Monday funday

Good to have 10 Thunder at practice. We almost had an older 13U/younger 13U challenge, but some guys were missing today so it wasn't a clean split. We made do and got in a lot of 5-on-5 work. Day by day, rep by rep. It's a grind and a test, really, for kids this young (11, 12, 13) to get better individually and as a team. I know it's not going to be for everybody. I started coaching in 1982, coaching 11-12 year olds at Boys Club, and the years (off and on) that I've worked with kids who play basketball, it's always true that some kids have the drive and discipline to keep working at it with passion, and other kids lack those necessities.

We don't know which of these Thunder will stick with it and grind it out through ups and downs. But right now, they all have a liking for the game, and if they lack discipline, they won't go very far with it. That's fine, too. But there will be equal doses of opportunity and fundamentals, fun and discipline. Some days, those does won't be quite so equal by necessity.

I've seen talented young players fade away because they didn't like working on fundamentals, or practicing as a team, or playing defense. Bad grades or got in trouble - disciplined by parents/guardians. A million different reasons. I've seen less-talented young players develop skill and a passion for team basketball, for their own set of attributes, and become outstanding high school players through sheer determination and study.

Today was one of those days when I had to instill discipline early, and as a group, the Thunder accepted that. I'm thankful for that. We may not have a gym or other luxuries, but whatever we have, we make the most of those blessings and move forward. 1% better every day, maybe more. Thank you for working hard today, Thunder!

Lineup: Javan, Walter, Felcris, Little Josh, Colin, Jayden, Ryan, Jonah, Jhevin, Lorelai. Ryan and Felcris had practice in the morning with their school teams and still made it to Thunder practice.

Next: Tuesday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.

WE LOVE THIS GAME!!