2008 School Review and Photos

Much thanks to everyone who attended this year’s Crispin Basketball School.  Everyone involved enjoyed working with each one of you and were particularly encouraged to see your respective games progress as the week went on.  We covered a lot, even while reviewing the basics, and both the Middle School and High School groups did a good job catching on.  We hope you benefitted from the week a great deal and, in turn, plan on coming back next year.  

I mentioned to the High School group that we would post photos from the week (I forgot to mention it to the morning crew).  They can be found by clicking here.  You can view them in slideshow format and also purchase them from Shutterfly if you would like.  

Also, I wanted to announce to everyone that Jon and I will be playing with our old High School mates in a charity event on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Pitman High School gym.  We are gathering together a team from the two teams that won back-to-back State Championships in 1997 and 1998.  It should be a fun time.  

Thanks again for your hard work throughout the week.  We would encourage you to keep it going.  We would also appreciate any feedback you have about the week.  Anything you enjoyed and/or thought needed to be covered.  We appreciate you taking the time to do so.  

Enjoying the game with you,

Joe and Jon Crispin

 

Working with a Plan

It’s not enough to know where you want to get to.  You also need to know where you must travel to next.  As a basketball player, it is vital to have long and short-range goals.  But if all you think about is those long-range goals, you might be confused as to what you should do today.  You need a next action step to go along with your long range vision.  You want to play college ball?  Well then, what step can you take toward that goal right now, today?  

In answering that question, it is good to first, write it down and second, find out how you can develop a specific plan to work on various aspects of your game.  It might only take 30-45 minutes each day, but if you are consistent with maximizing those 30-45 minutes, your game can rise to new heights.  Having a plan is vital to maximizing your limited basketball moments.  

What that plan should be is up to you.  And I would encourage you to ask around for wisdom.  Ask your coach (or coaches).  Take notes of various drills you can do at camp.  Then develop some specific workouts that can help you maximize your time on the court.  

I could say more, but will do so maybe tomorrow.  That is enough for now.  

Planning and practicing,

Joe

12 Good Questions

I have begun working out a few younger players as of late.  I start by giving them this short list of questions and offer it to you for further reflection.  Besides question #2, if you take some time to answer these questions and reflect upon them a bit, I believe you can learn a lot about your game and clarify some things that will help you gain increased clarity as to how you can improve.  In fact, I just realized that I need to answer them!  

1.    Why do you play the game of basketball? 

2.    What position do you play?  

3.    What do you enjoy most about the game of basketball?  

4.    What do you like least about the game of basketball? 

5.    Why do you want to improve? 

6.    In your opinion, what is the strongest part of your game?  

7.    In your opinion, what is the weakest part of your game?  

8.    If you could perfect one or two things, what would they be?  

9.    Describe yourself as a basketball player using three adjectives (e.g. aggressive, intense, etc.) 

10. Do you enjoy watching the game of basketball?  If yes, why?  

11. Who is your favorite basketball player?  (At any level.)  Why? 

12. What are your basketball goals?  

Re-signing

It is only June 3rd, but I have already come to an agreement with the team I just played for last season in Turkey, Banvit. This is by far the earliest I have ever signed and the first time I have had the privilege of signing with the same team. I am thankful for the opportunity to return and hopeful of helping the club have a very successful season.

Lord willing, this means we will be headed back to Bandirma, Turkey in early to mid August. We really are looking forward to the return.

Thankful for the opportunity to play,
Joe