I know I said last night that there wouldn't be anything today for our guys, but that's only because I was focused on the coaches meeting for the NJB Classic. The meeting isn't until 7 p.m., so I'll be at Makiki Park at 5 p.m. if anyone wants to get some shooting reps in.
As for last night, that was a treat to have 13 guys in Thunder uniforms. We've gone from nearly forfeiting games to having a surplus. I tried to get everyone playing time, especially our young guys. We're not in full stride; it takes us awhile to get the tempo going full speed, and our press is rusty. Kind of expected since we rarely have team practices. But we looked good in stretches and I love the way everyone was unselfish with the ball.
Just one actual note worth repeating: stay away from the one-handed passes unless they are fullcourt baseball throws. We had back-to-back one-handed passes get stolen that allowed the Peacemakers to start a run in the second half. The problem with one-handed passes is that it's like watching a bowler. When that ball goes back, everyone in the gym knows where it's going. That fraction of a second is a LONG time for a defensive player. That's why I continue to preach about the evils of these kinds of passes.
Stick to the two-handed passes. They are difficult to read — chest pass? bounce pass? which way is it going? A one-handed pass is trouble. Please stay away from them.
Also stay away from chest passes into the paint against a zone. Too easy to tip.
I really liked our aggressiveness. We played some good defense once we got more used to each other. Defensive chemistry takes time, just like offense.
We also did a pretty good job of moving the ball and shooting the open 3. Remember, if you aren't ready to catch and shoot — hands up and footwork in motion — the open shot as the pass arrives, you miss many opportunities. And you know what I do with guys who don't take open shots. Back on the bench. So do your reps, get your confidence up and let it fly.
Thunderrrr!
Big mahalo to Bulla, Chris and Marcus for their patience and understanding. They know it's important for our young guys to get lots of playing time, but let's remember, if these gentlemen had not suited up for us, we would've forfeited one or two games in this league. To me, they're true ballers who love the game and have great respect for their teammates and opponents. That means more to me than wins and losses and trophies.
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