LeBron Posterizes James Johnson But Gets Help From Varejao

It'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.

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.

The first one I'm highlighting is LeBron James' monster throw down against the Bulls last night in Game Two.

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.

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.


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.

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.

Here's how the play turned out in real time.

Steve Nash High School

I recently came across this highlight video of Steve Nash playing basketball in high school in Canada:



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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

There is more than one way to succeed in the game of basketball and Steve Nash is living proof of that.

Perry Jones, Baylor Commit

Just saw this video of a Baylor Commit, Perry Jones.

Kid is 6-10 and just observe his handle. Sickening.

Sam Cassell - The Art of the Mid-Range

The 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.

And although it may be a dying shot in the modern game of basketball, I felt this video from Cassell is still relevant.

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:



Living proof you don't need extroadinary quickness to thrive in the game of basketball.

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.

Carlos Boozer - Post Clinic

As promised, continuing with the NBA fundamental series. Today's is Carlos Boozer giving instruction on post play.



Some of what I like from Boozer: First of all, love the fact that he is pointing out the work he does before 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.

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.

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...

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.

Ray Allen Teaching Shooting

I 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.



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."

Don Meyer

Legendary college coach Don Meyer got honored at the 2009 ESPY's receiving the Jimmy V coaching award.

Here is video of his acceptance speech:


Meyer is inspirational to all coaches and offers a ton of wisdom. Spend just 10 minutes on his site - coachmeyer.com and you will pick up a ton of insights for both coaches and players. A must read really.

Vince Carter's Greatest Nets Moments

As a die hard Nets fan losing Vince Carter this week was hard. I felt the best way to honor him would be to compile his greatest moments as a Net and put it all into one place. Not going to bother ranking them or anything like that, just want people to enjoy the moments.

This first one is from this past season. Vince collects ball at mid court after it was tipped and decides to pull up from 35 feet which of course was wet. Actually was at this game, good win for the Nets as they stayed in playoff contention.



Another game winning three this time from 2005. Probably a sweet moment for Vince since it came against his former team the Raptors and it was in Toronto. Vince was booed this entire game everytime he touched the ball.



Yet another Vince game winning three pointer this time against the Jazz and again from 35 feet. From what I remember the Nets needed this win badly and they also were running a little streak in which they were beaten by game winning shots.



2005 Playoffs vs. the Heat Nets down two, Vince catches ball in corner, fires up a shot that hits the rim, bounces straight up, comes down catches rim again and somehow goes in at the buzzer to send the game to overtime. Love the delayed crowd reaction. Another game I was at.



Vintage Vince Carter. Throwing down a vicious dunk on Alonzo Mourning. Was even more sweet considering it was on him.




Highlights of Vince going for his career high 51 points vs. the Heat in 2005.



Finally Vince stroking a long game tying three pointer with Anthony Parkers hand in face to force overtime. Then in overtime catching a lob and reverse dunking for the game winner off an inbounds.



Goodluck Vince! You will be missed Vince! VC for threeeeeeeeeeee

A Great Ending

For today's post I just want to revisit an ending to a great game. The Division II Championship from 2007 featuring Barton College vs. Winona State. If you have never seen the game, take a look at the video here which gives you the electrifying final 45 seconds.



Down seven with 45 seconds left to comeback and win, incredible finish. Some good lessons to be learned.

-First of all you can see how you let a team back into the game by not making foul shots.

-Second, take care of your inbounds passes. Twice Winona tries inbounding quickly before they were organized and twice it cost them two possessions and turned into Barton scores.

-Finally, don't stop playing. You never know in this game so play it out till the clock is up. Most times its a coach that gives up first before a player does.

In the Need for Some Goosebumps

Absolutely love this and definitely got the juices flowing after watching this video.

Alan Stein (no relation to Marc..I think) is a Professional Basketball Strength and Conditioning Coach and was one of the coaches during the NBPA Top 100 week of camp. He spoke during camp and tells a great story about a high school basketball game, loaded with talent such as: Kevin Durant, Ty Lawson and Michael Beasely among others.

Alan's energy is pretty infectious even through the medium of video, so sit back and enjoy. Here's the video of the speech:



And here is video footage of that game: