Coach Jimmy Miyasaka, former shooting guard at Cal Poly Pomona and All-State guard (Kaimuki), is back home from optometry school for Christmas break. Some of you guys remember him from those really good, sound fundamentals workouts during the summer. He is simply one of the best pure shooters — if not THE best — I've seen in the past three decades of local high school basketball, but even better, he is the best at teaching the nuances and fundamentals of shooting successfully.
Coach Jimmy will be at Kilauea Gym on Sunday (tomorrow) from 1-3 p.m., so I encourage everyone to come down and get some 1-on-1 work with him. I'll be there and I'm bringing the video camera to document his work and teaching.
Feel free to come down and bring your friends, too. It's free of charge, but the teaching is worth so much more than you will get from a typical clinic that costs a lot of bucks. Coach Jimmy is the real deal.
Take advantage of this great opportunity, Thunder!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Wherefore do the Thunder roam?
OK, just trying to keep up, keep track of where everybody is at and what they're doing.
• Kerl and Karl. They're playing varsity soccer at McKinley and having fun. They were too old to play in our 15U league at McKinley (CAL), but they might not be done with basketball just yet. (More later.)
• Keanu. He's playing ball at Kailua and doing great. People seem to be confused about him, saying in online forums that he's great on defense, that his offense is so-so. Really? Our Keanu? Anyway, I saw him play against No. 1-ranked Kamehameha and he did SOLID against that relentless fullcourt press. At last check, he scored 14 points tonight against Castle. Not bad for a freshman!
• Colby, Mike and Shiraz are playing JV ball at Kalani. I haven't seen them play yet, but I hope to soon, work schedule pending.
• Tai. He's playing JV ball at Saint Louis, last I heard from one of his coaches.
• Josh. He tried out at Kamehameha and barely missed making the JV Blue team (sophomores). He practices with them every day, though, and is a team manager. Though he missed 2 years of playing, he's done a lot of catching up in the past 18 months. Any team can use a defensive-minded guy who can shoot the 3.
• Kevin. As of this winter, he is unofficially retired from basketball.
• Cody. A mystery. Haven't heard him talk about basketball in a long time, but I'm sure he's reveling in the Lakers dynasty.
• Blake and Randon. I haven't heard from them in ages. Hope to find out soon. I'm guessing they're playing intermediate ball at Punahou.
• Eliet. He's also in eighth grade, so he might be in a league somewhere. I ran into his dad at a Moanalua game. Eliet's sister plays JV ball there. Cool!
• Dru. He didn't play with us in the fall due to football, but I know he wants to play with us in the near future. He isn't playing basketball right now at Kalani because of a back injury, but he's on the paddling team, which is probably great therapy for strengthening the back.
Well, that's everybody, at least everybody who is still in middle school or high school. Here's a head's up: I had a great time hanging out with a couple of old friends who coach on the Big Island. They run the Kona Stingrays basketball club (I lived there in the 1990s) and would love to have us play in their tournaments. They have a 14-under tourney during Spring Break, and then a high-school age tourney in the summer.
I know some of you guys expressed interest in hitting the road to play in tournaments, so these are some opportunities. There will be more. Let me know if you hear of other tournaments and we can start thinking out loud about where we might go in 2011. Woohooooo!!
• Kerl and Karl. They're playing varsity soccer at McKinley and having fun. They were too old to play in our 15U league at McKinley (CAL), but they might not be done with basketball just yet. (More later.)
• Keanu. He's playing ball at Kailua and doing great. People seem to be confused about him, saying in online forums that he's great on defense, that his offense is so-so. Really? Our Keanu? Anyway, I saw him play against No. 1-ranked Kamehameha and he did SOLID against that relentless fullcourt press. At last check, he scored 14 points tonight against Castle. Not bad for a freshman!
• Colby, Mike and Shiraz are playing JV ball at Kalani. I haven't seen them play yet, but I hope to soon, work schedule pending.
• Tai. He's playing JV ball at Saint Louis, last I heard from one of his coaches.
• Josh. He tried out at Kamehameha and barely missed making the JV Blue team (sophomores). He practices with them every day, though, and is a team manager. Though he missed 2 years of playing, he's done a lot of catching up in the past 18 months. Any team can use a defensive-minded guy who can shoot the 3.
• Kevin. As of this winter, he is unofficially retired from basketball.
• Cody. A mystery. Haven't heard him talk about basketball in a long time, but I'm sure he's reveling in the Lakers dynasty.
• Blake and Randon. I haven't heard from them in ages. Hope to find out soon. I'm guessing they're playing intermediate ball at Punahou.
• Eliet. He's also in eighth grade, so he might be in a league somewhere. I ran into his dad at a Moanalua game. Eliet's sister plays JV ball there. Cool!
• Dru. He didn't play with us in the fall due to football, but I know he wants to play with us in the near future. He isn't playing basketball right now at Kalani because of a back injury, but he's on the paddling team, which is probably great therapy for strengthening the back.
Well, that's everybody, at least everybody who is still in middle school or high school. Here's a head's up: I had a great time hanging out with a couple of old friends who coach on the Big Island. They run the Kona Stingrays basketball club (I lived there in the 1990s) and would love to have us play in their tournaments. They have a 14-under tourney during Spring Break, and then a high-school age tourney in the summer.
I know some of you guys expressed interest in hitting the road to play in tournaments, so these are some opportunities. There will be more. Let me know if you hear of other tournaments and we can start thinking out loud about where we might go in 2011. Woohooooo!!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
How to stay fresh on back-to-backs
Especially for you guys working hard every day, here are some interesting methods for 38-year-old Grant Hill on tough back-to-back NBA games in this story on the Phoenix Suns blog.
However, because Hill would sleep in and eat his first meal at around 11 a.m., he would only be able to fit in two meals before game time.
“I didn’t feel like that was enough food, especially after coming off a game the night before,” Hill said. “So what I do now is I get up early (around 7:30 or 8:00 a.m.), whether it be at home or on the road, and I eat breakfast. So now I’m eating three meals because I felt like I needed to up my caloric intake.”
In addition, the Duke graduate doesn’t allow the late nights to give him an excuse to stay in bed all day. Instead of spending the day watching TV or messing around on the computer, Hill gets out and moves around.
Whether it’s taking a walk or going for a light swim, Hill uses the morning to get his blood going before taking a two-hour nap in the afternoon.
Good advice from a pro, someone who keeps searching for better way to recuperate and succeed. For me, as a 45-year-old who doesn't want to stop playing pickup games, stretching and LOTS of fluid (low-sugar Gatorade, homemade fruit smoothies) make a big, big difference. Also, avoiding overuse. It's key for old guys (and girls) to know when to rest. The body talks to us. We should listen.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Best Wishes Everybody!
Tryouts are done or ongoing for most of you guys, so I wish you the best. Just remember, what separates you from other players is effort. A lot of guys can handle the ball or hit shots, but a coach who has to make cuts will never forget the player who goes after every loose ball, willing to dive, do all the little things that make a big difference like boxing out, playing smart, strong defense ... everything counts.
Give it your best every single play and you'll feel like it was worth all the work you put in. Go get 'um, Thunder!
Give it your best every single play and you'll feel like it was worth all the work you put in. Go get 'um, Thunder!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Coach's Word of the Day: LOW
As in, keep your dribble low. LOW!
I know you know who you are, Thunder. I bring this up because I just saw a promising rookie, Eric Bledsoe, get picked from behind by David West, because he was dribbling the ball almost shoulder-high on a double team near halfcourt. No way Bledsoe should've been picked, but he got lazy.
Good player (I just added him to one of my fantasy teams), but young players often forget how crucial it is to keep the dribble at knee-level, particularly when defenders get tight on you. Crossover? Keep it low, low, low. Double team? Get low, dribble low and take a step back to create space.
LOW.
That's the word of the day. You're welcome.
I know you know who you are, Thunder. I bring this up because I just saw a promising rookie, Eric Bledsoe, get picked from behind by David West, because he was dribbling the ball almost shoulder-high on a double team near halfcourt. No way Bledsoe should've been picked, but he got lazy.
Good player (I just added him to one of my fantasy teams), but young players often forget how crucial it is to keep the dribble at knee-level, particularly when defenders get tight on you. Crossover? Keep it low, low, low. Double team? Get low, dribble low and take a step back to create space.
LOW.
That's the word of the day. You're welcome.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Pick & Roll: Rajon Rondo
Simple is not easily mastered. Check out how the Celtics broke down the Heat with two players, Rajon Rondo and Glen Davis, who aren't exactly great perimeter scorers. Beautifully done.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Smart defense is positioning, peripheral
We played man defense all season and I think it was well worth the effort. Little can be learned by young players who sit in a zone and never learn how to play man-to-man. But check this out: Even pros like Jordan Farmar play ridiculously weak defense away from the ball.
Don't you guys think even 14-year-olds can play better defense than him? Farmer is in red, wearing #2. He totally leaves his man on the right wing, never even considers getting good position between his man, the basket and the ball. He just walks to the ball like they're playing H-O-R-S-E, then leaves his man wide, wide open. His man hits a 3 to give the Knicks a 4-point lead with 35 seconds left.
NOT SMART.
Don't you guys think even 14-year-olds can play better defense than him? Farmer is in red, wearing #2. He totally leaves his man on the right wing, never even considers getting good position between his man, the basket and the ball. He just walks to the ball like they're playing H-O-R-S-E, then leaves his man wide, wide open. His man hits a 3 to give the Knicks a 4-point lead with 35 seconds left.
NOT SMART.
Thunder fashion, spring '11 collection
All right, I think this will be the Thunder gear theme for next spring/summer/fall: we'll stick with orange, blue and white as our primary gear colors, but have alternate gear in silver/black, gold/black and all-white. Maybe even toss in an all-burnt orange (Texas style) set. How's dat sound?
That's just thinking out loud about jerseys, shorts and shoes. Totally separate from practice uniforms, which I am going to make mandatory. Too much confusion in drills and scrimmages when we don't have any reversible jerseys.
That's just thinking out loud about jerseys, shorts and shoes. Totally separate from practice uniforms, which I am going to make mandatory. Too much confusion in drills and scrimmages when we don't have any reversible jerseys.
Kevin Durant 2010, "Creamsicles." This really isn't a creamsicle color; much too neon. But something about it is interesting. Almost radioactive.
Kevin Durant II 2010. Not a huge fan of black shoes unless the uniforms are black or gray and the socks are all-black. Then the combination is pretty cool.
Nike Hyperfuse 2010, $99 Eastbay. I've always been partial to silver and black. I like this shoe, but could do without the "sport red". Still pretty clean and cool.
Kevin Durant II 2009, black/gold. This would go nicely with metallic gold uniforms, or even all-whites. Not sure it's still available, though.
Nike Dunk High 2010. Now this is mind bending. I like silver/black and I like orange ... but gray and Texas Longhorn burnt orange? Interesting. I can see this with all-gray uniforms, though that's not my first, second or third choice of uniform color.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Getting PG a low post or open 3
Here's a fluid way to do it against man defense, demonstrated by the Atlanta Hawks and Joe Johnson through their new offensive sets.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Wednesday instead of Tuesday
Just got my work schedule. I'm covering volleyball playoffs on Tuesday and Thursday, so Josh and I might hit Kahala Park on Wednesday instead. Anybody want to go? Let me know.
Memorable season, memorable finish
Whew! That was an interesting finish to our season, Thunder. The first 27 minutes were beautiful. We had so many good things rolling: fastbreak, halfcourt zone offense, trapping defense. The Sharks knew they were on the ropes and staggering.
But the final 3 minutes were a capsule of our entire season: we didn't finish. Turnovers. Rushing instead of slowing the tempo and breaking down their defense while we were up 5 with a couple of minutes left. These are the type of mistakes that cost us all our close losses this season. We play well enough to win against the top teams on Oahu for most of the way, but little things, little mistakes hindered us. Aside from W's and L's, I consider this a successful season for all of us. Not trying to sugarcoat things; you know I ain't like that. But I'm not going to let the mistakes of a young team overshadow all the great, GREAT things you did on the court.
I wish we had more time together to work out these kinks, because we had the big boulders, the foundation to build on. We just needed to fill in those gaps with smaller rocks, to fine-tune our team.
In the end, players WIN games and coaches LOSE games.
So, it's glass half-full or half-empty depending on your view. We were right there with the best teams — Southside (combined with the Aliis), Sharks and Kapolei. A few improvements and we'd win all of those games. But those kinds of mistakes are almost necessary for each of us, including ME, to take the next step and raise our level of play, of coaching. I'm going to remind all of you that we were probably the youngest team in the 15-under besides KBB. Not an excuse, but just a recognition that we went far with a young team, and the mistakes are completely correctible. You will all benefit in the future from your experience as a Thunder player in the CAL League this fall. I know I've learned a lot, and I've been coaching since 1981.
What we did today with our modified 2-2-1 halfcourt press was just a small sample of what I believe in: Uptempo, aggressive, smart basketball. The game was designed to be fast. The best teams are the ones who are quick, but never rush. When we get to that point, I'll be much more satisfied. Until then, there's a lot of work to do. I'm content knowing we're going in that direction.
That's why I hope all of us keep working DAILY on our game, our conditioning, our skills, as tryouts near. Whatever it is you do, do it well and with your full commitment, all of your heart. If you wait too long to give yourself the best opportunity to succeed, you will regret it. If you dive in with both feet, you'll win no matter what. You owe that to yourself, and I see nothing but winners on this Thunder squad.
The guys who may have stopped showing up for whatever reason, that's up to them. But we know what commitment is, and those of us who are dedicated will reap those rewards.
You love the game or you don't. If you have a big heart, it will show. If you don't, it's not the end of the world. There are other dreams and aspirations for you, no doubt.
For now, though, I'm proud of every one of you guys. For a group of players who just met each other (some of you) and practiced just twice a week, you went pretty far against some of Oahu's TOP talent in 15-under. When we get together for leagues in the spring, starting in late February/early March, I expect you all to be in top shape physically, mentally and, most of all, in your heart.
• Tuesday and Thursday, 4-6 p.m. at Kahala Park. NOTE: I may have to work on Tuesday (volleyball playoffs), so this is tentative.
(11:57 p.m. Just got my work schedule. I'm covering volleyball playoffs on Tuesday and Thursday, so Josh and I might hit Kahala Park on Wednesday instead. Anybody want to go? Let me know.)
But the final 3 minutes were a capsule of our entire season: we didn't finish. Turnovers. Rushing instead of slowing the tempo and breaking down their defense while we were up 5 with a couple of minutes left. These are the type of mistakes that cost us all our close losses this season. We play well enough to win against the top teams on Oahu for most of the way, but little things, little mistakes hindered us. Aside from W's and L's, I consider this a successful season for all of us. Not trying to sugarcoat things; you know I ain't like that. But I'm not going to let the mistakes of a young team overshadow all the great, GREAT things you did on the court.
I wish we had more time together to work out these kinks, because we had the big boulders, the foundation to build on. We just needed to fill in those gaps with smaller rocks, to fine-tune our team.
In the end, players WIN games and coaches LOSE games.
So, it's glass half-full or half-empty depending on your view. We were right there with the best teams — Southside (combined with the Aliis), Sharks and Kapolei. A few improvements and we'd win all of those games. But those kinds of mistakes are almost necessary for each of us, including ME, to take the next step and raise our level of play, of coaching. I'm going to remind all of you that we were probably the youngest team in the 15-under besides KBB. Not an excuse, but just a recognition that we went far with a young team, and the mistakes are completely correctible. You will all benefit in the future from your experience as a Thunder player in the CAL League this fall. I know I've learned a lot, and I've been coaching since 1981.
What we did today with our modified 2-2-1 halfcourt press was just a small sample of what I believe in: Uptempo, aggressive, smart basketball. The game was designed to be fast. The best teams are the ones who are quick, but never rush. When we get to that point, I'll be much more satisfied. Until then, there's a lot of work to do. I'm content knowing we're going in that direction.
That's why I hope all of us keep working DAILY on our game, our conditioning, our skills, as tryouts near. Whatever it is you do, do it well and with your full commitment, all of your heart. If you wait too long to give yourself the best opportunity to succeed, you will regret it. If you dive in with both feet, you'll win no matter what. You owe that to yourself, and I see nothing but winners on this Thunder squad.
The guys who may have stopped showing up for whatever reason, that's up to them. But we know what commitment is, and those of us who are dedicated will reap those rewards.
You love the game or you don't. If you have a big heart, it will show. If you don't, it's not the end of the world. There are other dreams and aspirations for you, no doubt.
For now, though, I'm proud of every one of you guys. For a group of players who just met each other (some of you) and practiced just twice a week, you went pretty far against some of Oahu's TOP talent in 15-under. When we get together for leagues in the spring, starting in late February/early March, I expect you all to be in top shape physically, mentally and, most of all, in your heart.
As for next spring, we'll play in at least one league. I expected that to be CAL League, which is planning to expand to West and East Divisions of 16 teams or more. However, Greydon has informed me that they'll hold off until May, so I'll be on the hunt for another league or two, maybe the KPT league. That one is open to varsity-level teams, so it's a great opportunity for us to grow and compete with higher-quality teams and players. I think by then we could be ready, depending on how much we are all willing to put in the effort. Do we have the heart to compete at that level? Will we play real Thunder basketball, running the floor 100% of the time, playing crazy good defense on all 94 feet of the floor?
If the answers are yes and yes, then I'm all in for at least one league in March.
Until then, we'll have informal shootarounds to help with your skills in the next few weeks before tryouts. Those of you guys who have plenty of workouts already, I expect great things from you this coming winter season. The rest of you guys who need a time and place to work on your game, I'll be there. Josh and I will be hitting 24-Hour Fitness as often as possible for indoor basketball work (Kapiolani location has a small full court) and some 5-on-5 in the evenings.
Other than that, we'll be at Kahala Park with the rest of you guys on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
This week's schedule
Until then, we'll have informal shootarounds to help with your skills in the next few weeks before tryouts. Those of you guys who have plenty of workouts already, I expect great things from you this coming winter season. The rest of you guys who need a time and place to work on your game, I'll be there. Josh and I will be hitting 24-Hour Fitness as often as possible for indoor basketball work (Kapiolani location has a small full court) and some 5-on-5 in the evenings.
Other than that, we'll be at Kahala Park with the rest of you guys on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
This week's schedule
(11:57 p.m. Just got my work schedule. I'm covering volleyball playoffs on Tuesday and Thursday, so Josh and I might hit Kahala Park on Wednesday instead. Anybody want to go? Let me know.)
• Saturday, 9-10 a.m., 24-Hour Fitness Kapiolani. Josh and I will be there for an hour before he goes to band rehearsal.
• Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Kahala Park. We had a solid workout (Tai, Mike, Shiraz) last Saturday. More of the same work on ballhandling, footwork and shooting this Saturday. Head-to-head battles while working on all of these aspects are great, especially when fatigue and heat hit us. I'll have plenty of water and Gatorade for everyone.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Shootaround Saturday
Kahala Park, 10:30 a.m. to noon.
If you are hungry and have an appetite to become a better shooter, I will feed you the ball.
Basketball doctors of all nations prescribe daily repetition to improve skills of all kinds. Are you a daily devotee of the game or just a recreational, P.E. class all-star? Is five, six days a week too much? Or do you prefer to touch the basketball just once or twice a week, building rust to the framework of your abilities?
It's up to you. The ball. The court. Your heart.
If you are hungry and have an appetite to become a better shooter, I will feed you the ball.
Basketball doctors of all nations prescribe daily repetition to improve skills of all kinds. Are you a daily devotee of the game or just a recreational, P.E. class all-star? Is five, six days a week too much? Or do you prefer to touch the basketball just once or twice a week, building rust to the framework of your abilities?
It's up to you. The ball. The court. Your heart.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Thunder update: Friday
Solid practice yesterday, Thunder! Good to have seven of our 11 guys there, including Eliet back from Japan. Got a LOT of ballhandling drills done early. Fullcourt drills always tell a true story of who's in shape and who's not. Defensive positioning, shooting drills, fun like old times.
Also got a lot of zone offense work done since the Sharks usually play 2-3 zone.
Final 20 minutes, another close scrimmage. Some guys were worn out!
Also got a lot of zone offense work done since the Sharks usually play 2-3 zone.
Final 20 minutes, another close scrimmage. Some guys were worn out!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Lost Art: The High Screen
Manu Ginobili drew this last-minute play up for the Spurs in a preseason game against the Clippers last night. When I play pickup ball, especially halfcourt, I enjoy setting back screens and UCLA cut-type screens for my teammates. Maybe I'm old fashioned, but having come from a program where iso drives from the wing were prominent (yes, I had a spin move and automatic bank shot back in the 1980s), backdoor cuts and high screens away from the ball are exotic and beautiful to me.
Here's what Ginobili drew up:
Nothing fancy, just open space and two players working together to free one up for a game-winning trey. I'm sure if Griffin had played proper defense, they still could've worked the low post or a pick and roll since the other three Spurs were clear on the other side of the floor.
Like our Rack and Stack plays (vs. man defense), this isn't a play to run 10 times in a row. It's for specific situations, when no defender wants to give up a layup. That leaves the perimeter wide, wide open.
Ginobili continues to pop up in so many topics related to basketball, whether it's his patented Euro Step move, his version of the God Shammgod (reverse crossover) or anything else. I hardly knew, though, that he would be such a great communicator and schemer of winning plays.
FUN.
Here's what Ginobili drew up:
Nothing fancy, just open space and two players working together to free one up for a game-winning trey. I'm sure if Griffin had played proper defense, they still could've worked the low post or a pick and roll since the other three Spurs were clear on the other side of the floor.
Like our Rack and Stack plays (vs. man defense), this isn't a play to run 10 times in a row. It's for specific situations, when no defender wants to give up a layup. That leaves the perimeter wide, wide open.
Ginobili continues to pop up in so many topics related to basketball, whether it's his patented Euro Step move, his version of the God Shammgod (reverse crossover) or anything else. I hardly knew, though, that he would be such a great communicator and schemer of winning plays.
FUN.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Post-game: Thunder-Kapolei
Good effort, Thunder. Yesterday's playoff game with Kapolei didn't finish how we wanted and losing close always hurts, but props to them. They took care of the ball and we often didn't. Simple as that. Turnovers were probably double what we normally have and we still almost won. Lots to learn from a loss.
From a coaching perspective:
1. I should have recognized that our overall conditioning is not what it was a month or two ago. Instead of leaving our starters in as long as I did, I should've burned at least two time outs much earlier and subbed more frequently, especially with Kapolei using all 9 or 10 of their guys the way they did.
2. We were not prepared for their press and that falls on me. We haven't worked on a press breaker in ages. We got our share of layups, but the turnovers were preventable.
3. In our man offense, I should've recognized the mismatch Blake had on their center. Any iso from the wing or high post would've been very effective since he was a step too slow for Blake. Isos would've taken their center out of rebounding position.
There are other factors, of course, especially missed layups and free throws, and the rash of traveling calls. Remember, referees don't adjust to players. Players have to adjust to referees. Thinking otherwise is foolish.
One more game — against the Sharks — and I'm looking forward to it very, very much.
From a coaching perspective:
1. I should have recognized that our overall conditioning is not what it was a month or two ago. Instead of leaving our starters in as long as I did, I should've burned at least two time outs much earlier and subbed more frequently, especially with Kapolei using all 9 or 10 of their guys the way they did.
2. We were not prepared for their press and that falls on me. We haven't worked on a press breaker in ages. We got our share of layups, but the turnovers were preventable.
3. In our man offense, I should've recognized the mismatch Blake had on their center. Any iso from the wing or high post would've been very effective since he was a step too slow for Blake. Isos would've taken their center out of rebounding position.
There are other factors, of course, especially missed layups and free throws, and the rash of traveling calls. Remember, referees don't adjust to players. Players have to adjust to referees. Thinking otherwise is foolish.
One more game — against the Sharks — and I'm looking forward to it very, very much.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Who likes basketball?
Who LOVES basketball? Anybody ready to play some ball today? Yup...
Game time is noon. Be there 11:15 a.m. We're going to walk through the new plays with the guys who missed practice this week.
Game time is noon. Be there 11:15 a.m. We're going to walk through the new plays with the guys who missed practice this week.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Here's the other play we'll use
We're calling it "Bus". Simple and effective, allows us to open the floor with a little more movement.
1. Pre-pass cut by wings to opposite side.
2. Pick and roll on ball side.
3. Opposite (weak) side wing cuts backdoor to the basket. (Backside screen optional.)
1. Pre-pass cut by wings to opposite side.
2. Pick and roll on ball side.
3. Opposite (weak) side wing cuts backdoor to the basket. (Backside screen optional.)
Monday, October 4, 2010
New wrinkles for man offense
Nothing fancy, just some new stuff we'll be adding this week for Kapolei's man-to-man defense. I believe that anything we run against them should work as long as we execute properly.
This play is simple and requires only a back screen on the weak side. We'll call this one "Box."
This is a good complement to the "Rack" play we put in recently, which involves a cross screen under the basket, an ensuing curl around a low-post double screen by the original screener, and a pick-and-roll on the wide-open top side. Different options for the point guard, who will have complete freedom to drive or dish to his high screener or the curler under the basket.
Another aspect we'll work on is drive-and-kick against zones. We showed a tendency to force drives against the Rebelz' zone on Sunday even when they had two defenders simply standing there, even as they just stayed back and applied no pressure. We'll go back and work on some drive-and-kick basics, which we haven't done in weeks.
This play is simple and requires only a back screen on the weak side. We'll call this one "Box."
This is a good complement to the "Rack" play we put in recently, which involves a cross screen under the basket, an ensuing curl around a low-post double screen by the original screener, and a pick-and-roll on the wide-open top side. Different options for the point guard, who will have complete freedom to drive or dish to his high screener or the curler under the basket.
Another aspect we'll work on is drive-and-kick against zones. We showed a tendency to force drives against the Rebelz' zone on Sunday even when they had two defenders simply standing there, even as they just stayed back and applied no pressure. We'll go back and work on some drive-and-kick basics, which we haven't done in weeks.
This week's schedule
Just got the word from CAL on our game time for Sunday's playoffs. Can hardly wait!
Tuesday, 4-6 p.m., practice, Kahala Park
Wednesday, 4-6 p.m., optional shootaround, Kahala Park
Thursday, 4-6 p.m., practice, Kahala Park
Saturday, 10:30 am-noon, shootaround, Kahala Park
Sunday, pre-game 11:15 a.m., game noon (vs. Kapolei)
I LOVE THIS GAME!
Tuesday, 4-6 p.m., practice, Kahala Park
Wednesday, 4-6 p.m., optional shootaround, Kahala Park
Thursday, 4-6 p.m., practice, Kahala Park
Saturday, 10:30 am-noon, shootaround, Kahala Park
Sunday, pre-game 11:15 a.m., game noon (vs. Kapolei)
I LOVE THIS GAME!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Good afternoon for the Thunder
Good hustle, good effort today, Thunder!
First, I'm thankful we had enough players and didn't forfeit.
Second, we played a good first half.
Third, Da Rebelz were deeper and in better shape than us in the second half and deserved the win. Until ALL our guys get into shape and work on their game every day, that's how it goes. So let's go to work this week!
Finally, with just 6 1/2 players (Cody felt sick in the second half) and one brand-new guy (Shiraz did a nice job hustling and rebounding), I feel like I did some very stale coaching today. Our traps were fine in the first half and we were down one point. But we lost our legs after that and should've gone to a 2-3 zone or maybe a soft man. But I wanted us to use our speed and stay active, which in hindsight was the wrong move.
We simply had too many rusty players right now and I expected too much. But overall, I liked our fastbreak, hustle and defense (until we got tired).
NOTE: Our backside defense, regardless of zone, man or traps, still needs to get on point. We gave up too many easy cuts (to the middle of the key) and gave up uncontested 5-footers because we weren't paying attention, i.e. MAN, BALL, YOU. We'll work on that this week. And the next.
First, I'm thankful we had enough players and didn't forfeit.
Second, we played a good first half.
Third, Da Rebelz were deeper and in better shape than us in the second half and deserved the win. Until ALL our guys get into shape and work on their game every day, that's how it goes. So let's go to work this week!
Finally, with just 6 1/2 players (Cody felt sick in the second half) and one brand-new guy (Shiraz did a nice job hustling and rebounding), I feel like I did some very stale coaching today. Our traps were fine in the first half and we were down one point. But we lost our legs after that and should've gone to a 2-3 zone or maybe a soft man. But I wanted us to use our speed and stay active, which in hindsight was the wrong move.
We simply had too many rusty players right now and I expected too much. But overall, I liked our fastbreak, hustle and defense (until we got tired).
NOTE: Our backside defense, regardless of zone, man or traps, still needs to get on point. We gave up too many easy cuts (to the middle of the key) and gave up uncontested 5-footers because we weren't paying attention, i.e. MAN, BALL, YOU. We'll work on that this week. And the next.
Forfeit averted?
OK ... not so bad. We're about 2 hours before the game with Mililani Rebelz. Instead of maybe forfeiting today, Thunder might have more than 5 guys since our grounded guys (academics) say they'll be there.
I never, ever, never, EVER imagined we would come so close to forfeiting a game. Any game. I am NEVER using the word 'exhibition' in our schedule ever again. Seems that people translate it into 'vacation' or 'slack off with homework and get grounded' ... who knew?
I view every game as a solid opportunity to give our players one more game. More so when it's against very good competition, not just because we're nearing the playoffs. All competition is valuable before they try out for their school teams in about a month.
If I sound sour, trust me, I am. But I'll get over it. I just want the players to maximize their opportunities in this beautiful game. I haven't heard a single one say, "Coach, I really don't want to play in a game this week."
If anything, it's the opposite! I'd like to hear more of "Coach, I've been doing my homework early and double-checking it, and now I'm getting an A." Or "Coach, we'll be there in full force to give the Rebelz a great game."
Time for some fun with our hoop friends from Central Oahu.
I never, ever, never, EVER imagined we would come so close to forfeiting a game. Any game. I am NEVER using the word 'exhibition' in our schedule ever again. Seems that people translate it into 'vacation' or 'slack off with homework and get grounded' ... who knew?
I view every game as a solid opportunity to give our players one more game. More so when it's against very good competition, not just because we're nearing the playoffs. All competition is valuable before they try out for their school teams in about a month.
If I sound sour, trust me, I am. But I'll get over it. I just want the players to maximize their opportunities in this beautiful game. I haven't heard a single one say, "Coach, I really don't want to play in a game this week."
If anything, it's the opposite! I'd like to hear more of "Coach, I've been doing my homework early and double-checking it, and now I'm getting an A." Or "Coach, we'll be there in full force to give the Rebelz a great game."
Time for some fun with our hoop friends from Central Oahu.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Sunday survival?
After all these weeks of looking forward to outside competition, we're now faced with playing the Mililani Rebelz tomorrow (Sunday) with half our team missing. We should still have five Thunder players available, so we'll be able to play. It's just too bad we don't have our best lineup to face one of the better teams on the island.
Out
> Eliet is in Japan
> Blake is resting all week
> Mike, Kevin grounded (academics)
> Tai is at a football-related, mandatory event all day in Waikiki
That means Colby, Josh, Cody, Randon and Keanu are left. Lots of minutes for all!
Our two inactive guys on the roster, Shiraz and Dru, are welcome to play. Shiraz came to our last couple of practices and is jazzed about playing tomorrow. He's a hard worker and I'm glad he's enthusiastic about the game he loves. Dru is busy with football, so I don't really expect him to make it. But you never know. He's been on the roster since mid-summer, before he decided to play football, and he intends to play with us in the spring leagues, so this could be kind of a head start.
Originally, I asked Greydon, the CAL director, if we could line up an outside team instead of playing another league team again, especially when it won't count in the standings. Now I'm just going to be happy if we don't forfeit the game. I want us to play well, but you need five players to start a game, so...
Game is 12:50 p.m. We'll meet at 12:15. Should be fun, guys, should be fun.
Out
> Eliet is in Japan
> Blake is resting all week
> Mike, Kevin grounded (academics)
> Tai is at a football-related, mandatory event all day in Waikiki
That means Colby, Josh, Cody, Randon and Keanu are left. Lots of minutes for all!
Our two inactive guys on the roster, Shiraz and Dru, are welcome to play. Shiraz came to our last couple of practices and is jazzed about playing tomorrow. He's a hard worker and I'm glad he's enthusiastic about the game he loves. Dru is busy with football, so I don't really expect him to make it. But you never know. He's been on the roster since mid-summer, before he decided to play football, and he intends to play with us in the spring leagues, so this could be kind of a head start.
Originally, I asked Greydon, the CAL director, if we could line up an outside team instead of playing another league team again, especially when it won't count in the standings. Now I'm just going to be happy if we don't forfeit the game. I want us to play well, but you need five players to start a game, so...
Game is 12:50 p.m. We'll meet at 12:15. Should be fun, guys, should be fun.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Basics: Boxing Out
Anyone remember this? Coach Jimmy Miyasaka (Cal Poly Pomona shooting guard 2006-09) walking the Thunder through a box-out drill at Kahala Park during a summer practice.
Pivoting. Footwork.
Pivoting. Footwork.
Leverage. Getting low.
Balance. Sealing off your man.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Manage time or time will manage you
It's one thing to play in the summer, (partly) free from academic responsibilities. Now, in late September with school in full gear, there are a few of our guys who are struggling with one or more classes. It's good that a few of us are getting extra help. Not everybody is excellent in every single class during high school.
But I do know how easy it is to let the hours wind around the clock without getting any homework done. By the time you guys get to college, you'll have a much better grasp of time management out of necessity. However, it's much, much better for you to get a grasp of your schedule, day by day and hour by hour, right now while you're still finding your niche as a student-athlete.
That's why I looked up this simple jpeg form. Do yourself a HUGE FAVOR and keep a regular schedule for yourself. Block off time for homework and be specific about which class and whether it's the initial homework or you're double-checking. (You do double-check everything, right? Not double-checking is as bad as not hitting the boards to rebound. A must.)
Also block off time for meals, relaxing (TV, internet, video games), basketball practice and pick-up games, hanging out (movies, etc.). Block off everything and be diligent. Every hourly block should be marked, even if it is simply "vegging out" or "watching TV". Nothing will form perfectly, 100%, but having a schedule keeps you IN CHARGE of your life and your results to a large, large degree.
Print and post. There's no reason why we all can't do better work. Just takes some will power and organization.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Reminder: Practice is at Kahala Park
And for the rest of the season. HUGE MAHALO to Coach Tes Whitlock and John Wade for providing us access to Holy Nativity Gym. I'm going to miss that place.
Practice at Kahala Park, 4-6 p.m. from today on.
Practice at Kahala Park, 4-6 p.m. from today on.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Practice at Kahala, no gym
Thunder Alert: Practice is at Kahala Park the rest of the season. Gym time is pau. Sad but it's not available now. We were born on the blacktop, so back we go...
Practice 4-6 p.m., Kahala Park.
Practice 4-6 p.m., Kahala Park.
Thunder-KBB post-game: We must be doing something right
I spent the rest of Sunday, after the game, editing video of football games I've covered, working the weekly Top 10 polls (work) and, finally, examining the video of our game with KBB.
We did some things well. We had better ball movement against their zone defense. We moved our feet more defensively. Not perfectly and all the time, but we're getting much better at it.
Things to improve on? We still have a habit of leaving our feet offensively for no reason other than to pass. That gives any defender an extra split-second to read you, and when we did it, it resulted in turnovers. Always best to stay on two feet, use your brain and a fake or two instead of jumping and throwing the ball away.
When we did take care of the ball, we got quality shots most of the time. That's one aspect I like. We have a better sense of shot selection than a lot of the high school varsity teams I've seen over the years.
Overall, though, the key was our hustle on both ends of the floor. KBB was a young team, but disciplined and fundamentally sound, as all of Coach Ed's teams and players are. His son, Kainoa, wasn't Player of the Year in high school basketball last year for nothin'.
Beyond all that, the one thing I know we can't control is the officiating, and I've gone to lengths with the league director and the officials to correct what seems to be a decline in good positioning (yes, refs have to get in position, too) and basic reflexes. By that I mean sometimes a rusty or past-his-prime referee will miss calls that are in plain view, not more than 5 feet away.
When that happens, as was the case when Blake got elbowed on the head on a low-post shot and there was no call, there's really nothing a coach can do except bring it up, which I did during the time out that followed. Quality is varied when it comes to officials; some work hard to improve and others stagnate before declining quickly.
Any time you realize that a call hasn't been made properly, just remember that players have no choice but to adjust to the game officials, not vice-versa. That's why I'm proud of you guys. Things didn't always go our way, but you kept playing hard and never lost your cool.
As for any further discussion with the league director, Greydon, about the dropoff in officating in our past two games, LET ME HANDLE IT. I've already done one DVD on our previous game. I'm going to put another one together for yesterday's game since there were at least six questionable-to-blatant non-calls.
As a former age-group and ILH intermediate summer league referee, I know it's not easy. But it's also wrong to simply ignore sub-par officiating. It has to be dealt with, not just for the referee's sake — maybe he really does need to get his eyes checked — but for the players' sake most of all.
Even when things aren't looking so bright, we find the light, Thunder. We find the light.
See you guys at Kahala Park on Tuesday, 4 p.m.
We did some things well. We had better ball movement against their zone defense. We moved our feet more defensively. Not perfectly and all the time, but we're getting much better at it.
Things to improve on? We still have a habit of leaving our feet offensively for no reason other than to pass. That gives any defender an extra split-second to read you, and when we did it, it resulted in turnovers. Always best to stay on two feet, use your brain and a fake or two instead of jumping and throwing the ball away.
When we did take care of the ball, we got quality shots most of the time. That's one aspect I like. We have a better sense of shot selection than a lot of the high school varsity teams I've seen over the years.
Overall, though, the key was our hustle on both ends of the floor. KBB was a young team, but disciplined and fundamentally sound, as all of Coach Ed's teams and players are. His son, Kainoa, wasn't Player of the Year in high school basketball last year for nothin'.
Beyond all that, the one thing I know we can't control is the officiating, and I've gone to lengths with the league director and the officials to correct what seems to be a decline in good positioning (yes, refs have to get in position, too) and basic reflexes. By that I mean sometimes a rusty or past-his-prime referee will miss calls that are in plain view, not more than 5 feet away.
When that happens, as was the case when Blake got elbowed on the head on a low-post shot and there was no call, there's really nothing a coach can do except bring it up, which I did during the time out that followed. Quality is varied when it comes to officials; some work hard to improve and others stagnate before declining quickly.
Any time you realize that a call hasn't been made properly, just remember that players have no choice but to adjust to the game officials, not vice-versa. That's why I'm proud of you guys. Things didn't always go our way, but you kept playing hard and never lost your cool.
As for any further discussion with the league director, Greydon, about the dropoff in officating in our past two games, LET ME HANDLE IT. I've already done one DVD on our previous game. I'm going to put another one together for yesterday's game since there were at least six questionable-to-blatant non-calls.
As a former age-group and ILH intermediate summer league referee, I know it's not easy. But it's also wrong to simply ignore sub-par officiating. It has to be dealt with, not just for the referee's sake — maybe he really does need to get his eyes checked — but for the players' sake most of all.
Even when things aren't looking so bright, we find the light, Thunder. We find the light.
See you guys at Kahala Park on Tuesday, 4 p.m.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Saturday shootaround: 10:30 am-noon
Back to Kahala Park in the morning for some basics. Some of us need to sharpen our footwork on the low post. Others need to square up properly and complete shots in balance (as opposed to leaning or fading away). There's just a lot of little things that can be accomplished with a simple shootaround.
Then there's shave ice if the Pop Warner booth is there, and they say they'll be there in the morning. Hope to see you guys there.
Then there's shave ice if the Pop Warner booth is there, and they say they'll be there in the morning. Hope to see you guys there.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Game story: Southside 45, Thunder 42
HONOLULU — The Diamond Head Thunder rallied from a five-point deficit to tie the game with 2:35 left, but Southside scored the final three points, all at the foul line, for a 45-42 win on Sunday at McKinley Student Council Gym.
Southside (5-0) remained unbeaten in Compete and Learn (CAL) 15-under play. The Thunder dropped to 3-2 despite 16 points by Blake Wade.
With just five players to start the game, Southside showed signs of wilting against the Thunder fastbreak. Keanu Vela (nine points, seven boards) and Eliet Donley (seven points) helped point guard Randon Oda push the tempo.
Vela had five assists in the first half, mostly on feeds to Wade and Donley for open perimeter shots. Blake was a force on the low post in the second half, but untimely turnovers cost the Thunder opportunities. The game was tied at 42-all when they missed on a low-post fadeaway shot, a 3-point try and another low-post shot, in addition to a turnover on the break.
Southside needs a win this Sunday against KBB to secure a playoff berth. Tip-off is at 10:10 a.m. Pre-game is 9:30 a.m.
Southside (5-0) remained unbeaten in Compete and Learn (CAL) 15-under play. The Thunder dropped to 3-2 despite 16 points by Blake Wade.
With just five players to start the game, Southside showed signs of wilting against the Thunder fastbreak. Keanu Vela (nine points, seven boards) and Eliet Donley (seven points) helped point guard Randon Oda push the tempo.
Vela had five assists in the first half, mostly on feeds to Wade and Donley for open perimeter shots. Blake was a force on the low post in the second half, but untimely turnovers cost the Thunder opportunities. The game was tied at 42-all when they missed on a low-post fadeaway shot, a 3-point try and another low-post shot, in addition to a turnover on the break.
Southside needs a win this Sunday against KBB to secure a playoff berth. Tip-off is at 10:10 a.m. Pre-game is 9:30 a.m.
NCAA Scoreboard - Diamond Head Thunder (3-1) vs. Southside (4-0)
McKinley Student Council Gym
McKinley Student Council Gym
Top Performers
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Diamond Head Thunder
Southside
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Monday, September 20, 2010
Game Video: Thunder vs. Southside
Four parts, and please keep it in the family. No reposting the video please.
Lot of good stuff. See you guys at practice tomorrow!
(Thursday, Sept. 23: Just reposted the game video with newly added text (scoring, roster). Enjoy!)
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Lot of good stuff. See you guys at practice tomorrow!
(Thursday, Sept. 23: Just reposted the game video with newly added text (scoring, roster). Enjoy!)
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Thunder Update: Officiating on video
Had a good shootaround with Josh at Salt Lake Park tonight, squeezed it in (40 minutes) in the middle of his studying. It's all about diligence and working on everything on a daily basis, and he's willing to do the hard work. That's all any coach or parent could ask for.
I have not examined the entire game video yet. Had some work today and was out of the house most of the time. But I did take a look at the final 30 seconds or so, and sure enough, just as I saw from the bench during the game, Keanu was fouled clearly on his 3-point shot from the right wing with about 22 seconds left. We were down 43-42 at the time, and since the official didn't blow his whistle, there was no foul called.
It's NOT the reason we lost. Turnovers were too plentiful in the second half, to be sure, but I feel all right about our outstanding defense and hustle, plus the fastbreak was rolling and some guys were hitting shots all day.
But the video will come in handy. I've already clipped that non-call on Keanu's 3-point shot, put it unlisted on YouTube and sent the link to the CAL League director. The reason I'm sharing this with you guys is so you know you don't have to fret or be concerned about the way so many non-calls affected our game today with Southside. I'm going to deal with that. You guys just keep working hard and having fun. DO NOT FORGET ... THE JOY OF THE GAME IS IN YOUR HEARTS. Nothing can change that, not bad officiating or whatever.
Let me handle that. The video evidence is more than enough (I'm going to collect all the non-calls — forearm shots to the gut, body checks, etc. — and send them to the league), and hopefully it will help the league filter out officials who are not up to par. I expect it will help because the league director is very open and honest, and like any other parent or coach, he wants the best for all of the kids. He really does.
Time to hit the gym. Coach needs to get off his lazy okole and play some hoops!
I have not examined the entire game video yet. Had some work today and was out of the house most of the time. But I did take a look at the final 30 seconds or so, and sure enough, just as I saw from the bench during the game, Keanu was fouled clearly on his 3-point shot from the right wing with about 22 seconds left. We were down 43-42 at the time, and since the official didn't blow his whistle, there was no foul called.
It's NOT the reason we lost. Turnovers were too plentiful in the second half, to be sure, but I feel all right about our outstanding defense and hustle, plus the fastbreak was rolling and some guys were hitting shots all day.
But the video will come in handy. I've already clipped that non-call on Keanu's 3-point shot, put it unlisted on YouTube and sent the link to the CAL League director. The reason I'm sharing this with you guys is so you know you don't have to fret or be concerned about the way so many non-calls affected our game today with Southside. I'm going to deal with that. You guys just keep working hard and having fun. DO NOT FORGET ... THE JOY OF THE GAME IS IN YOUR HEARTS. Nothing can change that, not bad officiating or whatever.
Let me handle that. The video evidence is more than enough (I'm going to collect all the non-calls — forearm shots to the gut, body checks, etc. — and send them to the league), and hopefully it will help the league filter out officials who are not up to par. I expect it will help because the league director is very open and honest, and like any other parent or coach, he wants the best for all of the kids. He really does.
Time to hit the gym. Coach needs to get off his lazy okole and play some hoops!
Thunder-Southside post-game
Can't feel bad about today's game even though it's another close loss. Thunder, we did so many things right today. Shot well, rebounded decent, covered a good shooting team with our man defense fairly well. I just hope we get to play Southside (and the Sharks) again in the playoffs.
For now, we'll keep working on all the little things. Sure, we're a little younger than most of these teams. Means nothing to me. You know in your heart exactly what our potential is regardless of age. Reaching that potential is as realistic for us as it is for any team in our league, if not more so, because of one crucial ingredient: heart. I think we have more than any team, and as experience and chemistry kick in for us, it's just a matter of time before we reach a new level.
It's clear to me that the guys who put in the extra time on their own have really stepped up. The payoff is almost immediate. For those guys who don't put in extra time to improve their games, I really recommend that you find the time and build a strong foundation. It will give you a head start going into tryouts for your school teams when November arrives.
Remember, if you're sitting around and loafing, someone else is out there working on their handles, their pull-up jumper, their footwork and jab steps, their 3-pointers, their high- and low-post moves ... Your destiny is in your hands.
This week, we'll have another new emphasis: taking care of the ball. We had a few too many turnovers today, but it's very correctible without losing our fastbreak momentum. I love the way we ran the floor. You guys were not just great at times, but a whole lotta fun to watch. Good job, Thunder!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Saturday shootaround: 10:30 am-noon
Just a quick note: We'll have shootaround at 10:30 a.m., Kahala Park. I'll bring the Gatorade and water.
If Pop Warner games are on that day at the park, I'm buying shave ice. Maybe chili bowls.
That's all!
If Pop Warner games are on that day at the park, I'm buying shave ice. Maybe chili bowls.
That's all!
Almost 90 minutes of effort
Good practice, Thunder. Once we got settled down and focused on the work at hand, excellent work was done. I just hope we get started faster on Sunday than we did today. VRROOOM VRROOOOM ...
I couldn't emphasize it any more than I did during practice, but I'll try again anyway. On Sunday, we will push, push, push the ball. We will be quick. We won't rush. Quick without rushing or hurrying. It is very possible to push the tempo and play intelligently at the same time.
I think today was a good demonstration in the importance of transition DEFENSE, or recognizing that half the battle is won there. Running the fastbreak isn't hard. It's fun. But getting back on defense, there was quite a bit of lagging, especially by the second scrimmage today.
It's all good, though. Getting ready for the rest of the season means being balanced and being able to play at any tempo. We have the slower and moderate tempos down pretty good. We've shown that we can go uptempo at times. Looking forward to Sunday's challenge.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
From one elite student-athlete to you
Jaymason Lee is one of the top quarterbacks in the state and has been for two years now.
He's a good student (3.0 GPA) and a co-captain of the Castle Knights. He's passionate about his sport, dedicated to his craft. He spent every Sunday in the past two offseasons working with the premier quarterbacks coach in the state, coming into town from the Windward side diligently.
What does he think younger athletes need to do? Here's what he told me:
"For younger kids, I’d say keep working. When the other quarterbacks are at the beach or movies, you gotta be the one that’s still training."
Football, basketball ... the sport doesn't really matter. Dedication, work ethic, intelligent preparation ... those matter.
Football, basketball ... the sport doesn't really matter. Dedication, work ethic, intelligent preparation ... those matter.
Put your track shoes on
Ample warning for all Thunder: We are going to run, run and run on Sunday. If you think we're going to walk it up every single time against a team with a slow-footed 6-foot-7 center, you is craaaazy!
We're going to push that tempo every time. Get an easy shot on the low post. Layups. Open outside shots. If it's not there off the fastbreak, we'll still run our offense. But we are pushing to start every possession.
I recommend that everybody do some running today, Friday and some light running on Saturday in preparation. Two to three miles each day until Saturday would be wise if you guys are serious about reaching potential as a team this week.
We've gotten better on defense. The shooting is coming along — Blake, your extra work is paying off well. We're taking better care of the ball. We're even running the floor a little more. But what I want on Sunday is to put serious pressure on our opponent by running every time, before their center can get back and before they can even set up any of their presses.
We will be the aggressor on both ends of the floor. Lightning and Thunder.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Game story: Thunder 40, Kapolei 28
HONOLULU—Keanu Vela scored 14 points and Blake Wade added 10 as the Diamond Head Thunder rallied for a 40-28 win over Kapolei on Sunday.
The Thunder improved to 3-1 in CAL Basketball League (15U) play despite another slow start. Vela, who also had a game-high 12 rebounds, had eight points in the first half to help his team stay within range. Kapolei led 17-14 at halftime.
Wade, who shot 5-for-9, hit a low-post bank shot to give the Thunder the lead for good at 18-17 early in the second half. The Thunder fastbreak, sparked by Vela and point guard Randon Oda, caught Kapolei on its heels.
Eliet Donley added six points and seven boards, and Mike Pimentel grabbed nine rebounds.
The Thunder bench, a.k.a. Bomb Squad, maximized a good all-around defensive effort. Kapolei shot 10-for-46 from the field (22 percent) and the Thunder seized a 40-27 advantage on the glass.
The Thunder will meet Southside next Sunday at 10:10 a.m. The team will meet for pre-game at 9:30 a.m.
Southside edged Kapolei 49-45 three weeks ago.
The Thunder improved to 3-1 in CAL Basketball League (15U) play despite another slow start. Vela, who also had a game-high 12 rebounds, had eight points in the first half to help his team stay within range. Kapolei led 17-14 at halftime.
Wade, who shot 5-for-9, hit a low-post bank shot to give the Thunder the lead for good at 18-17 early in the second half. The Thunder fastbreak, sparked by Vela and point guard Randon Oda, caught Kapolei on its heels.
Eliet Donley added six points and seven boards, and Mike Pimentel grabbed nine rebounds.
The Thunder bench, a.k.a. Bomb Squad, maximized a good all-around defensive effort. Kapolei shot 10-for-46 from the field (22 percent) and the Thunder seized a 40-27 advantage on the glass.
The Thunder will meet Southside next Sunday at 10:10 a.m. The team will meet for pre-game at 9:30 a.m.
Southside edged Kapolei 49-45 three weeks ago.
McKinley Student Council Gym - Diamond Head Thunder (3-1) vs. Kapolei (1-2)
Top Performers
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Diamond Head Thunder
Kapolei
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