The Law of Averages

This is why I don't sweat it when shots are not falling: eventually, they will fall. As long as you shoot with confidence and proper form, you will always make shots. You will always miss shots. A really good shooter hits 50% from the field. That's why I never get bothered about misses as long as they're good looks, in rhythm, never rushed, but quickly executed off good passes and/or penetration. That's the part of TEAM OFFENSE that is always overlooked. A good shot starts with a good rebound, good transition push upcourt, and finding the right man.

But I digress. What I really need to say is that I'm proud of you guys. From yesterday to today, we really improved as a TEAM, which is not surprising considering the lack of practice time we've had together. Passers were crisper, our press was OUTSTANDING and our attitude was so even-keeled — not too low, not too high. I like all of those aspects of our team.

I think we were down 10 or so when we began to rally. Shots started falling — Law of Averages — and our press became lethal. Shooting is 90% psychological, 10% fundamental. So is breaking a press. And we really broke down the Chargers' confidence. You knew it when they started calling us "Roaches" and complaining/yelling at each other in the second half. I never like to see teammates down on each other, but it was just evidence to me from a coach's point of view. Our TEAM DEFENSE and relentless attitude tore them up and they never recovered.

We will get better. For now, it's nice to have a win as a team and gain some momentum. Each of us knows our strengths and weaknesses. Play to your STRENGTHS always. Work on your weaknesses at practice, with the team and when you're on your own on a basketball court. This is your life. This is your game. This is your sacrifice.

Might as well make the best of it every chance you get, don't you think?

I love this game!

Friday, 5:45 p.m. Thunder vs. Huskies, Aiea Gym
Saturday, time to be announced, playoffs 1:45-6 p.m., Aiea Gym.
Sunday, 9:20 a.m., Kilauea Gym, 15U game, CAL League
Monday, 4:30 p.m., Makiki Park, practice
Tuesday, 4:30 p.m., Makiki Park, practice
Wednesday, Aug. 24 to Saturday, Aug. 27, times to be announced, Aiea 15U tournament, Aiea Rec. Gym

Note: We'll use practice during the week to focus on basics: triple-threat footwork on the wing, low-post footwork and execution, 3-point shooting in catch/shoot motion and footwork.