Found a great story from the Village Voice from back in 1999 on schoolyard players and their chances of playing in the NBA. Some good material from Walt Frazier, Nate Archibald and this quote from Bernard King.
“No matter who you are or how talented you are,” King concludes, “if you can’t mesh your skills into the framework of a team, it just doesn’t work.”
-Coach Finamore
Hoops135@hotmail.com
The way you start each game is vital to your team’s success.
Start with getting into the right frame of mind. On your way to the game, in the team van, bus or if you are driving to the game.
Focus on the warm-up. Get loose, take shots in warm-ups you’d normally take in the game. Don’t waste time.
Stretch out, jog to the back of the line and touch half-court.
Make crisp passes during warm-ups, get yourself mentally prepared.
Stay focused on the court; your teammates, coaching staff and rim. I see too many players looking up into the stands and talking to their friends or the fans.
Bernard King, a former forward in the NBA used to be very intense during warm-ups while he played for the New York Knicks. While sitting court-side I used to love to watch him run out of the tunnel and hit the lay-up line with so much passion And it showed in the games.
As the game starts, know your assignment on defense;check your man tight. Help on defense, rotate and close out on shooters. Most of all, communicate and run the floor hard.
In the half-court offense screen for someone, cut sharp, square up to the goal on your jumper.
On offense, penetrate the ball and kick it to open shooters. If you get to the rim, finish strong, don’t go up weak! Crash the offensive boards and most of all, sprint back on defense and match-up in transition.
Play with energy. Play with passion. Play with enthusiasm. Get excited about being on the floor. Don’t take it for granted! You’re suiting up. Your laces are tied up, you’re putting on a jersey representing a team!
Take advantage of the opportunity many would love to have but don’t.
Start the second half the same exact way!
Mental preparation is just as important as any other area of the game.
-Coach Finamore
Hoops135@hotmail.com
