Player development in professional sports.

Last summer I watched 5 of the top 20 draft picks in last years NBA draft workout before an open (invite only) run at UCLA’s Men’s Gym. As I watched these highly acclaimed future millionaires stumble on basic footwork drills and other 5th grade level fundamentals I found myself puzzled that these 19-21 year olds could in one year be playing against such greats as Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett and LeBron James. For a short minute as I watched, I felt as if I had a shot at that level considering my fundamental skills were there. That feeling lasted for as long as it took for me to see my reflection in the gym door window. My current figure looks more like a linebacker as opposed to a lean and quick shooting guard.

After the workout I spoke with the coach who was putting them through the drills. I told him that I couldn’t believe that those guys couldn’t get through such simple drills. He laughed in agreement and said, “That’s why I have a job.” I guess he was right. My point was that I felt that if this guys job was teaching basic fundamentals then he should be teaching 5th and 6th graders. Not NBA lottery draft picks. The NBA is certainly not at a lack for talent but the closer you look at the teams that don’t make it into or don’t make it far in the post-season, you see that there are many simple things that they don’t do well. I am still amazed that some of these guys can make it that far without having certain fundamentals mastered.

As a college basketball analyst, shooting and skills coach and camp director I feel like I have seen the game deteriorate in many ways and  thrive in others. I can not imagine how good the NBA could be if the first three years of rookie’s career wasn’t wasted on developing the basic fundamentals.

My point…player development should be done in Elementary, Middle, High School and College. Until then, we’ll continue to see some sloppy yet sometimes amazing play in professional basketball. I guess this leads me to my next discussion: Coaches vs Teachers and the lack of good teachers of the game amongst the coaching ranks.

Tempo: The Pace of the Game

As a college basketball analyst most of the games I watch are at the collegiate level. Obviously like any basketball fan, I don’t miss many Kobe-Lebron or Lakers-Celtics match ups. So needless to say, I watch my share of NBA too. It is only recently that I have begun to watch a good amount of High School hoops. With no vested interest, that is, a client, friend or family member playing in the game I find myself watching from a coaching perspective. I watch the game and think about what I would do to improve upon the play of both teams. I also think about what separates high school to college and college to the pros. Five minutes into the high school game I realize it is tempo.

In talking to a number of former collegiate and former professional athletes from many sports I can’t think of one that hasn’t mentioned at some point, “If I only knew then what I know now.” Now all you young aspiring athletes out there, listen up… One of those things that we wish we knew then that we know now is tempo. Tempo is the speed and pace of the game and it is something that must be addressed. By understanding tempo you will drastically improve the effectiveness and the efficiency of not only your play but your energy too. You will use less energy and will be twice as effective.

Ironically enough the tempo of the game slows down as the level of play improves. At the professional level you might think that the players aren’t playing with enough energy or it may look as though they are playing half speed. It is not that they are playing half speed or full speed, they are playing at many speeds. The game is not to be played at one speed. As you mature and progress as an athlete in whatever sport you play you will realize that to gain the advantage against your opponent you need to learn how to make efficient and purposeful movements, changing speeds and changing directions.

Watching the high school game it was hard to even recognize what type of offense either team was running. What should have been a pas and screen away looked more like a pass and run away. And a “V” cut to get open looked like a frantic sprint with no change of speed or direction. If I could call a timeout from the stands and address both teams, I would tell them to SLOW DOWN! Instead of running around I would advise them to make precise, explosive cuts and to move with a purpose on the court.

It is great that young players watch professional and collegiate level basketball but it seems like all they see are the spectacular moves and monstrous dunks. I implore all those who want to take their game to a higher level, don’t watch for the dunks and ankle breaking crossovers. Watch how Kobe Bryant walks his man down to the block before he makes an explosive cut to the ball for a scoring opportunity. Watch how Richard “Rip” Hamilton lulls his defender to sleep before making an aggressive “V” cut to get open.

As we close up the high school and collegiate seasons we begin to look at what we can do to improve for next season. I believe that tempo and learning how to slow the game down should be on the top of everyone’s list. Learning how to control pace and learning how to move with a purpose will have an immediate positive effect on your overall game.

My thoughts and perspective on all things pertaining to hoops.

It is my intention to use this blog as a way to share my thoughts, ideas, opinions and observations about the game of basketball. I have had the privilege of playing basketball at many levels. I am now honored to be able to share my experience, my knowledge and my sometimes unique perspective to all those who share my love for the game.

As a college basketball analyst I am often asked to look past the obvious and share my observations from a player/coaches perspective. With this blog I hope to provide a unique point of view to a variety of issues and ideas pertaining to basketball.

Please check in for my weekly take on what’s happening in the world of hoops. Feel free to leave feedback to add to the discussion. I look forward to your thoughts as well.

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