds left. It doesn't matter what level you are playing at in any tourney, to get to the final game there must be some luck involved somehow. I am not downgrading anyone's ability or anything like that, but somewhere through the tourney there is usually at least one game where something happened to bounce a certain way for a team to win and it does. I think of last year in the NCAA tourney and I can't remember the guy's name that played for Ohio State, but he hit that long bomb. If that doens't happen, then they don't even come close to making it to the finals.

In the 1A game at 10:30
Triton vs Indianapolis Lutheran
2A @ 12:45
Fort Wayne Luers vs Winchester
3A @ 6:00
Fort Wayne Harding vs Washington
Coach Al Goodens Hawks made the jump to 3A this year and they still find a way to get to the championship game. The Hawks have 5 semi-state titals since 2001. That's a pretty good run
and of course in the 4A @ 8:15
is Brownsburg vs Marion.

Ok, it's been a while, Regional Saturdays

2008-03-03T12:37:00.002-05:00

Teams still alive in the West Central Area!

Brownsburg plays North Central
Danville plays Rushville
Tri-West plays Paoli

The best regional to go watch has to be at Washington where the four combined records are 82-8 and if you want to see one of the best atmospheres in Indiana HS basketball then that would be the place to go.

I think I might attend either of the 1A Regionals at Frankfort or Martinsville.

I hope you are doing well and leave a comment about where anyone might be headed!
Have a good day.

Bob Knight Retires

2008-02-04T21:02:00.000-05:00

Just as I am having an emotional high from the Super Bowl, I hear on XL 950 Radio that Bobby Knight has stepped down as the coach of Texas Tech. His son, Pat will step in and take over. I have seen about three Texas Tech games this year. All of them on CW4 locally. I do appreciate them putting on some games. They have been showing a lot of Big East games the past weekends. I am thankful for that because I don't have cable/satellite TV, which inevitably means no Big Ten network or ESPN. So I do have withdrawals occasionally, but I do know that I need to treasure the games that I do get to see. Anyhow, I am really surprised about the decision because it's a mid-season decision in the middle of the conference schedule. While I was watching the TT games earlier this year all I saw was Coach Knight sitting down an awful lot and Pat being in his ear the entire game. So based on that right there, I am not surprised, I just didn't expect it at this time in the season.
For all the negative things that Coach Knight gets publicized for (I just did a Google image search for Bob Knight and the 4th pic was the chair toss, and the fifth was the choke), there is no one that can deny the impact that Knight had on the game of basketball. His motion offense is second to none. His players always understood the game. His man defense was always stifling. Another thing that always stood out to me was the fact that the ones who graduated from IU and went on to play in the NBA never had amazing stand out careers. I know Allen Henderson has been around forever and Calbert Cheaney bounced around for a while, but really Isiah Thomas is really the only one who was head and shoulders a real good NBA player. To me this stood out that his players knew how to "play" basketball the way that it was supposed to play. I am not knocking the NBA but the NBA is a different brand of basketball and typically lends itself to athleticism and finding matchup problems. Players who played for Knight understood how to be successful at life. He might have gone about it a different way than I would like, but his players knew what it took to be successful. His players had respect for him, their opponents, and the game itself. Today the winningest coach in history has stepped down and the coaching world has lost one of the game's biggest influences.

Giants Pull the Upset!, Patriots Choke?

2008-02-03T22:54:00.000-05:00

Right before the game started I made my prediction that New York would pull the upset and beat the Patriots 24-21. I made my prediction based on a few things -
1. The Giants play great on the road.
2. They lost to the Pats the first time by 3.
3. They had guys who were capable of putting pressure on Brady.
4. Eli was playing great ball.
5. Brandon Jacobs is bigger than 3 of the 4 New England Linebackers.
6. The Pats are older and playing 18 games might take a toll.
6. Karma might have been on their side.

Okay, the last one was just a plain stretch but to go undefeated all year, including the Super Bowl, well, it's only been done once before. So, basically, it had a 1/41 chance of pulling that off. I just think that the Giants had the perfect personnel to be able to beat New England. All year it has been Brady standing in the pocket for an amazing amount of time just waiting for Welker and Moss to get open, beating the coverage downfield or underneath. But when he gets pressured, and oh boy did the front four of the Giants put pressure on Brady tonight, he seems out of Sync. There was no, "Moss, Open Deep" or "Play Artist - Pats Running Game." The front four played amazingly, and when that rookie had that last sack for the Patriots when Brady was on his back calling for a timeout, I knew that it was over. Maybe it was Brady's ankle, but I doubt it. He didn't look as if he was having trouble pushing off of it, although he had a lot of balls that were underthrown. All week I kept seeing Belichick saying to his players "Just do your job." I could not have agreed with him more. If the Pats would just have done their job, then everything would have probably wound up a win for the Pats. I don't think the Pats didn't do their jobs, I just credit the Giants for not letting them. The front 4 for New York just flat out dominated their offensive counterparts. New England couldn't even incorporate any of the screens that Brady usually gets to Faulk. He did use Welker and Gaffney on a few WR screens but you usually see the RB screens from New England. During the game, I just kept wondering if Vrabel, Seau, Bruschi, and Thomas where in the game. Thomas had that sack/fumble on Manning, but I don't remember even seeing Vrabel, Seau, or Bruschi even making a tackle. Maybe I have a bad memory, but nothing really steps out in my mind, you know, there is always that play that one of them makes in every game that turns out to be huge. I just checked the stats Bruschi - 8 tackles, Vrabel & Seau - 2 each, and Thomas had 5. More than I expected, they must have in the first half, because I don't remember much of them.

I thought when the Pats had that drive when they were rolling that the game was shifting sails and the Pats were going to pull it out. Brady got in a groove and just marched right down the field and set up the Moss TD. What happened to Webster on that play? I mean seriously, I think I could have fell down like that and tripped over my own feet just as well. With that being said, he did an excellent job on Moss the other 75 plays of the game. (Except that same series when Moss was on the left side and Brady missed him, but no one will remember that blunder either).

Offensive Impact Player of the Game -
David Tyree - 3 Catches - 1 TD (his first of the season) - 1 helmet catch (after Manning made an amazing escape on 3 and 5 for 32 yards)

Defensive Impact Player of the Game -
New York D Lineman - 4 Sacks (Kawika Mitchell had the 5th on a blitz) and countles knock downs and hurries
Antonio Pierce - 11 Tackles - he always seemed to make a big stop. And for some reason was always in the area where Moss was being tackled. I was perplexed as some of this because Moss was so open on those little routes he was running.

So I am wondering if that the Giants have pulled the biggest upset ever, or is the biggest choke ever? Leave a comment about this I would love to have some conversation. Since I am usually a very positive guy I would consider this to lean in favor of the Giants as pulling the upset. I just think the Patriots didn't play their best ball and New York played the best that they could and a little bit more. They were definitely the aggressors. And I guess Karma does come back to haunt you. Maybe the Patriots won't challenge the integrity of the game by running up the scores the way they did this year. I would hope that they will respect the game and the unwritten laws of sportsmanship a little more from now on.

Girls' Sectionals Announced

2008-01-27T22:23:00.001-05:00

Here is the link to the Girls' Sectional matchups IHSAA

I was right about the close games this weekend as two of them went into overtime. I also thought Monrovia would give Edgewood a bigger test.

Let me know what you think about the girls sectional matchups or anything else by posting a comment.

High School Games this Weekend

2008-01-21T12:59:00.000-05:00

I suggest trugging out in the cold to see some good games this weekend! Especially that the Colts have been eliminated from the playoffs.

Friday's contests include -
Monrovia at Indian Creek
Greencastle vs North Putnam
Cloverdale vs South Putnam
Cascade vs Speedway
Avon at Zionsville
Brownsburg at Nobleville
Plainfield vs Decatur Central
Mooresville at Whiteland
Tri-West at Fountain Central
Danville at Owen Valley

Saturday's games -
Monrovia at Edgewood
Greencastle at Tri-West
Cloverdale at Owen Valley
Cascade at Danville
South Putnam vs Riverton Parke
Avon vs Indpls. Washington
Plainfield vs Richmond
Tri-West at Greencastle

The best game I believe will be between Plainfield and Richmond on Saturday. I also think the Avon vs Washington, Tri-West vs Greencastle, and Cascade vs Speedway games will also be close contests. I'm also interested to see the Monrovia vs Edgewood score.

Have a good day and stay warm.

FW Mad Ants and Accepting Reality

2008-01-19T13:40:00.000-05:00

I happened to watch NBA Access today with Ahmad Rashad and they had a segment on the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in the NBDL. They had an interview with their head coach, Kent Davison and he said that he wanted his players to do what they do best. If you're a penetrator, penetrate. If you're a shooter, then hit your shots more than you will miss them. If you are a defenseive stopper, then I better not see the guy you're guarding get an easy, uncontested shot off. I see players all the time who are playing outside of their ability level. I do understand that if you don't have a point guard that can handle the ball, then someone will have to fill that role, but if you aren't a shooter, then why are shooting? When looking at what Coach Sfera has posted on the Powerbox Basketball Blog about the Butler Way I was intrigued that it included "Accepting Reality" as a part of the Way. But really digging deeper, I interpret that to mean that you can only do what you are capable of at that moment in time. You can't pretend to be someone else if you don't have the skills. But, and it's a big but, you can take the steps to eventually acquire the skills to do something that you couldn't do before. These skills that I am talking about are skills that you need to develop on your own, in your driveway, by yourself or possibly with a buddy. You can't acquire these skills simply by playing games. You don't become a good shooter in games without working on your shooting with no one in the stands. And you definitely can't become a good ballhandler by just playing games, it takes initiative, drive, and a commitment to get better every day. If you think about it, if you don't get better on your own, and just play games, and everyone else does the exact same thing, then no one is getting any better than you were the year before, you have the exact same repertoire of moves that you had last year. I have seen kids in the 8th grade be very good and not get any better by the time they graduate because they thought they were good enough and didn't have to work hard. And when you don't progress you stay at that 8th Grade good enough level even when they are a senior in high school and you can already guess how much playing time that he got his senior year.

There are three players from Indiana colleges playing for the Mad Ants this year -

Earl Calloway - Indiana

Ron Howard - Valparaiso

Rod Wilmont - Indiana

Have a good weekend and thanks for reading.

End of Season for Colts

2008-01-13T17:26:00.000-05:00

As I was watching the Colts-Chargers game today, I felt the usual feeling that I normally have about all Colts games; Never think that they cannot pull something together and wind up with a win. I don't ever think the Colts are out of any game. I have seen Manning lead comeback after comeback for years and I think when you see it over and over, there is no thought that the Colts are going to lose. When that game was over, I just sat there waiting for another quarter for the Colts to come back and win. I just sat there stunned...waiting...wanting for the clock to say 5th Quarter. But no, it's over. A season filled with injuries in which the Colts still pulled through in many situations. They fell to the Pats, which is understandable, but led by 10 with like 4 minutes to go. Then the next week fell to the Chargers without around 9 starters and came up just short as Vinatieri missed a field goal. The Colts' arguably best defensive player Dwight Freeney was injured and placed on IR for the rest of the season. And if there ever was a game when Dwight's presence would have been needed it was this one. I can't remember one hand being laid on Philip Rivers, or Billy Volek for that matter, the entire game. Speaking of Volek, I was impressed with what he did in the 4th Quarter. He stepped right in for whatever injury Rivers seemed to have. I saw him run onto the field after returning from the locker room and he wasn't having a very tough time running/jogging, then he never put back on his helmet. Another mention of Rivers has to be the notion that he was expelling a lot of energy jawing with the Indianapolis during his exit to the locker room and as the game was coming to an end. The way that he led the Chargers was very Manning/Brady-like and I have gained a lot of respect for him this year for his on-field performances, but the way that he was yelling at the fans while going to the locker room to get his leg checked out was just classless. I am glad that CBS focused on him when the game was coming to an end and he was turned around and "taunting" the Colts' fans. To me that speaks more than anything. I don't care that the Chargers won, but I do care that their leader is more privy to yelling at the Colts' fans than maybe congratulating Volek, who led finished the game and pulled out a win. There have been many instances this year when Rivers and Tomlinson have had spats on the sidelines and if this is how the second/third face (L.T. and Gates) of the Chargers is going to play the game, then if I was Norv Turner, I would definitely look at playing Volek. Enough on that. The Colts' defense gave up a lot of yards and the offense looked out of sync, the running game was pretty much nonexistent, Addai and Sanders got injured but came back, Harrison wasn't Harrison, there wasn't the "fly to the ball" and drill somebody attitude from the Colts defense, and there definitely wasn't the BIG HIT that you seem to get every game from the Colts, (last week was Darrell Reid on special teams). Add all these things up and the Colts just didn't play a good game. Plain and simple. They just didn't do what they do best. It's just sad that it happened when it did. Great job Colts on another AFC South banner and posting the second best record in the AFC. Congrats to Coach Dungy for 6 straight playoff appearances! I don't know if he'll be back, I hope so, but if he is ready to walk away, then that's his decision. Congrats Colts to a great year!

A Good Read

2008-01-07T21:53:00.001-05:00

Bill Simmons of ESPN and ESPN The Mag has figured out how to win in the NBA (or on any team for that matter). It's Chemacterility. Check it out!

"Chemacterility." Why haven't you heard the term before? Because I just made it up. But it's an amalgam of three concepts that have formed the foundation of the Duncan era in San Antonio: chemistry, character and (cap) flexibility"

Triple Threat to Power Box

2008-01-02T12:06:00.001-05:00

Coach Sfera has updated and finished his new website at Powerbox Basketball! The former Triple Threat Basketball Blog will now be found through his website. Check the links on the side. It's not just about basketball but about all the aspects of life. Check it out

"Power Box Basketball was created in order to help today's basketball player and coach develop in areas of mental preparation, physical conditioning, and relational skills all while developing a strong foundation for life on and off the court."

Thanks Coach for the Update!

New Year's Resolutions - Sugar Bowl - Local Games

2008-01-01T21:52:00.000-05:00

So with today being the First day of the year, I would think that it's only natural to set some resolutions for 2008. I think that starting new again is definitely a good thing to do. People get in a rut and stay in that rut for a long time. New Year's brings a new year and a new start. It's a chance to start over, go about things a new way, or completely reconcile things that have been hindering you.

I know the lose weight thing is always on people's minds, but I have really seen me put on weight this past year and I think it's time for me to do something about it. I am going to try and take off 20 pounds this year. I know that it will take a lot of work, but I seriously need to do something about my weight. My first step is going to be to eat smaller portions at meals and drink lots of water, cutting out all pop, soda, cola, basically anything that you can also get in a can, or a fountain drink.

My second resolution may sound weird but I am going to Man-Up on some things that I need to. Basically, step up and do what needs to be done, and not wait until later. Nip it in the bud, per se, before things accumulate to something of greater stature. This will take going outside my comfort zone, but I know that it is going to show growth.

And finally, another resolution that I am going to work on; procrastination. I wait until the last minute to do things all the time. I have found that it's not worth it. Do as much work as I can before I need to do it. I lost a lot of sleep last semester, because of stupid choices that I made.

I know that these are going to be tough for me but, I know that I need to do these things to be successful. I also know that I may not accomplish all these every time, but that I need to continue to do my best and if I have a dropoff, I know that I just need to fight it off and get back on track.

What are your resolutions?

I am watching the Georgia vs Hawaii Sugar Bowl Game right now and Hawaii is down 24 to 3. I was looking for this to be a little closer. I was hoping for a Hawaii win. I felt they weren't getting enough credit this year, but they aren't looking very good right now, but the announcers keep saying that they have had a bunch of comebacks this year. UPDATE Fumble by Brennan, recovered by UGA. I went to Hawaii in the summer of 2006 and it was an amazing experience. If anyone is thinking of going there, head to the island of Kauai. It is so peaceful and beautiful. There isn't any big city things like in Honolulu. One of the coolest things that happened to my wife and I, was when we were walking on a sidewalk in a very small town and we turn towards the road to see what was on the other side of the road, and both lanes of traffic stop for us to cross. It was the weirdest thing. I mean where in the continuous states would that happen! People on the islands are so nice and would do anything for you. Our tour guide said that there is basically no crime on the island. How weird would it be for the news to not have anything related to crime in it. What would they talk about?

Some local HS games this week-

Hendricks County Tournament - Should be very competitive

Local College Games this week -

DePauw vs Sewanee - Jan. 4

DePauw vs Oglethorpe - Jan. 6

Wabash vs Allegheny - Jan. 4

Wabash vs Hiram - Jan. 5

Marian vs Spring Arbor - Jan. 5

Rose-Hulman vs Translyvania - Jan. 5

Valpo at Butler - Jan. 5

Snowed in?

2007-12-15T18:40:00.000-05:00

I thought today was going to be a little worse, but the forecasters say that it will return around midnight tonight. So today I swung by and rented a movie that I had wanted to see for a while. 300 . I thought it was pretty good, definitely lots of blood and gore and a couple of heads being chopped off. The computer graphics were amazing and just the look and feel of the characters was really dramatic. I was really intrigued by the historical fact about the Spartans and how their fighters were raised. I also was struck by how much respect and honor they had for their king, Leonidas. They were willing to lay down their lives for him. Another thing that was really interesting was how the Spartans fought as one unit. Never branching off to attack on their own. (well except for those dramatic scenes) Staying to the plan that their leader had laid out. The way that they held their ground, and protected each other with their shields shows of the trust that they have put in each other. They all knew that they had to do their job so they could last as long as they could in the war. And they had to depend on the shield of the person standing next to them to make a wall.

I thought it would be a good movie to put some clips into your scouting film sessions with your teams. Just inbetween some game clips, to lighten the mood a little and to get the TEAM comcept across to your players. Everyone must depend on everyone to get the job done.

I have came across this quote that I like very well - it's a little off the wall but it really makes sense if you ever feel so happy that people are looking at you in a weird way.

"Happiness is like peeing your pants....everyone can see it, but only you can feel its warmth."

Have a good day and stay warm.

Thanksgiving

2007-11-20T21:31:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I was going through some clinic notes from over the summer, and came across something from Don Meyer (check link on side). He has 3 rules...

1. Learn about yourself
2. Find your unique talent and develop it
3. Give your gift away, every day

At the time, it was just something that he said that I wrote down. But looking back I can really feel the depth of them. You definitely need to fully understand yourself first. You need to know what you believe in, how you work, what your strengths are, your weaknesses, etc... Once you understand yourself, then you know what you can do and can't do, what you're good at and not good at. Once you know everything there is to know about yourself, you will be able to notice something that is unique and something that you are passionate about. Once you know what it is, then you can develop it further and it can be your mark on the world. But once you have obtained all this knowledge, it's useless if you don't give it away! Show someone else what you already know so that your knowledge starts to permeate the culture that is around you. What good is knowledge if it is not shared?
I know that over the past 3 years I have really shaped my view of basketball and life. It is something completely different than what I started with. Most of it has been formed through going to clinics, reading books, searching the internet, going to college, and just simply being around people with positive attitudes that care about the game of basketball.
Due to the fact that it is Thanksgiving weekend, here is a link to another of Coach Meyer's wonderful free handouts that deals with Thanksgiving. Handout
Happy Thanksgiving!

Team First

2007-11-08T20:32:00.000-05:00

The ultimate team player? To me it's someone that is a little surprising. When you think of a team player who do you think of? The guy who does all the dirty work, makes nice passes, will go get the offensive rebound because no one else is going to, the lock-down defender who doesn't score more than a bucket a game, the guy who will lay his body out to get a loose ball? Have an idea yet? What if I put a restraint on it and said it had to be a Major League Baseball player. Does that change the criteria for a team player? It has to be the guy who is hustling for an extra base? The outfielder who dives or hurls himself into the wall to bring back a homer? The first-baseman or catcher who lets nothing pass by them? Well, in this day and age of professional sports, does Curt Schilling make the bill? He is pretty much automatic in the post season. Which equals lots of wins. He has proved himself over and over. He pitched with a bloody sock. He should have gotten some huge deal for what he's worth right? Wrong, Schilling realized that he has made over 100 million dollars because of baseball. He knows that he is set for life. He took only 8 million for his one year deal. I know this is amazing numbers to you and I, but look at it this way; he could have got a lot more somewhere else. He chose to help out his own team, whom he loves playing for. He is letting them use his money on someone that could help his team. In this age of money and salary caps (which in baseball is there, but not there) this is a true class act. As much as Kobe claims to not have any players around him, do you think that he would take a huge pay cut to let the Lakers bring in some quality players? I am not knocking Kobe at all, he just always seems to be wanting to get out of L.A. all the time. Wouldn't it be great if all the big money guys did this? I think Phil Jackson tried to have the same salary for one of his CBA? teams. It didn't go over too well, I wonder if people thought they were actually better than they were? This would definitely be something to look in to. I am amazed at Curt Schilling for this and applaud him. Leave a comment about the same salary for every player on a team question. I think it's an interesting topic. Have a good day!

Every Day

2007-10-31T21:37:00.000-04:00

It’s been a while, so I thought that I would write a little something. The NBA season has begun; I am pretty pumped about the Pacers. I don’t know why. I just think there is a little different “air” surrounding the team. Coach O’Brien will play at a faster pace – which I think will be better suited for his personnel. When I think of coaching philosophies, I think that the best coaches always start with what they have and go from there. As a coach you have to be flexible, always changing. I don’t mean changing your philosophy, but playing to your strengths. Each person has their own strength, and the coaches that find that strength and tweak, not overhaul, their systems to utilize that particular strength always seem to have great seasons. Being in coaching for a few years, I have my own definition of a good coach or a bad coach. I think I am more impressed by a coach, who can take a team, and have those players play to their potential, than a coach who has great players and just simply stands there. I have really shaped my thoughts over the past years and I have found that winning and losing is not really important. It’s more important that you get better than you were the day before. Sure, there are going to be extremely good players that are naturally talented, but if they don’t continue to improve I don’t necessarily see them as a success. I would take a player who wants to work hard and get better every day over a player who thinks he is good enough for today. For at the end of today, is tomorrow, and if that player didn’t do something to get better yesterday, then there is no today, and inevitably, no tomorrow. As practices and teams are forming for the season, remember to do something to make yourself better everyday. Drop a comment! Have a good rest of the week!

Improving The Off-Hand

2007-08-05T08:37:00.000-04:00

I know it's been a while, but my wife and I are trying to get a side photography business up and running. There is a link on the right if you want to check it out.

Ok. This basketball topic popped into my head earlier this week and I want to share this with everyone. I think back on all the times that you see the one-handed dribbler, the player that can only dribble with his dominant hand. When you see the player going left but dribbling with his right hand, not only does it look awkward for the player, but I just get this feeling that it is going to get knocked away to the other team. So, since the player hasn't built up the confidence to use his off-hand. I have come up with some things that will help in the development of his off-hand.

1. The best way to aid in developing the off-hand would be to pick up the nice orange ball and let your left hand actually feel it for once and try to get comfortable with it.

2. Hordes of dribbling drills - the player obviously did some of them with the dominant hand but somehow forgot he had two hands. You would have to do twice as much with the off-hand to bring it back up to speed.

3. Do common everyday things with your off-hand.

a. brush your teeth with your off-hand

b. open doors with your off-hand - car doors included - and any door for a lady.

c. apply deodorant with your off-hand - hopefully you do this with your dominant on a regular basis. This one is tricky and requires a flexible elbow

d. use the TV remote with your off-hand

e. write your name with your off-hand

f. work your cell phone with your off-hand

g. try typing every letter on the keyboard with your off-hand one letter at a time.

h. eat only with your off-hand

i. this is kind of weird but when you drop a #2 - wipe with your off-hand

j. when you are reading a book hold it open with your off-hand

k. put on all your clothers with your off-hand

l. Top off your outfit with putting on a belt with your off-hand

m. If you use a calculator use it with your off-hand

n. clip your toe/finger nails with your off-hand

o. when you use scissors use your off-hand

p. when you use a knife use your off-hand - do this carefully!

q. if you wear contacts put them in with your off-hand

r. tie your shoes with your off-hand

s. if you play paintball play with your off-hand

t. brush your hair with your off-hand

u. If you're a girl and only if you're a girl, apply makeup with your off-hand

v. switch your computer mouse to the other side of the keyboard and click with your off-hand

w. open up a DVD or Playstation game case with your off-hand

x. Drink using your off-hand

y. if you play an instrument try to do it with your off-hand

z. pick up a basketball and dribble!

Basically what it comes down do is building up your confidence in your off-hand to perform as well as your dominant hand. Try to go through an entire day without using your dominant hand unless you have to. You are training your mind to treat your off-hand just the same as your dominant hand. Also, you are building up strength and hand-eye coordination.

With football, volleyball, and cross country season here, you dual sport athletes don't forget to pick up a round ball every now and then! But your mind should be on helping the team you are on to be the best that they can be and striving to give your best everyday. You are the only person who knows if you gave your best everyday - which means you are responsible for your attitude, actions, and your success. Just don't forget that what you are really doing is staying in tip top shape for the winter season :)

Drop Step Dunk

All-Star Recap, Dungy Excerpts, and Wrigley Field

2007-07-12T18:39:00.000-04:00

The Indiana East/West All-Star Games were great! The fact that they reward all four classes is an accomplishment in itself and what they are doing at http://www.postyourt.org/ is outstanding! I met Coach Mike Walker who is the director and founder of Post Your Talents, he was a very genuine man and I want to thank him for contacting me via email, it is much appreciated! On a side note, Coach Walker has laryngitis and I know he would appreciate your prayers.

Some local awards given:

David Henry - Bethesda Christian HS - 1A West Kent Benson FCA Mental Attitude Award

Tyler Bruce - Tri-West HS - 2A Game MVP

Aimee Drabyn - Avon HS - 4A West Kent Benson FCA Mental Attitude Award

Congrats to all the players that were named and congrats on you high school career and good luck as you move on.

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I have got the new Tony Dungy book, Quiet Strength, and I am going to post a little blurb from it every now and then.

"Things will go wrong at times. You can't always control circumstances. However, you can always control your attitude, approach, and response. Your options are to complain or to look ahead and figure out how to make the situation better."

I find myself getting frustrated at work a lot and then when I realize that nothing good can come of getting angry, throwing something, or punching something. I just need to find a way to counter whatever went wrong and find a new way of doing it. Which flows right into this excerpt;

"What's important is not the accolades and memories of success but the way you respond when opportunities are denied."

It's how you respond to the situation that makes you who you are!

"If I want my players to remember something, one picture isn't worth a thousand words - it's better."

When I hear this, I think of how people learn differently and how as a teacher/coach it is our job to reach each person no matter how we have to do it. I can remember in math classes getting taught that there was multiple ways to do something, basically, whichever one you could understand the easiest. If there is a student/player who is not understanding things on the court, maybe a diagram might do the trick, or a special video clip that shows exactly what he/she should be doing. Man, you see those slow-mo cameras in every instant replay now, you can see so much just by pausing and rewinding. I think there should be a ton of "classroom" work in basketball too. Breaking down things and what not. Going over not only the other team's stuff but your own. Letting the players know what you want them to accomplish through doing this particular thing. I know there is not much time that you get on the court, but this could be something pre-practice or post-practice. Just my ramblings.

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Two weekends ago was my 1 year anniversary and me and my wife took a trip to Chicago to visit the Shedd Aquarium and to the hollowed grounds of Wrigley Field. The Aquarium was amazing and can be compared to the Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg, TN. I recommend going to both of these aquariums. Ripley's was a little more hands on and touchy-feely, but I would say that the Shedd Aquarium was bigger and included an oceanarium with dolphins and whales. Pretty nifty. Then, the next day we attended the Cubbies vs. the Milwaukee Brewers in the last game of a 3-game homestand. Cubbies won 5-1! Game started with Cubs Jason Marquis getting hit in the face with a broken bat and I think that just made him mad because he was pretty good the rest of the way. Pretty Neat Experience I do have to say. One of my younger brothers is a big Cubbies fan, so he was/is mad that he didn't get to go. Lots of fun.

Oh... I don't really know how many people read this blog and I thought it would be interesting to see how many do or better yet, do not read this, so if you could just click on "View My Complete Profile" there is a little counter on there and it just adds it up. I am just looking to see how many people read this. As of right now, there have been 121 profile views. I know it won't be much, or any for that matter, but if you do take a look at this blog or somehow stumble upon it, it would be much appreciated. Thanks! and Have a Great Day! DSD

Birthday

2007-06-29T22:42:00.000-04:00

Last week was my birthday and I received a card from my parents that simply states.

"Don't think of it as another birthday. Think of it as the anniversary of the day the world was graced with your presence!"

I just thought it was just a simple card, but I got to thinking about how many people I come in contact in one day, and how many lives that can be changed by saying just one word to a person. I think of a story in one of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books about how this kid carried the books of a fellow student all the way home. The owner of the books was the typical "nobody" in school, you know the kid that gets picked last in the pick-up game at recess, the nerd, geek, smelly kid, bad home life kid, you know there is always one of them in every class. The kid that carried the books home was the well-liked kid, friend of everyone, straight-A kid. A while after this happened, the geek wrote a letter to the straight-A kid that said that night he was going to kill himself, but because he helped him, talked to him on the way home, and just showed interest in him, he chose not to take his life.

All because someone carried his books!

I think of all the times that I could have done something for someone and didn't. It's like there isn't an I almost did help. You either do it or you don't.

I am going to take the time to help the next person I can because I have no idea the impact I can have on someone, just by giving someone your attention.

Books I got from my parents for my birthday:
Every Man, God's Man - by Stephen Arterburn and Kenny Luck
Quiet Strength - Tony Dungy

I can't wait to read these and I will probably share them.

I will try to update with a little blurb from each chapter!
Have a Great Weekend!
DSD

2007 Indiana East/West All Star Game

2007-06-27T17:57:00.001-04:00

The Indiana East/West All Star Basketball Games allow 175 of Indiana's top boy and girl players to show their stuff in all four classes, 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A.

Link Here

The Third Annual Games will be held at the New Castle Fieldhouse! The largest High School Gym in the world! KENT BENSON, Games Chairman.

Congrats to all the players named!

Here's a list of all the local players who will be playing.

1A - Tiffany Lawson - Eminence
Tyler Adkisson - Eminence
Josh Neuhart - Bethesda Christian
David Henry - Bethesda Christian

2A - Kate Miller - Cascade
Katie Nease - Cascade
Jake Daugherty - Cascade
Lauran Thompson - N. Montgomery
Jessica Wiles - N. Montgomery
Mark Dunbar - Speedway
Taylor Dial - Speedway
Micheal Neese - Cloverdale
Tyler Bruce - Tri-West

3A - Julia Byrdwell - Danville

4A - Aimee Drabyn - Avon
Hillary Cheek - Avon
Allison Lutocka - Plainfield
Kayli Schafer - Mooresville
Coach - Steve Drabyn - Avon

Congrats to these seniors as it will be their final time representing their high school in competition!

DSD

Bruin Signs with Ancilla

2007-06-22T22:30:00.000-04:00

Tri-West's Marco Moses has committed to play basketball at Ancilla College.

Congrats to Marco!!

That makes 2 from TW playing college ball! (Ricks at Rose-Hulman).

Gym Floors

2007-06-21T23:45:00.000-04:00

SMU is getting a new floor in their gym reminiscent of older days with a new twist. Nice article on how things have changed. I imagine many floors will be made anew with the addition of the new 3-Point arc.

What is your favorite court of all time? I am partial to old school looking courts, like Indiana's but the lane needs to be filled with red. I also like to have the schools mascot as big as you can get it between the two 3-point lines. But, my all-time favorite court had to be Temple's. Those owl wings just intimidate me, or maybe it's the black inside the 3 point lane. I don't know but that had to be the coolest home court! I don't think it's still painted like that, but I definitely think they should bring it back. The picture is the only one I could find.

Locally, I really like South Putnam's Floor with the big eagle airbrushed pretty big. (oh by the way that is me in the picture on the left closest to the eagle) I like Cascade's because of the black painted lanes. Danville's doesn't have any volleyball lines on it, so I always thought they meant business on the court kind of like, volleyball season is over so let's play ball. New Castle's is simple but it has the cool wood. It's also the biggest high school gym in the U.S. Here's about it. I also like Eminence's gym floor because it has those real little boards in it I also am a big fan of DePauw University's floor. It is very old school but I am really drawn to the black 2 foot outlines around the court. It looks like the Pacers' court, only better. I am also in favor of the two toned stains that are being used in the a lot of the NBA arenas. I think it adds a nice touch.

Let me know what your favorite floor is.

Also, still on the Coach Hep loss, I read something on him that he one of his motto's was
"Have a Plan, Work the Plan, Plan for the Unexpected." I love this. You definitely need to have a plan in anything you do, and you mush carry that plan out, and while your plan is going on, there most certainly will be road blocks in it that you didn't account for that you must plan ahead for. Obviously, Hep's unexpected block was the fact that he happened to get brain cancer. But he planned for it because of the legacy that he left behind. I am sure that every one who came in contact knew Hep's plan and that plan was to touch as many lives as he could in the pursuit of living a Godly life and passing on the character traits to be a man of God. You can hear it in the voices and words of his former players of how much he meant to them.

In Hep's words, "Have a Plan, Work the Plan, Plan for the Unexpected."

Have a Great Weekend, I think we are going to be getting some much needed rain!!

DSD.

Local Honors, Awards, Commitments

2007-06-20T20:44:00.000-04:00

Liz Bondi, of DePauw University, in Greencastle was named the Division III Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year. Following a year in which she won an individual national championship in tennis and was an all-American forward on the national championship basketball team, DePauw's Liz Bondi has been named the Honda Division III Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year.

Gordon Hayward, of Brownsburg HS, verbally committed to play basketball at Butler U. Indy Star

Tyler Bruce, of Tri-West HS, was named the Indy Star's Suburban Athlete of the Year.

Coach Hep Passes

2007-06-20T20:07:00.000-04:00

Terry Hoeppner, head coach at Indiana University passed away on Tuesday morning. I don't personally know Coach Hep at all, but I can honestly tell you that he meant more to Indiana University and the state of Indiana than anyone really knows. Here was a man who was changing the landscape of Indiana football, and fighting like crazy to instill in everyone how to do things the right way. From the traditions that he started to reach out to the community, most notably, "The Walk." Which was when the entire team would walk from Assembly Hall through parking lots down to Memorial stadium through a long line of people just to shake hands and chat on the way to the game. Obviously, there is a lot of coverage in Indiana about Coach Hep right now and every time I see a replay of some of the "Walks" he is right there with all the players, shaking hands with everyone that he can see. He wanted to get the community support and people to the games. He wanted to bring IU football back to bowl games, and eventually a trip to the Rose Bowl. You could see it in him. It wasn't like he did it just to schmooze people, he was real. Real enough that if I was going to go play football, I would have wanted to play for Hep. The nickname that he gave to Memorial Stadium was "The Rock." He wanted to always protect and defend "The Rock." The thing that I take away from that is that you have to have your priorities in line at home, and in your surroundings for it to carry beyond the walls of the stadium or locker room. You can see that Hep was the same no matter where he was, whether it be on the sideline or in a press conference. He wanted everyone to be a part of what he was doing, because "Coach Hep Wants You."

The state of Indiana lost a well respected man this week. Please be in prayers for the Hoeppner family, the team, and Indiana University.

Last night, on one of the Local News channels they interviewed some of the players and Josiah Sears, a FB, said that he will remember one saying that Coach Hep would say and that is "Never Give Up."

I think that most people know where Hep headed, but I will quote Brent Glasgow from the Hendricks County Flyer in which he said, "Although he wasn’t able to lead the Hoosiers to the promised land, if there is a place called Heaven, I know Terry Hoeppner will be there."

Image Courtesy of Indiana University.

Think about this...

2007-06-16T13:47:00.000-04:00

I don't really know if Jay Leno wrote this, but either way it is incredibly good, We do have something wonderful right here and people are failing to realize how incredibly good we have it. I mean I am writing this... and hopefully something is reading, but how many countries can't do this because of their government's rules. We all need to be thankful for what we have.

Jay Leno wrote this; it's the Jay Leno we don't often see.... "The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3s of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What we are so unhappy about?'' Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year? Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes , an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have , and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here. I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day. Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig. So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells , and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane! Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative." "With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?" Jay Leno

Congrats to the Spurs! TV Ratings, Sideline Reporters

2007-06-16T11:25:00.002-04:00

The San Antonio Spurs were crowned NBA champs on Thursday night. Read Coach Finamore's blog about San Antonio stuff. It's in the Basketball Links on the right side. He hits the nail right square on the head when talking about the Spurs. This truly is an amazing team to watch.

Because TV ratings are down, ABC/ESPN seemed to always try to find a way to bring in the audiences. This year it was Eva Longoria. How many times did they film her just cheering?! Or when at the end Tony Parker and Longoria ran, hugged, and kissed!! It's like they were trying to make as much drama as they possibly could. No use getting all the other players' emotions, we have to get this shot of when Parker and Longoria kiss! I know, I know, there are plenty of guys who like seeing her, but honestly the only people watching at this point were pure basketball people, not the moms and wives longing to see if Eva and Tony would kiss. I love the Dan Patrick Radio show, but you can't ask a guy if he's nervous about his wedding on national TV? And another thing about the sideline reporters, they need to come up with another question beyond, "What are you feeling at this moment?" I mean how do you think he feels. He just won a championship! I don't think he feels down, or cheated, or depressed, or sad. I can answer that question simply as, "They all feel elated, or wonderful, or happy, or the perfect words are ' Michelle, there are no words to descibe it!'" I just think that everyone already knows how they are feeling, so there shouldn't be an interview. But if the player turns it down then the Media gets mad because you didn't answer their question and then Dan Patrick talks about you on his show. While I am on this topic of Sideline reporters, I think we can go away from talking to the coaches who are behind in the score at halftime as they are running away to the locker room. It usually goes something like this:

Sideline Reporter: "Coach, your defense gave up 20 fast break points in the first half.

What are you going to do get your team back in it?"

Coach: "Well, we need to get back on defense in a more timely manner in order to stop the break, we'll see how we come out in the second half.

What the Coach was thinking: "Well, we need to get back on defense a whole lot faster or we're running suicedes tomorrow, who is this lady, maybe jam the rebounder a little bit, to stop the outlet pass, I love running and talking at the same time, and hit some more baskets so they actually have to take it out of bounds to start their break, why is this lady talking to me, I have to sacrifice some of my offensive players to get my defensive stopper in the game, I am out of breath, water please, Talk to my assistant next time would ya"

I just don't see any point in the whole "talk to the coach as he's running to the locker room" interview. Maybe you have a different point of view, post a comment, but the questions are so vague and the coach gives vague answers because he actually has a team to coach and get ready for the second half. I think they should just not have the sideline reporters. But I guess, those brain stimulating questions that they ask, stir the mind of casual fans, so I guess there is a part for them but I just don't like them. They just ask questions that are rhetorical and anyone who is watching the game could probably answer them anyway.

Leave comment or email!

Have a great weekend!

Hebron Names Woman Head Boys' Coach

2007-06-16T11:17:00.000-04:00

Brenda Drook has been named the Head Boys' Coach at Hebron High. She been the Boys' JV Coach for the past 13 seasons, and also the Head Girls' Volleyball coach for the past 5. She becomes the first woman to lead a boys varsity team in the state of Indiana!

Congrats to Coach Drook and to a successful season!!

"If it was any other woman, I might not agree with the (hiring), but because it's Drook -- and I've played for her before -- I think we'll be fine,'' Elliott said. "She made us better. The way she pushes every person to do their best makes it a good decision.'' - from nwi.com

Rodger Ward Jr. Article

2007-06-11T16:55:00.000-04:00

I have met Rodger Ward Jr. many times. My grandma is close friends with him. He is the son of two time Indy 500 champ Rodger Sr. I can not remember anyone who looked at life with such an amazing point of view as he does. I am a pretty happy-go-lucky guy myself, and nothing really gets me upset, but Rodger's positive attitude is something amazing. I don't think he has ever had a bad day in his life. This article from the Hendricks County Flyer from May 23 I read, but didn't have the time to post about it. Rodger never really got into racing and following his dad's footsteps, but he felt the call of ministry and never looked back. I have heard him preach many times and not one time did I not laugh hysterically and at the same time take away an amazing and wonderful message from Christ through Rodger. At the end of this article there is a quote from Will Rogers that says, "If you find a job that you like, you will never work another day in your life." I think that is so true. If you are at a job where you feel like it's actually work and it doesn't delight you to go in every morning, then you should definitely think seriously about being there. Rodger is an amazing man and I am truly blessed to know him.

DSD

Drop a note, dropstepdunkblog@yahoo.com

A couple HS all-star games this week. I know there are some local players out there playing, I just need to post about them.

New Danville Girls Coach

2007-06-11T16:47:00.000-04:00

Terry Hammons has been named the new Girls' Head Coach at Danville.

Terry Hammons has 26 years of experience coaching boys’ golf at Danville Community High School, but when the girls’ basketball season tips off in November, he will be a rookie all over again. Continue - Story from Hendricks County Flyer

Congrats to Coach Hammons.

O'Brien's In for the Pacers

2007-06-02T10:14:00.000-04:00

Jim O'Brien has been hired as the new coach of the Pacers. He has a winning record from his stints in Philly and Boston. I find it odd that they would go after O'Brien instead of a young guy. But his focus will be on discipline and organization. Maybe the plan is to bring the Pacers back into contention and then bring in someone else. Who knows.... and who knows what Larry Bird's next move is next. I think there is going to be a lot of moves this summer and Bird is usually one to keep things under wraps until a news conference, ie. see the Jim O'Brien hire. He wasn't even a name mentioned at all by the Indy Star or even asked for a second interview. But I do have to say that the way Bird does things secretly is for the good of everyone. He wouldn't be able to get anything done at all. He is just that way. Good Luck to the Pacers and this summer as there will probably be lots of moves and trades. I look for them to trade Jermaine O'Neal for a contender in Western Conference and Jamaal Tinsley to anyone who will take him.

Drop a Note and be in prayers for Coach P at HoopScoop.
Have a Great Day!

DSD

Ricks signs with Rose-Hulman

2007-05-29T09:53:00.000-04:00

Steve Ricks of Tri-West High has chosen to play basketball at Rose-Hulman. He helped the Bruins to a 2 year record of 37-9. Congrats, Steve.

Memorial Day

2007-05-29T00:40:00.000-04:00

This being Memorial Day, which is set aside to remember those who have paid the price for our freedom, I have uploaded a picture of a barn that is being built down the road from my house that to me sums up Memorial Day for me. It doesn't matter what you're doing, you're doing it because your're free to do it because someone laid down their life for you. Whoever is building this barn is truly indebted to the lives lost so that he can build his barn and live as he/she is and most importantly will live, because of the sacrifices made.

Take a minute and remember and thank those who have served, are serving, and maybe one day will serve in the armed forces.

Whether you like that we are at war in Iraq or not, the fact is that we are, and if you don't want to stand behind our troops, then stand in front of them. I am not leaning one way or the other but the troops are fighting a war that no one is supporting. It would be like playing a basketball game without any fans. No one to celebrate after a big win or no one to cry with after a tough loss. It's like when you see the soccer teams play over in Europe without any fans because they have lost their right to cheer. Well, I don't think we lost our right, we just stopped cheering.

dsd

Stan, Not the Man

2007-05-24T23:40:00.000-04:00

Stan Van Gundy withdrew his name from the Indiana Pacers head coaching vacancy yesterday, stating that he didn't want to move his family here from Miami. I mean seriously why would anyone want to move to Indiana from Miami. Which brings me to the point of; If he knew that he didn't want to move his family here in the first place.... interesting? .... Orlando is in Florida...Pacers don't get any first round picks.... no chance at a big name... interesting... seems fishy. Kind of like how he resigned so Pat Riley could just slide in and take the Heat to a NBA Championship.

Names still being mentioned for the job are (courtesy of Indy Star)

Jim Boylan - Bulla Asst.
Chuck Person - Pacers Asst.
Johnny Davis - Pacers Asst.
Brian Shaw - Lakers Asst.

New Pacers Coach? Last 4 Teams. LeBron and the Pass or no Pass.

2007-05-22T20:01:00.000-04:00

Early reports are saying the Stan Van Gundy is the new man in Indy. I think it's a very good hire and should suit the classful organization of the Pacers.

I love watching the Final four teams that are in the NBA Playoffs. TV ratings are down and I could care less. These last four teams actually "play" basketball. There is no one-on-one, fancy stuff, just mostly pure basketball. I also love Timmy Duncan. I think he might wine a little bit now and then, but show me another player that can bank any shot the way he does!!

I also stole this from Method to the Madness blog by coach Steve Finamore (that I will link soon.) - How can people complain about the last four teams in the playoffs. They all play good fundamental basketball and then people complain that they don't want to watch it because it is boring. People would rather see high-flying alley-oops, deep threes, and fastbreak dunks then fundamental basketball. I agree to the casual fan it might not be that exciting, but for people who really enjoy basketball this is the best! I also don't think that the people mentioned before, I will call them showboaters for the sake of this blog, can't complain about the USA Basketball program not being able to play team ball. It's ridicoulous. The people that complain now shouldn't be allowed to complain later this summer when Team USA gets together and loses because their favorite players aren't playing fundamental basketball, because I bet that Spurs, Jazz, Pistons, and maybe the Cavs could take on any of the other country teams and win. But that brings up the point that the Spurs and Jazz have many foreign players on them and they should win because they play fundamental basketball. And if that's the case then why aren't people watching?!

Oh, and LeBron did the right thing to pass to Donyell Marshall. Why?... he's a fundamental basketball player.

Till Next Time.
Drop a Note.

New Link

2007-05-22T19:47:00.000-04:00

I added a link to Coach P's Blog to the links section.

MensBasketballHoopScoop.blogspot.com

Take a look if you're a coach because he can definitely help you!!

DSD

Brownsburg Names New Girls' Coach

2007-05-22T19:23:00.000-04:00

The 1991 graduate of Brownsburg High School, Amy Brauman was named the new Bulldogs head varsity girls coach at her alma mater. She had been an assistant with the Bulldogs from 00-06 and a former IUPUI assistant coach. Last year the Bulldogs went 5-17, but return an Indiana Junior All-star in Lauren Taylor.

Mid-Con to Summit, and Valpo to Horizon

2007-05-15T22:56:00.000-04:00

The Mid-Continent Conference has changed its name and has added a few new teams and dropped an in-state university. The conference will now be called The Summit League. The name is to reflect not only reaching the top in athletics, but in academics as well. I think this is a good step in the right direction for schools to use, especially all the rule changes and how graduation rates now figure into how many scholarships a school may be able to give out. The teams that now will make up The Summit League will be IUPUI, Centenary, IPFW, UMKC, North Dakota State, Oakland, Oral Roberts, South Dakota State, Southern Utah, and Western Illinois. I think the biggest hurt will be that Valparaiso will now be leaving and joining the Horizon League, which includes Butler. Valpo and IUPUI seemed to always be a nice in-state rival and the games were always pretty good. But, on the the other hand IPFW now joins and now IUPUI gets another in-state rival. I like the change but hard to understand Valpo changing to the Horizon. We'll see how it pans out.

Lady Cadet Signs with Saint Mary-of-the-Woods

2007-05-12T11:55:00.000-04:00

Congrats to Kaiti Nease as she will be furthering her career at Saint Mary of-the-Woods College in Terre Haute. Kaiti and the Cascade Cadets captured a sectional title this year. She is second from the right. She also happens to be one of the Top Ten in her graduating class.

photo courtesty of Hendricks County Flyer

Recap from the IBCA Clinic, and a Sad Loss

2007-05-10T19:21:00.000-04:00

First off, I wanted to say thanks to ESPN 950 AM for the link from their site. It is greatly appreciated.

To recap the IBCA Coach's Clinic. - I am only going to highlight the college coaches that I saw in person. I think that every coach that spoke, including all the high school coaches, I can definitely take something from. I appreciated the contributions to the game that these coaches give back every year. To me it says a lot when someone tells everyone else how they are successful.

Steve Ridder, Embry-Riddle University - He had a section focusing on the 6 things you need to do to win close games. He called them the Super 6!

1. With 2-3 minutes to go don't let them score. Take pride in stopping someone when it really counts.
2. Have a Go-To-Play. The opponent probably knows what it is. But you have to have one that your players know they can execute with their eyes closed.
3. Make all Free Throws under 3 minutes.
4. Game Management - The ability to know what to do when to do it in the closing minutes. Like when to call a timeout, who to foul, substitutions to make for special situations
5. No turnovers - pretty simple - but if you don't have the ball, you can't score
6. Offensive rebound put backs on the last second shot - try to take the last second shot with enough time left to be able to crash the offensive glass, get a stick back and win or tie.

I did enjoy Coach Ridder's section. He was very enthusiastic and you could tell he really enjoyed sharing how he is successful.

Don Meyer, Northern State University - This was the first time that I have heard Coach Meyer speak before. I have been to his site, coachmeyer.com and I can not recommend it more to anyone. The things that he gives out are amazing and are not just about basketball. You can tell that he really cares about his players, and definitely other players because of his own clinics. I think that he would rather develop them as people more than basketball players. To me that speaks a ton. He had brought a ton of handouts to pass out to all the coaches. What surprised me more than anything was the fact that the things that he handed out had more to do with life, having good attitudes, being a team player, and quotes, than they did with basketball. I think that it great and I hope that I have the opportunity to hear him speak again.

Kevin McKenna, Indiana State U. - Coach McKenna filled in coach Rick Majerus. Majerus took the St. Louis job on teh same night that he was going to speak. I was really looking forward to hearing Majerus talk about his 4-out-1-in motion offense. Mainly because I am familiar with the 4 out 1 in and wanted to hear some new wrinkles to the system. Enough about that, I really enjoyed hearing Coach McKenna talk about his motion offense that he is bringing then tweaking from Creighton. I think this offense would definitely be suited for the team without a big towering center. I think that it fits right in in the Missouri Valley Conf. The one thing that I did notice was that it has the same two man game as the Triangle Offense, (see below). I am glad that he was able to fill in, but it just enhanced my knowledge of the game of basketball because he brought something that I had never seen before.

Shoot me an email or drop a note. Definitely check out the Coach Meyer site and the Free Handouts and all the corners.

I just found out tonight that a really good friend and coach will probably be hanging up his whistle this year. His new job is not allowing for him to continue in teaching players what it takes to be great, on and off the court. I have never been around someone like him who could get across to the players what he wanted to say so that they would understand it in one sentence. The players always looked up to him (I know I did) and I feel proud to have been coached by and coached alongside him. I definitely look up to him and I find it hard that I won't see him on the sidelines anymore. Like I said, I think of him more of a friend than a coach. He will sorely be missed. But I am sure that his family will definitely reap the benefits of having a husband and dad back at home. Thank You, Coach.

The Future of the Pacers and IBCA Coaches Clinic

2007-04-14T12:49:00.000-04:00

I particularly don't watch much pro basketball, but I do catch a Pacers game every now and then. I can't really decide what I want to happen to the Pacers. So, what I am going to talk about is the fact that no matter what everyone else is saying and complaining about, they are still playing and trying to win games. To me that shows that they want to continue the winning ways of the organization and that they don't want to "tank" the rest of the season. In April, they have gone 4-3, which doesn't sound like much but they have doubled the win total from March when they went 2-14. I think that is definitely a bright thing. Also, they might get in the playoffs with an 8th seed. I think every program goes through its tough times, but there is always light at the end the tunnel and the Pacers are making the right moves. I don't think a franchise has been through more in a three year span than the Pacers have.

I am getting fired up to go the IBCA Coach Clinic. Rick Majerus will be speaking about his 4 out 1 in motion offense. Don Meyer, the 5th all-time winningest coach in college history, Northern State University, will speak about "The best things he has seen in basketball." Steve Ridder of Embry Riddle University will speak about "building a special program." Sharon Versyp, Purdue University womens' coach, will also speak. And many, many high school coaches will also speak, demonstrate, and share their knowledge on the wonderful game of basketball.

Every year this clinic has some of the best coaches and continues to be the world's largest basketball coaches association.

Drop a note.

Triangle Offense

2007-04-08T21:02:00.000-04:00

I have really taken an interest into the famed Triangle Offense (aka Triple-Post offense or Sideline Triangle offense). The coach who is most widely associated with it is the nine-time NBA champ Phil Jackson of the Lakers, and formerly with the Chicago Bulls. The coach who is labeled to be the most instrumental on getting it into the NBA is Tex Winter. Tex used it in the college ranks when he was the head coach at Kansas State. Jackson picked it up when they were both assisants on the Bulls and fell in love with the unselfishness of the offense. Phil also liked the offense because it lets the defense dictate what the offense will do. Due to the fact that Jackson is usually entitled the Zen Master, it fits perfectly into his coaching philosophy of oneness. I think that the triangle offense is perfectly suited for the NBA and college teams, but I wonder about using it in the high school level. I do like the fact that it really leaves the playmaking up to the players to decide, but at the high school level, can players remember what to do. I do think that the best part of the offense is the fact that it lets kids "play basketball" not "run to a spot, screen for this guy, go here, screen again, move here, watch the best player shoot, go attack to get the rebound, play defense, come back down on offense, and do the same thing again." I think it lets the players actually learn about and how to read the defense to get scoring opportunities. You can also use it versus a zone. It also is very unpredictable which makes it very difficult to scout.

Key Points of the Triangle.

Spacing - All players are be 15-18 feet from each other. This keeps the floor spread to allow for penetration, and makes it hard to double the post.

Formation of the triangle - Typically the triangle is formed by the point guard in the corner, the post man on the block, and a forward on the wing. The point of the triangle is to get it into the post and make the defense adjust and make them decide what they are going to do to combat the post man. Once the ball goes into the post, the options are open as to how the defense is going to play.

Line of Deployment - This is the term that Winter uses for the position of the center and the ballside forward. They should both be on an imaginary line at a 45 degree angle coming from the basket.

Formation of the two-man game - The two man game is formed on the weak side with a guard at the top of the key and the power forward somewhere along the lane lines opposite the ball, typically called the high post. Winter will call it the pinch post. There are a ton of options out of the two-man game.

We could go on and on put here are some links that are extremely good for understanding the triangle. I suggest looking at the diagrams first before looking at the YouTube videos. I think that will help in learning and you will pick up on what Jackson and Winter are talking about.

Fran Fraschilla -
Hoop Tactics
Jes-Soft.com

Youtube videos - these videos are amazing and very, very insightful.

Phil Jackson/Tex Winter explain Triangle Part 1
Phil Jackson/Tex Winter explain Triangle Part 2
Phil Jackson/Tex Winter explain Triangle Part 3
Phil Jackson/Tex Winter explain Triangle Part 4
Phil Jackson/Tex Winter explain Triangle Part 5

Henry Abbott's True Hoop Blog that talks about it.

Tex Winter wrote a book in the 1960 that has been reprinted and is great. I have it and have learned a ton. It's call The Triple-Post Offense (Sideline Triangle).

I would also really really like to have this set of DVDs on the triangle offense. Maybe I should ask for it from my wife for my birthday. The Encyclopedia of the Triangle Offense

That's all for now... Leave a comment for discussion. Later.

Stevens In at Butler

2007-04-04T23:31:00.000-04:00

Brad Stevens will be the new coach at Butler. They kept it in the family and hopefully he will continue the "Butler Way." He is young but definitely a good pick. Plus if there are any problems a former Butler coach is there to ask for advice (Barry Collier). Good Luck to Stevens and Butler.

College Coaching Carousel

2007-04-04T22:23:00.000-04:00

At this time of the year, there is always a buzz about the coaching changes and who is leaving and who is going to replace the leaver. Here locally, Butler coach, Todd Lickliter, resigned and took the vacant job the former Hoosier, Steve Alford, left for New Mexico. I find both of these moves very intriguing. Alford has been under a lot of scrutiny in Iowa and to me it seemed that he just wanted to get away and start over. I don't blame him. He didn't get the Indiana recruits that most figured he would get. But honestly, why would anyone want to go to Iowa to play basketball anyway? The Alford move gave way for Lickliter who has had two Sweet Sixteen appearances at a mid-major university in the past 4 years. I think that says a lot but I don't understand the move. Why go to a school who has been in the bottom of the Big Ten for a while and Steve Alford couldn't even get good players to go there. I would think that a job in the Horizon League would be a whole lot better. I was also shocked about the Lickliter hire because Lickliter's son is still in high school here in Indy and I am pretty sure he has at least one more year left. I would have thought that he would stay until he graduated.

These are just my thoughts and wonder if anyone has some comments on them.

Champs, Again

2007-04-02T23:37:00.000-04:00

Florida repeats as I didn't see happening. 85-74. Oden has a great game, 25 and 12. Conley carries them throughout, but gets no help whatsoever from any other Buckeye not named Greg. The Buckeyes couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. They were 4-23 from behind the arc. Corey Brewer was good but the MOP should have been Oden. I think that it should have went to Oden even though he was on the losing team. There is no way that Brewer was more outstanding than Oden was. He held Noah, Horford, Richard, and Speights to 35 points. He also played 38 minutes. Besides Horford was better than Brewer even was scoring more points, grabbing more rebounds, dishing more assists, and had 1 more block. The only stat that Brewer had that was higher than Horford's were steals.

The Buckeyes just couldn't contain the outside shooting of Humphey, Green, and Brewer. They got uncontested looks and you just can't do that. Humphrey, the all-time 3-point leader in the NCAA tournament, was left wide open on many occasions.

Good game, but Florida was definitely the better team tonight. OSU couldn't get within 6 points and when they got that close, the Gators would just put on a run to get it back to 11 or 12.

Champion Game Set

2007-04-01T16:03:00.000-04:00

Well, the Final Four Championship game is set with defending champs Florida, taking on Ohio State. I had one game right, OSU, and one wrong, UCLA.

In game one. It came down to executing and Mike Conley gets the ball to the correct people at the correct time. Oden and Hibbert were in foul trouble most of the game. I would lean toward Hibbert playing the overall better game. I would also give him the edge because he can step out and shoot. Oden has never played anyone bigger than him before and I think that Hibbert really got the best of Oden. When it was just one-on-one in the post Oden looked like he struggled to get off shots, and Hibbert looked as if he could make a move and shoot a nice shot. Hibbert did miss a lot, but it seemed to come easier to him. Green for Georgetown was a non-factor throughout the whole game. For being the Big East player of the year, he didn't take any initiative and try to score.

In game two. UCLA's defense in the first 5 minutes or so was outstanding. The only problem was that they couldn't score offensively and the score was 6-5 after 7 minutes or so. UCLA got into foul trouble and some reserves got a lot of minutes and Florida was ahead by 6 at the half. At the start of the second half, Florida came out firing from three land and Humphrey was lights out. His first two shots were pretty much uncontested. I have no idea how you let him have open looks but UCLA did and he hit them. I think I would have not doubled and made Horford and Noah beat them instead of letting Brewer and Humphrey nail threes. Afflalo and Collison did their best impression of Green from Georgetown and didn't score until at least 10 minutes to go in the second half. Another interesting thing I noticed was that Noah is a horrible Free Throw shooter and whenever UCLA wound foul him, it would be more of a love tap and Noah would make the layup. To me it seems like they should have just not let him get the shot off and made him earn it from the line.

Prediction for Monday Night - The key for both teams will be the perimeter guys. I give the edge to Florida, simply because they have been in the championship before. But I also give a nod to Ohio State because of their bench play and the high school experience of Oden and Conley (3 state championships). I think that Oden can play Noah and Horford one-on-one and that will allow OSU's backcourt to not double and stay locked on to their men. Taurean Green, of Florida, is coming off a lot of turnovers against UCLA. OSU will not pressure as much as UCLA will but the matchup of Conley and Green should be an interesting one. I am picking the Buckeyes to upset the repeat of the Gators. OSU by 4. MOP = Conley/Oden.

Plus I am tired of the chest pumping Noah.

Final Four Picks

2007-03-31T17:33:00.000-04:00

Today, the 2 Final Four games will be played and I am ready to make my picks. In game one, Ohio State will take on Georgetown in a matchup of good teams with domination centers. Hibbert for Gtown and Oden for OSU. I think OSU will play a zone to cut down on the athleticness of Georgetown and their backdoor cuts out of the patented Princeton offense. I think Conley will keep the Buckeyes in it with his drives and dishes to either Oden or Lewis on the perimeter. With Ohio State playing a zone it leaves lots of opportunities for offensive rebounds for the Hoyas. Also, I don't think that OSU has a guy that can matchup with Green for Gtown. I look for Ohio State to win by 3.

In the second game, the defending champion Florida Gators take on the UCLA Bruins in a matchup of last years championship game. I look for three-point shooting to be the key to the Florida attack. I think that Mata for UCLA will avenge his poor play in last years game. He is going to make it hard for Horford and Noah to get it going. He plays physical and will push Horford and Noah off the block. Noah doesn't have to be guarded out beyond 10 feet because he can't knock that down. The catch is if Florida can knock down open threes because their post guys will get doubled and they will kick it out. I look for UCLA to pull this one out being carried by Afflalo, Shipp, and Collison and send the champs home. UCLA by 3.

We'll see how it goes down. Should be great games.