Archive for Basketball
Perspectives on the NBA
Posted by: | CommentsOver the past week or so, numerous commentaries have been written concerning the conduct or general perspective of NBA players. I assume the Carmelo Anthony and Detroit Pistons’ situations brought things to a head. But there can be no doubt that plenty of other things have occurred over the past few years to bring us to this point. Indeed, plenty of other things have occurred over the past 40 years or so to do so.
That being said, I will be linking to and commenting on a few things I have come across as of late. First, from Vitamin Z on the state of the NBA. I don’t have much to say, because I agree strongly with him, so I will just quote from his post and encourage you to read the entire thing.
Is it any wonder that a guy like LeBron James has no one to tell him the truth? Why would he listen? He doesn’t have to! He’s got more power, money, and physical talent than anyone else he knows. In the most literal sense possible, he is King James. It doesn’t help either that many of the young men in the NBA did not group up with any sort of positive male role model other than the hip-hop culture that trumpets the objectification of women, the allure of money, and the glory of the self-promoting man.
But this issue runs deeper. It runs right to my doorstep.
I don’t like to be told what to do either. I don’t like to be a team player. My heart gravitates towards selfishness and I could just as easily be drunk on power and self-worship. Do I surround myself with “yes” men? Am I listening to a higher authority or do I bow down and worship the autonomous self? The finger that points to the dysfunctional culture of professional sports and the NBA in particular needs to have it pointed back at itself.
I need to repent too.
A Good Time to Leave?
Posted by: | CommentsNow here is a story that caught my eye today: In a very interesting development, former starting point guard, Larry Drew II, has decided to leave the University of North Carolina basketball team in order to pursue a transfer to another school.
In all honesty, I am not even sure what to say to something like this. Naturally I can’t say much because I don’t know all the facts, but something must have seriously gone wrong in the communication department between Coach Roy Williams and Drew in order for him to take a step like this. For Drew began the year as the starting point guard and even after losing his starting job, has continued to play consistent minutes for a team that has recently won 9 out of its last 10. Not only that, but he is playing at the University of North Carolina! Whatever his reasoning, he is going to have to do a lot of explaining in order to justify a hasty decision such as this. After all, it is only February 4th and if he decides to transfer to another Division 1 school, he is going to have to sit out for an entire season anyhow. This is just downright weird.
I am sure some facts will come out, but what makes things even more interesting is that Drew’s father, Larry, is the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks. I find this interesting because you are not dealing with a father who doesn’t understand how things go in the basketball world. He understands coaching decisions, etc. as well as anyone and can thus, guide his son in making a wise decision. Or at least you would hope.
I certainly hope things get clarified and for his sake, he is making a wise decision. No doubt the UNC basketball program will be able to succeed without him. You just hope he isn’t making a hasty decision that he will soon regret. But frankly, I have a feeling that could be the case. Only time will tell, I suppose.
That being said, I suppose a story such as this can remind us all to be diligent with our communication with others and patient in making decisions big and small.
Nate Fleming and the 2001 Crash
Posted by: | CommentsThis Outside the Lines story will break your heart, but that is why you should read it. With a son of my own (who loves the game of basketball already), it certainly stirred mine.
The piece concerns Nate Fleming, a 20 year-old member of the Oklahoma State basketball team who died in 2001, when one of the team’s small charter planes crashed in Colorado. I remember the plane crash well, for it occurred during my senior year at Penn State (and we traveled charter flights often, though on larger planes). But this story definitely gave a greater perspective than any newscast every did. The letters of his father to him particularly stand out. I usually send one letter each year to each of my children, but after reading this piece, I think I will send more. Check it out (particularly the written piece linked to above).
One final note: Though the video below is a stirring one, the first statement is (at least I certainly hope) far from reality. “Everything is by chance.” If so, what comfort can you ever find in such a world as this? If you really believe this, that is a tough way to live. Or at least a very difficult way to live consistently. Just some food for thought.
50 Three-Pointers
Posted by: | CommentsI plan on completing my series this week. Today I have decided to simply enjoying a day off, particularly after a good win last night. So although I won’t make a habit of posting video of myself, here is one I enjoyed. I am not sure who exactly made it up (though I know they are Barcellona Basket fans!), but I post it here to say thank you. It is a video of my first 50 three point shots this season. I enjoyed it. I should also say that watching it does help me understand why many folks shake their heads after some of my shots.
Wisdom for Coaches (and Parents)
Posted by: | CommentsI enjoyed this post from Matt Perman a week or so ago, in particular because it strengthened my already strong conviction regarding the way Coaches can best capitalize on the abilities of their players. Though I don’t get to apply it much now, I know that one of the first things I will do when I go into coaching is to ask my players what they want to be good at, or what they most enjoy doing on a basketball court. Even if they aren’t already strong in those particular areas, you have a great chance to make them strong in the areas they mention because they are motivated to work at them. And there is nothing more important than that. Motivated abilities is the place to focus your efforts.
I have seen countless players fail to reach their potential not because they weren’t willing to work, but because Coaches oftentimes tried to fit them into a pre-conceived mold for what they should be. The guy is tall, so we don’t want him shooting jump shots, even though he is most motivated and comfortable doing so. That just isn’t wise. And it’s a perspective that has hurt many a player, team and coach.
I am sure you can make application of this in whatever your line of work. Now that I think about it, I suppose you can and should especially do so as a parent, for one of the primary things I am on the lookout for in my kids is not what they are good at, but what they want to be good at, or at least what they enjoy doing. More times than not, their strengths and desires will not conflict, but instead go hand in hand.
All that being said, I am certainly going to check out Buckingham’s book, Go Put Your Strengths to Work.
