Check out this 60 minute interview with Tim Donaghy. What he did undermines the integrity of the game but he does provide some interesting insider information into the happenings of the NBA. I know the NBA is extremely political and a big business. Just like any other business they try to maximize revenue, but are they hurting the essence of the game in the process. You be the judge.
For some reason I can’t the videos to upload directly so just check them out HERE
The point guard position is the most important position on the floor. The PG is the floor general and is essentially the coach on the floor. He or she needs to be able to command the respect and cooperation of his or her teammates.
A quality point guard is like the perfect girlfriend. She makes you a better person, she makes all your other girlfriends look like garbage, and you never realize how good she is until she leaves you and your life falls apart. Bad analogy but you get the point.
A PG is the glue that holds the team together. They may not score all the points or get a lot of glory but they are essential to winning. All great teams have a solid point guard. I believe it is the one position you cannot hide a weakness on the court. You can hide a center or a forward but you can never hide a “bad” point guard.
While I was playing at a showcase in Vegas my coach was talking to our point guard. I overheard what he said and made a point to remember it because I really liked it. Here is a little inside info you may have never heard or thought of.
3 Things Every PG Should Know
1. Score
When the PG gets the ball he should know the score. He should know by how much his team is winning or losing. This will dictate how he coordinates his team and directs his offense.
2. Clock
The PG always needs to know what the clock is. He is the game manager and he will not be able to manage properly if he does not know the clock. This is especially critical at the end of quarters and the end of games. It amazes me how many times players I hear from players “I had no idea what the time was.” This mistake could cost a team the game.
Here is a quick example: the clock is at :38 seconds the PG should be looking for a 2 for 1* and letting his teammates know.
*A two for one post is coming in the near future
3. Possession
The final and probably most important thing every PG should know is what his team has done on the last three possessions. Like I said earlier the PG is the general on the floor. He or she controls the tempo of the game. Did your team just have two turnovers and a bad shot? This time down the floor the PG should be slowing down the tempo and looking for a really good shot, maybe even a lay-up. If the team is playing and shooting well maybe push the tempo a little bit. The PG controls the flow of the game.
If you are a point guard keep these things in mind and I guarantee your coach will want you on the floor at all times.
TJW
Check out this interesting article of a high profile high school basketball player forgoing his senior year to play basketball overseas. Maybe this might be a good business decision for him if it works out but what kind of social development is this kid going to miss out on?
As a player overseas I know some of the hardships that players go through I but couldn’t imagine what it would be like as an 18 year old. I just don’t think most kids are mature enough to make good decisions and I think the college game really takes kids knowledge and work ethic to another level. The moral of the story is GO TO COLLEGE! If you are good enough it will be free anyways.
TJW
Are you kidding me, Artest! I don’t really know how I feel about this. Classic Artest. Thoughts?
Vodpod videos no longer available.
I was bouncing around youtube today and a found some interesting material. I went to the source and think you should really check these out. Most of these moves are for the more advanced player but everyone can benefit from the increased knowledge.
Take a couple minutes and browse through the selection. Then pick a couple, perfect them, and don’t forget to add some spice of your own.
Here are a couple of my favorites
Classic Kobe
Vodpod videos no longer available. Vodpod videos no longer available.Manu must have left Nike so I found him on YouTube.
Vodpod videos no longer available.Be sure to check out Deron Williams too.
T.Witt
Screens are an integral part of a fluid and consistent offense. A screen is only as effective as the person setting the screen and the one using it.
Today lets simply look at the one using the screen. Many young players and even some older ones simply run off a screen without paying any attention to anything the defense is doing.
Each defender has a tendency to maneuver around a screen. Whether it is through personal preference or coaching people like to do the same thing over and over, especially if they have had some success with it in the past. Some go over, some go under, and well some just decide to run right through the screen.
Keeping your defender in your peripheral vision will allow you to make the correct movement off the screen as a counter to what your defender does.
The first two moves can be used while playing a motion offense while the third is used when trying to run a set.
Scenario 1: The Defender Trails on Your Back
Your Move: Curl the screen staying tight to the screener. This will allow for a short jump shot or the defender of the screener will have to help and the screener will flair for an open jumper.
Scenario 2: The Defender Jumps the Screen Over the Top
Your Move: Flare away from the ball providing an angle for a skip pass and then a wide open shot or drive to the hoop. The screener should then pop directly to the ball.
Scenario 3: The Defender is on Your Back but you are trying to run a set play
Your Move: Make a slight curl off the screen back to the ball but then a straight cut to the wing. Make sure to meet the ball. As you catch the ball square up to the hoop at the same time, triple threat. On this move its also good to keep contact with your defender and vary your speed. For example, you make contact half way through the cut and slow down then explode out of the cut to the wing to catch the pass.
These three moves should get you some more open shots and probably some more playing time. Its little things like reading screens correctly that separate average players from good players and coaches notice these things.
HoopSmart
TJW
To be honest, I have been contemplating the last couple days how to get this blog going. Should I start with a tip, should I start with a welcome, what is going to be the best way to introduce this blog to the public? I had the outline but was focused on the details.
Basically, I was over analyzing minor details. I am not a professional blogger *yet 🙂 nor do I really know what I am doing in the whole blog world. I know you have come across this phrase in the past but I was basically causing “paralysis by analysis.” I was looking for the perfect way instead of simply taking action and then making changes as I go.
Whenever one starts something the hardest part is simply getting started. Think about a project you have to do back in school or a paper you had to write. Wasn’t the most difficult part simply getting started? I have reason to believe that if you didn’t prepare an outline or didn’t devise a plan you had even a deeper case of paralysis. You really didn’t even know where to start and even when you did you were all over the place. Most likely you wasted valuable time trying to find your way.
One thing should jump out at you, devising a thought-out plan. How does writing an outline for a paper apply to basketball? Let’s start with coaching. How many coaches go into a game without preparing for their opponent or devising a plan of action or how many go into practice and decide on the spot what they are going to do? Not any national champs or even conference champs for that matter.
Now, do you think about what you are going to do and write it down before you head to the gym? Do you think about how you are going to attack your opponent before a game? Do you know what to do if the defense takes something away?
If not, you are wasting valuable time and energy while you are on the court. A plan gives you the ability to be dynamic and roll with the punches. It’s not set in stone but its the first step to really taking prepared action, a guide. It prepares you for action even though in essence its the first step in action.
Additionally, a plan also serves as a great analytical tool. Its gives you a way to analyze future workouts. You can decide what works and what doesn’t and make changes accordingly. It also allows you to monitor your progress towards your goals.
I guarantee you will be much more proficient on the court and you will do more work in less time if you take the five to ten minutes to write down what you are going to accomplish beforehand. Get a notebook, get a pen, and start taking action.
“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail”
Go Get It
TJW
Basketball University 