tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22357804547897116762024-02-19T13:21:54.828-05:00Dif's World of BasketballUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-72234854883480196782010-05-16T17:53:00.001-04:002010-05-16T17:53:46.691-04:00New Home<a href="http://difblog.wordpress.com/">To continue following, click here!</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-86939834916906514332010-04-28T14:46:00.004-04:002010-04-28T14:51:37.295-04:00Seven Key Concepts All Point Guards Should KnowCame across this article today, which is written off a speech given by Dena Evans, former point guard at the University of Virginia.<br /><br />Dena uses an acronym to describe the seven keys - RACECAR.<br /><br />R A - Race the ball from Arc to arc.<br /><br />C - Control<br /><br />E - Eagerly hunt the paint<br /><br />C - Cleverness<br /><br />A - Arrum which is play on "air 'em"<br /><br />R - Reminders (My favorite)<br /><br />Here's the link - <a href="http://bit.ly/8ZcqYV">http://bit.ly/8ZcqYV</a> -- HIGHLY SUGGEST TO READ FULL ARTICLE!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-39189509846475888262010-04-26T20:11:00.003-04:002010-04-26T20:22:48.814-04:00Steve Nash Showing Us All How To Be Better Teammates<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HUWtd6grBNhyphenhyphenZouudlag1yy-wcOYR9SnCniLxxWBKO4LPgS_yxOrNA4Fp3Gm3UxHMHINJbQYEpme73S2iGDJudzzKPFtl9OwMg1POS15XoBfMYFD1ozRBe37Wlou5tCobhf-CkH4GAo/s1600/nash.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 218px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464605623735093186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HUWtd6grBNhyphenhyphenZouudlag1yy-wcOYR9SnCniLxxWBKO4LPgS_yxOrNA4Fp3Gm3UxHMHINJbQYEpme73S2iGDJudzzKPFtl9OwMg1POS15XoBfMYFD1ozRBe37Wlou5tCobhf-CkH4GAo/s320/nash.jpg" /></a>Something I’ve noticed with some of the U17 and U19 soccer teams I train is their lack of interaction on the field, by way of communication, encouragement and just general “feel goodedness” (for lack of a better term) about playing the game of soccer with each other.<br /><br />We as coaches are constantly striving to build team chemistry. Chemistry is a hard thing to define and you know it when you have it. I’ve been on some teams that I felt had good to great team chemistry and I recently discovered at an alumni game, that that chemistry doesn’t go away, even after a few years having gone by without seeing said teammates.<br /><br />So what can you do as a player to be a better teammate and build more team chemistry? There may be no easy answer, but I would like to point you all in the direction of an <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/15442/how-many-steve-nash-high-fives-per-game">article recently published on ESPN’s basketball blog, Truehoop</a>.<br /><br />The article and video is about Steve Nash and the amount of high fives he gives to teammates during a game. Though the video is done in a manner to be a little bit silly and poke fun at Nash slightly, the lessons are there for the taking.<br /><br />Nash is quite an interesting NBA player. Definitely cut from a different mold than the typical NBA player, Nash can teach everyone involved in sports a thing or two about leadership and being a good teammate. For further proof of this, I encourage you to read the chapter about Steve Nash in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Art-Beautiful-Game-Thinking-Illustrated/dp/1439110212">Chris Ballard’s book “The Art of a Beautiful Game,”</a> and this <a href="http://hoopscoach.wordpress.com/2010/04/16/you-must-learn/">other article about Nash by Coach Steve Finamore</a>.<br /><br />A simple thing like handing out high-fives after good <em>and</em> bad plays (maybe more important the bad) can go a long way in helping someone’s confidence and overall team camaraderie. Keep the lessons coming Nashy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-44716664177029912492010-04-20T12:35:00.007-04:002010-04-20T17:30:02.306-04:00LeBron Posterizes James Johnson But Gets Help From VarejaoIt's been a while since I've posted, but now with the NBA playoffs in full gear, I'm hoping to get some more posts up.<br /><br />What I'm going to try is to pick out a play or two from a game and sort of break down some of the X's and O's of the play.<br /><br />The first one I'm highlighting is LeBron James' monster throw down against the Bulls last night in Game Two.<br /><br />Now LBJ does a lot of things right on this play. He's a superhuman athlete and really doesn't need the help of his teammates on most plays, he made that pretty clear last night. But if you watch closely there is a subtle assist from Anderson Varejao on this spectacular play.<br /><br />Notice in the picture below: As LeBron gets isolated, the Bulls help defenders (mainly Joakim Noah and Luol Deng) are both in good position to help and seem like they are anticipating having to help.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462333780708370754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnfp3tNmXeGmmmz1kQeWdMiIjjHVlFwKCKIHJoouNDSnMOwprYt5PNZagd_8WQFi1SSk2y2_TpOUXC9OZqjDASc2gm-ZiRQCccH8a1JFQts1uTs1BJCOBGotL0lZfqcG7RGEAMIzQpFQ/s320/jameshelp.jpg" /><br />Now, right before LeBron begins his move, Anderson Varejao flashes from the weakside to the center of the rim, seemingly to make himself available as an option for LeBron to pass to. Based on the timing of James' move in correspondance with Varejao's flash, I think this was only done to "seal" off Noah who would be trying to protect the rim on James dunk attempt.<br /><br />The rest is done by James, who gets unbelievable seperation on a jab and rip through move. Secondly the elevation and ferocity with which he threw down that dunk makes me think that Noah was lucky he wasn't able to come over as a help defender. Knowing the kind of player Noah is and that he wouldn't back down from a challenge, he would have probably attempted to block that shot, and it would have been Noah and James Johnson on a poster, instead of just Johnson.<br /><br />Here's how the play turned out in real time.<br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/l8GALC1METo&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/l8GALC1METo&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-37355947371458879412009-12-20T01:45:00.002-05:002009-12-20T01:45:46.290-05:00WILL BE BACK - STAY TUNED!Will be back in March for hoops blogging - stay tuned!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-51005668275804724712009-09-29T00:23:00.003-04:002009-09-29T00:34:27.439-04:00Gilbert Arenas - Common Sense<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKetiJjsNARAe2CjNRgXnOEfd3fiJi8Dl26i48Yk9yqhyphenhyphenBtWUtkpsmlzposV86W3SLQMpvh3P8XPYTv-5PtH8gsoBHajUi3zkk9FPGGB_buiR0WvaOY6fVOzt2HqWEt8YknCfYXXymbw/s1600-h/gil.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 146px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386743034385091810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKetiJjsNARAe2CjNRgXnOEfd3fiJi8Dl26i48Yk9yqhyphenhyphenBtWUtkpsmlzposV86W3SLQMpvh3P8XPYTv-5PtH8gsoBHajUi3zkk9FPGGB_buiR0WvaOY6fVOzt2HqWEt8YknCfYXXymbw/s320/gil.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I'm not usually one to criticize players or writers, but I did notice this today and felt compelled to put something down.<br /><br />Now I've always been a fan of Gilbert Arenas, the player that is. He heats up quick and he plays with a fearlessness that I love.<br /><br />A few years ago I came across <a href="http://my.nba.com/forum.jspa?forumID=400032200&start=0">Gil's blog</a> and became a fan of Gilbert Arenas, the personality. He's quirky, pretty well spoken and entertaining. Plus, who can forget his sweet <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Giw8rKT4Dg">Adidas commercial</a> about nobody believing in him, and proving doubters wrong. I love that he embodied that.<br /><br />But, injuries mounted and production on the court slowed and Gilbert's act began running stale. Well that brings us to this year and a (hopefully) healthy Gilbert Arenas.<br /><br />At the Wizards' media day, <a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/2009/09/media_day_wrapup.html">Michael Lee of the Washington Post</a> uncovered this quote from Gil:<br /><br />"The biggest thing he had to say was that he was done being an entertainer. No more Agent Zero. No more hibachi. No more antics. No more blogging. And he says he has no plans to get on Twitter. Arenas said he is focused only on playing basketball and being more a leader for the team."</div><br /><div></div><div>Really Gil? It took four years for you to realize that. How about you are in the NBA and are get paid to produce on the court..not entertain fans off the court electronically. I'm just glad that he's finally realized it and I hope we see some of the player that he once was. </div><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-81747959385511442432009-09-12T00:16:00.004-04:002009-09-12T00:19:58.719-04:00Michael Jordan Inducted Into the Hall of Fame<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPhObwLKv0fVcIalo_S4ftyY8g2-4Yb5dUXdp4Fukge67XoZKY_cIv-KF2Gu8D1xxYbO5UMvrOHM3E1ql-sGYTalJsxecxLnLKaFDbBW1q_iZ3a7wOLkXNq73fhS-KDoGUH2AnRdWHbU/s1600-h/hofjord.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380430556746893442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPhObwLKv0fVcIalo_S4ftyY8g2-4Yb5dUXdp4Fukge67XoZKY_cIv-KF2Gu8D1xxYbO5UMvrOHM3E1ql-sGYTalJsxecxLnLKaFDbBW1q_iZ3a7wOLkXNq73fhS-KDoGUH2AnRdWHbU/s320/hofjord.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><div>So what would the greatest basketball player of all time say when inducted into the Hall of Fame?<br /><br />Well, he did what he does best..talked a lot of trash. But he did impart some wisdom at the end. Here was his closing quote:<br /><br /><strong>The game of basketball has been everything to me. My refuge, my place I've always gone when I needed comfort and peace. It's been a source of intense pain and a source of most intense feelings of joy and satisfaction and one that no one can even imagine. It's been a relationship that has evolved over time and has given me the greatest respect and love for the game. It's provided me a platform to share my passion with millions, in way that I neither expected, nor could have imagined in my career. I hope that it's given the millions of people that I've touched the optimism and desire to achieve their goals through hard work, perseverance and positive attitude. Although I'm recognized with this tremendous honor of being in the basketball Hall of Fame. I don' look at this moment as the defining end of my relationship with basketball. It’s simply a continuation of something I started a long time ago. One day you might look up and see me playing the game at 50..oh don't laugh. Never say never. Because limits like fears, are often an illusion.</strong> </div><br /><div>Pretty intense stuff. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-58873032515666234082009-09-11T12:18:00.002-04:002009-09-11T12:21:55.349-04:00Today's Hall of Fame ClassAll greats entering the Hall of Fame.<br /><br />In terms of skill, athleticism, championships and all other ways you can measure player and coaches impacts on the court, this class is as good as you can find.<br /><br />They also are all true professionals off the court and are role models for today's players and coaches in ways to behave in your profession.<br /><br /><a href="http://sircharlesincharge.com/2009/09/11/jordan-robinson-stockton-a-great-hof-class/">For more thoughts about Jordan, Stockton and Robinson, view this link.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-85878916238766574312009-09-06T13:45:00.004-04:002009-09-06T14:32:17.313-04:00Steve Nash High SchoolI recently came across this highlight video of Steve Nash playing basketball in high school in Canada:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nqDh2Ng4nAA&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nqDh2Ng4nAA&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Now, while this video is indeed a highlight tape - I think its clear that you can see the certain qualities in Nash's game which has made him successful in his basketball career.<br /><br />What I'm writing about today is for the amazing fact that all the major Division I basketball programs in the country overlooked him in high school and why that could be.<br /><br /><div align="justify">Now one thing is for certain - in every game Nash has played post high school, he probably never once was the tallest, strongest or fastest player on the court. Those attributes being the "staple" of today's basketball player and generally considered "must haves."<br /><br />But Nash is a great example, maybe even the best example for the idea that more goes into athleticism than those few things. But before we get into that, I'd like to address a few things.<br /><br />First of all, lets be clear here - in terms of the greater percentage of basketball players around the world, Nash was blessed with great physical gifts. While he may not be the fastest or strongest, Nash is fast and he is strong. I think this pre-conceived notion that since Nash can't dunk that he must be this slouch in movement athleticism is absurd.<br /><br />But there clearly is more to Nash's game and athleticism in general. Things like coordination, balance, stamina and agility. These are areas that Nash is world class in. Nash is also a master of anticipation and creativity - things that playing soccer certainly enhanced. (Going to be exploring this further in an upcoming post, stay tuned.)<br /><br />Nash needed not to prove his career anymore than simply making the NBA, that was justification enough. He went above and beyond, however. He's won two MVP's, he will be considered one of the 10 greatest point guards to ever play and if it wasn't for some bad luck, probably would have had a championship by now.<br /><br />He is a great case study for college recruiters that you can't simply overlook somebody if they don't pass the "eye test." You need to take the whole of a player and consider everything they bring to the table before ruling someone out.<br /><br />There is more than one way to succeed in the game of basketball and Steve Nash is living proof of that. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-86041172561139026442009-08-19T21:47:00.002-04:002009-08-19T21:54:27.262-04:00Great Expectations<p><em>Twitter is an excellent networking tool for coaches and among the coaches that I have met, one of them struck me with his love and passion for the game. His name is Tyler Roberts and he is an up and coming coach. Over his career Tyler has had stops at many different schools in the Rochester, NY area. To name some: St. Johns Fisher, Victor High School, Geneva High School and he is the current head coach at Midlakes High School. I was impressed with Coach Roberts knowledge and asked him to do some blogging over here at Dif's World. Coach Roberts decided to be topical and write about point guard play. Take a look, and you can follow him on Twitter he's @CoachxRoberts. </em></p><p>Here is a list of what most coaches EXPECT an "average" point guard to be able to do on the basketball court consistently. </p><ul><li>Handle the ball under pressure. </li><li>Find the open man. </li><li>Knock down game sealing free throws. </li><li>Recognize/exploit mismatches. </li><li>Defend bigger guards. </li><li>Run the offense. </li><li>Balance the floor. </li><li>Make impeccable decisions in the open floor. </li><li>Pass to shooters with the seams on their fingertips. </li><li>Finish in traffic. </li><li>Make open 3's. </li><li>Act as an extension of the coach on the floor in games and practice. </li><li>Set the tone on defense. </li><li>Stay out of foul trouble. </li><li>Get the ball to the right people at the right times. </li></ul><p>If a point guard fails to accomplish these tasks they are considered unworthy of the position, and are either moved to an off guard position or they are simply benched. Often times the expectations of a PG are so demanding that you'll hear coaches say that they are splitting the responsibility between two guards that will play at the same time. This happens more at the high school level.<br /><br />As a high school coach I like to have at least two capable point guards on the floor at once and designate one of them as a "primary point guard" to receive outlet passes and bring the ball up. I've had as many as four guys on the court at once that could assume the role of PG. I think it's important to have multiple players on the floor with the mindset that they have significant responsibility for relieving pressure and carrying out the other tasks of a PG.<br /><br />Next time you watch a basketball game ask yourself if you are holding every position to the same level of expectations. It would be safe to say that PGs are expected to do far more than any other position. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-22405287242133617922009-08-18T20:34:00.002-04:002009-08-18T20:37:43.582-04:00What a Point Guard DoesPoint Guards can come in all shapes and sizes from the tiny Mugsy Bogues to the big hulking Magic Johnson. They can have different playing styles, from Stockton's pass first attack to Tony Parker's penetration attack.<br /><br />The point (no pun intended) is they win and they do what's necessary.<br /><br /><a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-43-56/Can-Lou-Williams-Hold-Down-the-Point-for-the-Sixers-.html">Truehoop takes a look at Lou Williams and his attempt to play the point guard position for the Sixers this season, despite not being a "natural". </a><br /><br />Take a look. I think its important as long as Lou is making plays, that he will succeed.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-73743884416547113582009-08-17T20:51:00.002-04:002009-08-17T21:15:05.894-04:00PG Links<p>Here's some links to keep point guard week rolling...</p><ul><li>I think the true measure of a point guard is if he's a winner or not, much the same way a quarterback is judged. In that sense, I love <a href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/duhon-s-point-is-to-make-knicks-better-1.1372242">Chris Duhon's attitude</a>. He doesn't care if other PG's are brought in as long as it makes the Knicks better.<br /></li><li>The Oklahoma City and head coach Scott Brooks knows <a href="http://newsok.com/okc-hires-cheeks/article/3393073">made a great coaching hire when they grabbed Mo Cheeks.</a> Brooks a former PG recognized the mind of another former PG in Cheeks to have him join his staff. Says a lot about both of those ego's.<br /></li><li>A good sign for Gilbert Arenas and the Wizards as Agent 0 <a href="http://www.washtimes.com/news/2009/aug/16/flash-on-the-farm/">went out to famed Barry Farms in D.C. and put on a show.</a> Only took two jump-shots on the way to 35 points.<br /></li><li>Duke getting a recruit to come in a year early and help bolster a back court that could use some depth. Andre Dawkins may be a true shooting guard, but says <a href="http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2009/aug/15/duke-gets-recruit-a-year-early/sports/">"If they need me at point guard, I'll play there."</a><br /></li><li>Think Kentucky is going to have a loaded back court next year? Here's the <a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1788818/top_5_2009_ncaa_mens_basketball_point.html?cat=14">Top 5 NCAA Men's</a> <a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1788818/top_5_2009_ncaa_mens_basketball_point.html?cat=14">Basketball Point Guard recruits </a>according to Associated Content. #'s 1 and 3 are headed to UK. </li></ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-40585410021239664832009-08-16T15:16:00.013-04:002009-08-17T08:09:06.714-04:00Tyreke Evans Tops Rookie Point Guard Edition<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUo9hIF8eftZP3TA9_nKFSOjKu5ZkKWEVtNrBoomXh0L4Gzj3SvboKLoYPE1A3uhc1B8ptuD8h47PRPg-lcTEXStK0-L9hRu_iEVZh0F-oYswug9DxH7omT09Sb0T49mjV5Jrc7PG7d40/s1600-h/tyrekeevans.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370830539348838178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUo9hIF8eftZP3TA9_nKFSOjKu5ZkKWEVtNrBoomXh0L4Gzj3SvboKLoYPE1A3uhc1B8ptuD8h47PRPg-lcTEXStK0-L9hRu_iEVZh0F-oYswug9DxH7omT09Sb0T49mjV5Jrc7PG7d40/s320/tyrekeevans.jpg" /></a><br /><div>As promised for Dif's World of Basketball this was going to be point guard week. In honor of that, I decided to kick it off with a massive ranking of all the NBA starting point guards. If you haven't had a chance to look at that yet, you can do so by <strong><a href="http://sircharlesincharge.com/2009/08/17/chris-paul-tops-nba-point-guard-rankings/">clicking here</a></strong>.<br /><br />If you're coming over from Sir Charles In Charge welcome and you've found the right place. The following is my rookie edition of that rankings list. For the rookies since they don't have any NBA games to go from, I decided to use mostly what I saw during their respective summer leagues and their expectations coming into this season to construct my rankings. Enjoy.<br /></div><br /><br /><div><strong>1. Tyreke Evans</strong> - Of all the rookie point guards, Evans is one of the two I feel has a chance to become a "star" in the league. By star meaning All-Star. He's a bull when going to the basket and his mind frame of always being in attack mode, whether crafted from the dribble drive or just a product of what's within Evans, is perfectly suited for the new style of play in the NBA. Here's to hoping the Kings allow him to make plays on the move. Right now I believe Evans is slotted to be the point guard for the Kings. Certainly he has some ways to go in terms of play making and helping his teammates get better, but based off his summer, I have to put him at number one.<br /><br /><strong>2. Jonny Flynn</strong> - The other potential "star" of this rookie point guard class. I think his game will translate well to the NBA. He's small but explosive. He can penetrate. He can finish. His shooting is coming along. Plus I think he has the competitive edge which is going to set him apart. He's a guy other players can rally around and that is an important (obviously) quality to have as a point guard.<br /><br /><strong>3. Rodrique Beaubois</strong> - He was pretty dynamic in the Las Vegas Summer League and was a surprise. There is a lot more to playing point guard in the NBA than just being an athlete, but Beaubois has elite quickness.<br /><br /><strong>4. Brandon Jennings</strong> - Jennings certainly has the swagger of an All-Star. I've the two summer games I saw him play I was impressed with his fearlessness. Jennings is going to be a work in progress but the more reps he gets at playing point guard the better he is going to be. As a defender, he's going to give opposing point guards fits and may be a game changer already. He has a certain flair to his game, which is ok, but he is to make sure that flair is always being used <em>for </em>him and not <em>against </em>him. <br /><br /><strong>5. Toney Douglas</strong> - This ACC guard proved he's about more than just scoring. During summer ball he was giving out 7 assists a game. He will be a nice addition to the Knicks back court and should push Duhon for minutes. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgGHr8JNgJ_S4MxAgXFmK6SaBwJUVbb4PcVSnWiglNhEGoTigESVObk64_Wn73jwRqpZplQz47bcQ7pMcN5wld7WlFScvzYyeXBqd2vSwllVoSakx1bpSs-BN9GTkWBfyfnA4trBeA0s/s1600-h/toneydouglas.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 138px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370830662606823314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgGHr8JNgJ_S4MxAgXFmK6SaBwJUVbb4PcVSnWiglNhEGoTigESVObk64_Wn73jwRqpZplQz47bcQ7pMcN5wld7WlFScvzYyeXBqd2vSwllVoSakx1bpSs-BN9GTkWBfyfnA4trBeA0s/s200/toneydouglas.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><strong>6. Stephen Curry</strong> - One thing Curry made clear to all those watching the Las Vegas summer league, the rookie will not be afraid to put up shots. During summer ball he was putting 16 shots per game. Paired in a back court with another offensive minded guard (Monta Ellis) one of them is going to have to defer. Despite his appetite for shooting, Curry is cerebral enough to play point guard in the NBA. Plus he has really good hands which help him on defense. There were times at Davidson last season, however, where he got caught up trying <em>too </em>hard to make the spectacular pass. This may have been a product of the situation he was in, or simply his way of playing the game. I think if he can tone that down and concentrate on making simple plays, Curry is going to be just fine, borderline All-Star one day.<br /><br /><strong>7. Ty Lawson</strong> - Fell into a nice situation being on a contender. Should offer up a significant change of pace to Billups bruising style. He also had a nice summer league and he's proven he can lead a team to a championship.<br /><br /><strong>8. Eric Maynor</strong> - Can learn a lot playing behind Deron Williams and he is going to be in some big games as a rookie. With skilled teammates spreading the floor for him his game is going to flourish.<br /><br /><strong>9. Jrue Holliday</strong> - Made an impact in the summer league as a defender and that's where I think his most value will be this year. Once his offensive game meets where his defensive game is at now, he's going to be a special player.<br /><br /><strong>10. Jeff Teague</strong> - It's going to be interesting to see how Teague handles himself as an NBA guard. At Wake Forest he was inconsistent. There were times though when he was a top guard in the country and that's what the Hawks are hoping they get each night. </div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>So there you have it. Once again, if you're interested in point guard talk then check back here periodically all week as all the content up on this site will be point guard related.<br /><br />Also, in case you missed the complete rankings, you can <strong><a href="http://sircharlesincharge.com/2009/08/17/chris-paul-tops-nba-point-guard-rankings/">find them right here</a></strong>. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-52514176244380930742009-08-14T14:20:00.004-04:002009-08-14T14:23:56.720-04:00Point Guard WeekJust stating in advance. Starting on Monday, I'm declaring the upcoming week "Point Guard Week" for Dif's World of Bball.<br /><br />No reasoning for it simply other than, I love point guards and point guard play.<br /><br />Look out for it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-62976784072253730512009-08-13T13:16:00.003-04:002009-08-13T13:20:59.394-04:00RecruitingI'm generally new in the whole art of the recruiting thing - that is to say I have barely one year's experience.<br /><br />This year though I have gotten started in the process much earlier than I did last year and I have to say I am enjoying, so far, the process.<br /><br />A few times I have been given just a name and a small bit of information about a potential recruit and am left to myself to go ahead and try and track down more information. I think it is the gathering of information part that I am enjoying.<br /><br />This is also where I feel having a strong network behind you to go ahead and try and track down more information is vital, which is why I am trying to build my network.<br /><br />Enjoying it though.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-44975962883062082232009-08-13T00:56:00.002-04:002009-08-13T02:15:49.666-04:00Perry Jones, Baylor CommitJust saw this video of a Baylor Commit, Perry Jones.<br /><br />Kid is 6-10 and just observe his handle. Sickening.<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/quxsxSe1YTo&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/quxsxSe1YTo&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-24537016552093088412009-08-11T11:17:00.004-04:002009-08-13T12:16:26.630-04:00Remembering Horace Jenkins<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5SlZFcXjsxMj3ztvLfnzIgNh3lk0TgmKljpVdbZILotLVsIXk5mBfJSUJmcMG2sRhWXp21B2OqrBangYIX1tkXfz8JR67DuH-D-BBTjy7G9Sjg52P7MIESjynKXhHfN8pqqMs7aiwDs/s1600-h/hjenkins.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 234px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368740967069949106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5SlZFcXjsxMj3ztvLfnzIgNh3lk0TgmKljpVdbZILotLVsIXk5mBfJSUJmcMG2sRhWXp21B2OqrBangYIX1tkXfz8JR67DuH-D-BBTjy7G9Sjg52P7MIESjynKXhHfN8pqqMs7aiwDs/s320/hjenkins.jpg" /></a> Now I know the title says Remembering Horace Jenkins and titles like that are usually left for those that have passed on. Make no mistake about it, Horace Jenkins the basketball player is alive and well. Matter of fact, Jenkins or "Junie" as he was known amongst his friends is not even retired. No the "oldest rookie" in the NBA is still playing the game he loves, this time for Italian team <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Climanio</span> Bologna.<br /><br /><div></div><div>I came across an <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1021817/index.htm">article recently from the past, about Horace</a>, and it was this article which inspired me to write. </div><br /><div>Back when I was in the 8<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> grade, my father read a short snippet in the newspaper about how the upcoming Division III basketball game between the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Montclair</span> State <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">RedHawks</span> and the William Paterson Pioneers was going to be a big game, with the winner deciding who would win the New Jersey Athletic Conference that season. The game was going to be played at William Paterson and since we lived just minutes from Willy P's gym, he decided to take me. </div><br /><div>Really knowing nothing about either team and the concept of Division III basketball fairly new to me, I had low expectations for this game. As we arrived to what I'd call a rather frenzied atmosphere, my father and I were a little late, however managed to find two seats in the home side bleachers. Just minutes before the game was starting, a player on from William Paterson was rewarded for scoring his 1,000<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> point. Again, this achievement didn't quite mean what it means to me today, but I applauded all the same. Little did I know how much the player receiving the award, Horace Jenkins, was going to suck me in as a fan and change my life as a basketball player. </div><br /><div>The first particular game that I saw him in, that game against <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Montclair</span> State, I had no idea who he was, or that I would pay any particular attention to him. I don't remember much about said game, though I do remember that in the closing moments of the game, William Paterson had the game in hand, and Jenkins got a steal and the opportunity to go to the basket uncontested, which he finished beautifully with a monster reverse dunk. This dunk absolutely brought the house down and hooked me. </div><br /><div>As we left the Rec Center that night, all my father and I really knew was that we just watched some amazing basketball player do what he does best on the court, yet we didn't think anything out of the ordinary. It wasn't until we got home and my dad did some further digging to find out Jenkins' whole story. Jenkins became ineligible his senior year of high school and could not play ball. He went on to Union County Community College and through one season he averaged 20.6 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">ppg</span>, but had to drop out when his son, Hakeem was born. He needed to get a job to support his son and the only ball playing he did was in pick up games. </div><br /><div></div><div>This wasn't a bad thing. William Paterson's head coach, Jose <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rebibmas</span> went to one of these said pick up games to watch another player, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mufeed</span> Thomas. Only one problem occurred, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rebibmas</span> couldn't take his eyes off Jenkins. After the game, he approached Jenkins and told him about the school and if he'd like to attend and play basketball. The rest is history. </div><div></div><div>Jenkins led William Paterson to their best run in schools history. They made it to two Final Fours and even the National Championship Game in which they lost. I still remember sitting on my desktop computer that day, listening to the audio broadcast of the game. This was way before high speed <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">internet</span>, so the broadcast was bumpy, but I still had to support my guy. It was during his senior year also that they asked Jenkins to compete in the NCAA slam dunk contest. Guys like Jeff <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Trepanier</span> from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">USC</span> and other Division I schools all represented and then there was little Horace Jenkins, from William Paterson College as Dickie V called it. Well, Jenkins not only won the thing, but did so in electrifying fashion. </div><br /><div></div><div>It was in Horace's senior year that there began real chatter about the possibility of Horace getting drafted into the NBA from Division III. During that summer when he went and participated at the Portsmouth Invitational Camp, I read and followed the updates as much as I could. However, as good as his story was, the draft selection was not to be.<br /><br />Jenkins held his head high though and played in Europe, his shot at the NBA yet to come. Either way this story isn't about Jenkins' time in the NBA. (He did make the Pistons roster in 2004 yet not their playoff roster. He finally achieved his NBA dream at the ripe age of 29.) For me, this is story about all those times, going with my father to the William Paterson Rec Center and watching Horace play. He taught me swagger. He taught me leadership. He taught me perseverance. All and all, he basically inspired me to become a better basketball player and I thank him for that. </div><br /><div></div><div>Below is one other story I found about him:</div><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://www.bouncemag.com/2008/06/18/horace-jenkins-joe-dumars-jersey-shore-basketball-league-william-patterson-university-new-jersey-streetball-brevin-knight-andrew-bynum-nba-summer-league/">D3 Horace Jenkins Shocks the World</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-6648302824888280032009-08-07T12:20:00.005-04:002009-08-13T12:16:53.694-04:00Collection of Tweets - Transition Defense<p>Here's a collection of my tweets from yesterday regarding defensive transition. I pulled this information from notes given by basketball coach, Kevin Eastman. Enjoy.<br /></p><ul><li>5 Keys to Transition D: talking, pointing, matching up, loading to the ball, switching on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">weakside</span> only (if necessary)<br /></li><li>Talking is the voice. As loud as possible call out first open man. May not be your original <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">matchup</span>.<br /></li><li>Pointing is needed in loud arenas where the voice may not be heard.<br /></li><li>Transition is unpredictable. When matching up you are guarding the "team" not necessarily the "individual"<br /></li><li>Loading to the ball, "shrink" coverage. Requires proper body positioning. Offense should see no gaps when advancing ball.<br /></li><li>Transition D is a scramble. If there ever is a switch (big to big, small to small),its on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">weakside</span> where your D is less vulnerable.<br /></li><li>The 5 keys require - voice, fingers, eyes, body and mind.<br /></li><li>There are 2 types of fast break offenses. Pass ahead and dribble advancement.<br /></li><li>When playing pass ahead team, its most important to stop that first advancing pass.<br /></li><li>Try to be matched up with your player and touch them by the time they reach half court.<br /></li><li>On dribble advancement, you need to cover the ball as quickly as possible, without getting beat.<br /></li><li>The two defensive wing players should <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sprint back</span> and get to the elbows. So dribbler sees no immediate gaps or lanes. </li></ul><p>Again these were notes pulled from a 6 minute audio of Kevin Eastman discussing the topic. I can be followed on Twitter - <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.twitter.com/justindefeo">@<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">justindefeo</span></a>.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-92053306855640228572009-08-05T12:42:00.001-04:002009-08-05T12:46:23.310-04:00What is Hustle?For a small portion of my life I sold tickets for the New Jersey Nets. One of the pages they handed out was called "What is Hustle?". I recently found that paper and thought it was relevant so I decided to post it. Enjoy.<br /><br /><strong>What is Hustle?</strong><br /><br />Hustle is doing something that everyone<br /><br />is absolutely certain can’t be done.<br /><br />Hustle is getting commitment because you got there first,<br /><br />or stayed with it after everyone else gave up.<br /><br />Hustle is shoe leather and elbow grease and sweat<br /><br />and missing lunch.<br /><br />Hustle is getting prospects to say “yes”<br /><br />after they’ve said “no” twenty times.<br /><br />Hustle is doing more unto a customer<br /><br />than the other guy can do unto him.<br /><br />Hustle is believing in yourself and<br /><br />the business you’re in.<br /><br />Hustle is the sheer joy of winning.<br /><br />Hustle is being the sorest loser in town.<br /><br />Hustle is hating to take a vacation because you<br /><br />might miss a piece of the action<br /><br />Hustle is heaven if you’re a hustler.<br /><br />Hustle is hell if you’re not.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-46900719785931196752009-07-30T10:45:00.003-04:002009-07-30T10:49:45.722-04:00Sam Cassell - The Art of the Mid-RangeThe mid-range game in a lot of ways is a lost art. With players abilities increasing in both three point shooting and getting to the rim, there aren't many players who specialize in mid-range jumpers anymore.<br /><br />And although it may be a dying shot in the modern game of basketball, I felt this video from Cassell is still relevant.<br /><br />He offers up a lot of great suggestions of ways to create space - and creating space can be applied anywhere on the basketball court. Take a look:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6PLWvSqkDAU&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6PLWvSqkDAU&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Living proof you don't need extroadinary quickness to thrive in the game of basketball.<br /><br />If you've ever heard the term "wily veteran" or "cagey veteran", I'd have to believe that Cassell in this video is definition of those terms.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-86652053800460789842009-07-28T16:48:00.002-04:002009-07-28T17:04:46.175-04:00John Calipari - New Father of Point Guard U.Here's a link to this <a href="http://www.allkyhoops.com/2009/07/john-calipari-head-coach-of-point-guard.html">article in which it explains</a> Coach John Calipari's incredible success to bring in top point guards year after year.<br /><br />It's certainly true and it leads the author to at the end of the writing claim Coach Calipari as the new "father to Point Guard U." assumingly taking over for the former, Lute Olsen at Arizona.<br /><br />Arizona was formerly the place for premier points that went on to thrive in the NBA - Damon Stoudamire, Mike Bibby, Jason Terry are some of the points that played at Arizona.<br /><br />Now Coach Calipari has had a string of some great point guards, first at Memphis and now ones that are following him to his new home the University of Kentucky.<br /><br />His point guards over the past two years have been drafted first overall (Derrick Rose) and fourth overall(Tyreke Evans).<br /><br />Which leads me to wonder, is it the system that is producing these great point guards or is it the talent? Or is the system simply a great vehicle for these explosive talents to showcase their skills?<br /><br />First of all this system in question here is the Dribble Drive Motion Offense, which I have written about in earlier posts <a href="http://difsworldofbasketball.blogspot.com/2009/06/dribble-drive-motion.html">here</a>. Obviously if you are a strong guard, with great quickness and the ability to penetrate, playing in this offense is going to showcase those skills to the utmost.<br /><br />This I believe is the case with Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans. Rose you could argue is taylor made to have the ball in this kind of offense. The question is though, had Rose elected to go to say, Wisconsin and play for Bo Ryan's swing offense and slowdown approach. Rose's skill set would be the same, yet his full range of capabilities may or not have been as exposed.<br /><br />Since Calipari's has taken the job at Kentucky he has signed major recruit and point guard, John Wall. Wall is generally considered the top player of his class and has already been projected as a top 3 pick. Here's some of his <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4CbQGBbUOw">highlights to get a better idea</a> of what Kentucky's getting.<br /><br />Again a perfect marriage of player and system. Wall is going to thrive and Coach Calipari's third straight lottery selected point guard. Pretty unbelievable and definitely the new Point Guard University.<br /><br />My take: Calipari is a great recruiter and is bringing in players who fit perfectly into his system. Look out for Wall.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-65830465600985011182009-07-28T13:12:00.003-04:002009-07-28T13:25:09.374-04:00Carlos Boozer - Post ClinicAs promised, continuing with the NBA fundamental series. Today's is Carlos Boozer giving instruction on post play.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mcSoL9iCM90&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mcSoL9iCM90&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Some of what I like from Boozer: First of all, love the fact that he is pointing out the work he does <em>before </em>he establishes position. The V-Cut to get down to the block, or the fake screen and then rolling to the block. Establishing position is half your battle. I once read somewhere: You "own" the paint with deep post ups. "Rent" the paint with simply posting up on the block. "Lease" the paint by posting up off the block.<br /><br />Also Boozer talks about having the ability to mix it up and give the defenders different looks. A post player can be very easy to defend if they are predictable especially with a double team.<br /><br />Final thing I'll say about post play is the term "having a plan". Guys in the post should have a general idea of what they're going to do, based off the defense. Ex. If he's playing me to the high side, I'm going to do this...<br /><br />You're not scripting your moves, its just knowing your strengths and what will work. It's knowing what counter to use off your initial move.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-18101292178175443642009-07-27T13:04:00.003-04:002009-07-27T13:09:57.958-04:00Ray Allen Teaching ShootingI came across these videos of NBA players offering some insight on different aspects of the game on youtube yesterday and I will be posting one a day for as many as there are. Here's some basic shooting instruction given by one of the best shooters ever to play, Ray Allen.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6IPuD8bGdts&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6IPuD8bGdts&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Ray offers some good tips for those looking to either learn to shoot or add to their shot. I'm a big believer in consistency over technique. While its import to have proper shooting form, I think its more important to keep a consistent form and allow for muscle memory that way and Ray highlights this point when he says, "You want to shoot your jumpshot the same way everytime."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-14411705661671061822009-07-23T21:52:00.000-04:002009-07-23T21:53:05.224-04:00The Little Things - 1st Edition<p>Here is the first of what I hope to be many editions of the "little things" of basketball. Feel free to pass this along to other coaches or if you ever have anything to add to this list, you can email me at <a href="mailto:justindif@gmail.com">justindif@gmail.com</a> or simply comment below. This list is comprising of my twitter following as well as a few emails. What I plan to do is reach out to college coaches - one geographical section at a time and updating as I see fit. Enjoy.</p><ul><li>Make the extra pass.<br /></li><li>Make all lay ups in warmups. (Amazing how sometimes a player can just coast through warm ups when in actuality they should be sweating and getting ready. Just never understood that.)<br /></li><li>Blocking out your man before finding the ball when rebounding. Reversing the ball. (Such a simple act and requires little skill, yet amazing how a basic fundamental of the game has to be stressed on certain players.)<br /></li><li>Finishing your cuts. (This is something I've been stressing lately. Not only finishing cuts, making strong, violent cuts.)<br /></li><li>Sprinting in transition.<br /></li><li>Ensure your shot fake mimics your shot form. (A good detail to have, will require practice and repetition.)<br /></li><li>Sprint into ball screens. (This is a detail for all ball screeners to do. Also a great way to tell if a team is well coached or not.)<br /></li><li>Dive for loose balls.<br /></li><li>Setting solid screens. (Make 'em count!)<br /></li><li>Making the right cut.<br /></li><li>Play with energy, enthusiasm, and bounce in your step.<br /></li><li>Embrace the game.<br /></li><li>Share the ball. (Everyone loves to play with willing passers!)<br /></li><li>Communicate.<br /></li><li>Hold your teammates accountable. (Love this one. Apply this to off court the issues as well. Make sure your teammates are doing the right thing off the court, taking care of themselves physically and doing what they should be doing in the classroom.)<br />Passing - palms out, thumbs down.</li></ul><p>This group submitted by basketball trainer, Alan Stein. They are explained in further detail here at his blog: <a href="http://blog.strongerteam.com/post/2008/10/05/The-Little-Things.aspx">Stronger Team Blog</a><br /></p><ul><li>Be on top of your schoolwork.<br /></li><li>Are you getting 8-10 hours of sleep a night.<br /></li><li>Are eating breakfast everyday?<br /></li><li>Are you drinking enough water?<br /></li><li>Are you tending to any nagging injuries/soreness?<br /></li><li>Are you getting 300-500 shots a day? (game shots)<br /></li><li>Are you sticking to your workout program? </li></ul><p>These next three were submitted to me by Head Women's Basketball Coach at Ramapo College, Mike Eineker, with his thoughts after them: </p><ul><li>Triple threat position with the ball over their knee - It amazes me how many ballplayers immediatley put the ball over their head when they catch it.<br /></li><li>Low post players release their shot with eyes on rim - Watch some tape and you'll be shocked how common this is.<br /></li><li>Defensively have hands low, not up - I think it is easier to start with your hands low and reach up to deflect a pass than to start with your hands up and stay in front of a driver. </li></ul><p>This final set was contributed to me by Coach Ray Lokar. Again, I am just taking out the idea, however, if you click on this link <a href="http://basketball.lifetips.com/newsletter/2004/11/12/be-big-on-the-little-things/index.html">here</a> you can read additional info on each one.<br /></p><ul><li>Play with your knees bent (Basketball is played down. As well as bending your knees, your hips should be lowered too.."sit down")<br /></li><li>Get a hand up on every shooter<br /></li><li>Gain possessions with two hands.<br /></li><li>Pass to the first person open.<br /></li><li>Establish a pivot foot.<br /></li><li>Face the basket.<br /></li><li>Jump to the pass.<br /></li><li>Stop the basketball. </li></ul><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Coaches that contributed were: </span><a href="mailto:%20sscholl@scu.edu"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Sam Scholl</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">, </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.twitter.com/sebastianpruiti"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Sebastian Pruiti</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">, </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.twitter.com/coachfinamore"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Steve Finamore</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">, </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.twitter.com/crich4"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Chris Richardson</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">, </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.twitter.com/cgrock24"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Clarence Gaines</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">, </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.twitter.com/alanstein"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Alan Stein</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">, </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.twitter.com/coachlok"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Ray Lokar</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">, and </span><a href="mailto:%20meineker@ramapo.edu"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Mike Eineker</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">.</span> </span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235780454789711676.post-46179136558631324812009-07-20T14:57:00.007-04:002009-07-23T19:17:34.189-04:00Don MeyerLegendary college coach Don Meyer got honored at the 2009 ESPY's receiving the Jimmy V coaching award.<br /><br />Here is video of his acceptance speech:<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TTGSCalTjpU&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TTGSCalTjpU&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Meyer is inspirational to all coaches and offers a ton of wisdom. Spend just 10 minutes on his site - <a href="http://www.coachmeyer.com/">coachmeyer.com</a> and you will pick up a ton of insights for both coaches and players. A must read really.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0