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.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)