Daily dosage

KAC Thunder,

Sometimes I joke with you guys that I "know" you're shooting 500 shots every day on your own. Yeah right. But the past two practices, we've really done a lot more shooting drills than usual. My estimate is that each player has averaged about 100-150 shots at each practice from in close, mid-range and 3-pointers. I like this. I think you guys are enjoying it, too.

Repetition builds confidence. Muscle memory, too. There's just no substitute for repetition of sound fundamentals. There's also nothing quite like the sound of an all-net swish.

I'm glad everyone who's been able to make practice this week is learning the new plays for zone offense and man offense pretty quickly. With each passing day, everything sinks in a little more. For the guys who are already busy with school teams (maybe learning a whole 'nother set of plays), don't stress. The new plays we have are "cousins" of the ones you already know. You'll see.

>> Orion — Keep working diligently and consistently. Your focus and work ethic are among the best on the team, and the result is that your shooting touch is really coming along nicely. When you follow through and let your shooting hand do the work, you have great form.

>> Shawn — Your hustle and heart are so crucial to our team. The boys feed off your energy and positive vibes, but you already know that, I'm sure. Hope you are feeling better today. We missed you yesterday.

>> Kerl — I know you are having fun playing the game you love, but I want you to know that I appreciate your sacrifice. Playing point guard is not easy. It's work. It's responsibility. Figuring out when to attack and when to orchestrate ... even the PGs in the pros and colleges are always challenged to learn and learn. You're doing a very good job.

>> Karl — That was one of the best blocks I've seen in my life on Sunday. That play said it all. Shots go in and shots miss, but defense never fails with that kind of spirit and hustle. That block was not just stunning; it was as big a play as any in the game. It stopped them from scoring an easy layup and kept us in the game at a crucial time. You laid down the Thundurrrr!

>> Kevin — I hope you're feeling better, too. We missed you yesterday. You would've enjoyed it. Lots and lots of shooting drills. I think I'm going to call you Kid Clutch for awhile. That rainbow 3-pointer on Sunday to win the game was unforgettable.

>> Tai — I'm glad you always come to practice even after hours on the football field up at Saint Louis. It makes a difference to the guys and it definitely helps when we're adding new plays. Take care of that ankle.

>> Mike — You and Tai are the two best freshmen athletes in the league. There's so much potential in the two of you, you remind me a lot of two freshmen I coached at Kaimuki 10 years ago, Daniel Tautofi and Junior Maiava. They were skilled, physically gifted, smart kids with a sense of humor. They also were playful and sometimes distracted. I had to discipline them many times before they realized how much they wanted to contribute and succeed. It's all a part of growing older and wiser. You're both on the way.

>> Cody — Practice is not the same without you, bruddah. While you are enjoying the NBA-quality basketball floor in the beautiful new air-conditioned Maryknoll gym, think about us out in the sun, on the hardcourt, sweating our tails off. Wouldn't you rather be having fun with us? Just kidding.

>> Colby — Be careful with the ankles. I know you love the game and would play all out if the doctor let you, but be cautious. Shooting drills are OK. Running and jogging, no.

>> Josh — You are the only person I know who is as busy in the summer as he is during the school year. That band trip to Japan seemed to last months! You're catching on pretty well to all the new plays you missed. I know you know that practicing with us is a teeny bit more fun than practicing with the guys at Kamehameha. What can I say? We do a lot of shooting.

See you guys at practice this afternoon. Keep thinking and hearing ... SWISH.

Coach Paul