I wanted to say congrats to Patrick Robinson aka Pat Da Roc who is going to make an appearance at the celebrity basketball game prior to the Super Bowl. Pat an amazing dribbler was with the Harlem Globetrotters for awhile. He worked out w/ me last Spring looking to improve his jumpshot.
Quick shout out to Bob Hurley on his 1000th victory. Already in the Basketball Hall of Fame, the legendary coach is the epitome of what a coach should be. He teaching on the court is well known but much more impressive is work off the court and in the community.
It continues to amaze me how frequently foul shooting determines outcome of games. The winning team almost always has the higher percentage as well as attempts. It’s even more amazing the lack of time players, coaches and teams spend on this important skill.
Just finished a terrific book called “A Good Man” about former coach Pete Newell. I know a lot of younger folks never heard of him, but he wad a truly innovative coach who along with Dean Smith and Bobby Knight were the only coah to win the NIT, NCAA and Olympics He retired from Cal in 1960 but continued to hold “Big Man Camps” for top NBA players while refusing pay.It is well written, poignant, funny and heart warming. Truly an unique character. If you love hoops and are a student of the game, it is a must read.
Had loads of fun yesterday. In the morning hosted a basketball clinic at No. Brunswick HS. Wide range of talent, from very skilled to some kids running up the court, forgetting they were supposed to dribble.
In the evening, got to workout Tony Ellington, a very gifted 8th grade prospect. A hard worker and good listener, Tony is destined for big success on and off the court. Looking forward to working with him through the years.
Although the World Series is about to begin, let’s get serious. It time to begin another NBA season. So…Who do you like? With all the trades, free agent movement, new rookies and the 3 Muskateers down in Miami, who do you pick for NBA champs this year. Now there will be more trades and injuries, but who is your choice and why? We’ll double check at end of yr. and see how you did.
With training camps under way in the NBA and pre-season games all around the planet, it should be an interesting season w/ new coaches and players all over the league. It’s still not too late for teams or individual players to get extra coaching in foul shooting. Always amazing to me how many games are decided on the line and how many players and teams choose not to improve. The Foul Shot Doc remains on call to remedy the ills of lousy foul shooting.
I think the answer is yes. Although an excellent defensive player, his offense was limited. As far as championships, if you substituted Wilt of even Nate Thurmond for Russell, those great Celtics would have won the same amount of championships. Also, keep in mind that the opposing centers of the 50’s and 60’s left much to be desired, ie. Darryl Imhoff, Mel Counts and Jim Krebs, etc.
Really enjoyed coaches clinic yesterday at St. Benedict’s. Got a chance to talk w/ Hubie Brown and let him know that he is indirectly responsible for my daughter Danielle being alive. He gave me a big hug and handshake and told me I made his day. Pretty cool. Ironic since I used to be so scared of him when watchiing his Knick practices at Upslala College.
Looking forward to going to St. Benedict’s tomorrow for coaching clinic. Lecturers inc. Hubie Brown, Mike Fratello, Fran Fraschilla and Jay Williams among others.Always fun hanging w/ the NJ coaches as well. And lunch included.
