Sports Science

Archive for the ‘Basketball’ Category

Basketball is a very exciting sport. There are numerous basketball stars and icons that have swept the basketball viewing public throughout the years. Each basketball team is also equally popular because they are the cradle of the basketball superstars.

The game of basketball is definitely a team effort. Basketball isn’t played individually, but rather collectively. Each game is a team effort. In fact, in every game of basketball, no individual is declared the winner of the game. It is always the team.

Basketball players play the game excellently because they want to accrue scores not for themselves but for the team. However, there are awards and recognition given to players who have contributed greatly and accumulated points or scores throughout the game.

When fans rush to the basketball courts to flock basketball stars, they come to flock the team as well. A basketball superstar not only carries his name but also that of the team.

How are superstar basketball teams born? Well, a good track record is the key. And how is it attained? Simple: just by winning the most games.

The sweep

There are many basketball tournaments and conferences in every country. There are those events that are held annually for a regular interval. During these games, often, there are mainstay teams that regularly play at the basketball event.

When a team wins for two or more consecutive years, it is termed in sports and basketball lingo as a ’sweep’. Thus, be it in the NBA or in whatever basketball tournament all over the world, the word ’sweep’ is one of the sweetest and most sought-after terms in the ever-growing and exciting basketball vocabulary.

For a team to complete a sweep, it should consistently hold its excellence. Consistency is one of the hardest concepts in basketball because it is hard to assure that a team will win every game.

For sure, there are hundreds or thousands of potential basketball superstars that are given big breaks every season. The competition is really tough. That is why teams also often modify its lineup so it can get the best and possibly the greatest players around.

Team effort is also hard to keep. It entails that all the team’s members be cooperative enough to execute a good play strategy. That isn’t easy to accomplish considering the humongous egos and attitudes of basketball players.

For a team to make a sweep, it should strive harder to keep the good working and cooperative relationships between the team players. Failing to do so would result otherwise.

How a team could make a sweep

When you come to think of it, it would be easy to make a team run into a sweep in basketball tournaments. However, considering the individual efforts needed from each of the team players, it would be a truly big challenge to the coach and to the players as well. Remember, good working and personal relationships within the team shows in the play.

For a team to ensure a sweep, regular practices and rehearsals should be scheduled. The team should all be present during practices because that is the time each of them gets to bond. Rapport between the players is established.

Weaknesses and strengths of the players and team as a whole is also determined during practices. Thus, the training would be a good breeding ground to identify how each team player could greatly and significantly contribute to the welfare of the whole basketball team.

Consistency is essential. After winning a basketball game, the main goal of the team would then be to keep the winnings coming. When a team fails to keep its winning status, it fails to make a sweep, therefore, coming face to face with a nightmare.

The moral support from the fans and supporters also contribute well. Take note that most of the popular basketball teams do well in every game whenever they see the trooping fans cheer for them, as if the game is a popularity contest.

Team players are motivated whenever they see cheerful fans support them.

Basketball is a very exciting game indeed. It sure is hard for a team to make a sweep but the effort certainly makes up for added excitement.

The landscape of high school basketball is changing. The up and coming power is AAU basketball. Why do I say this? Because it’s true. High school basketball is not the same anymore. It use to be a big deal to play on your high school team but that time is over. AAU basketball offers more to the student athlete than just being on the high school basketball team. AAU basketball programs run like small corporations. These programs have presidents, treasurers, trainers, and many coaches. They raise money for their programs and do a great job with recruiting.



All of these programs are non-profit and bring in many donations. The part of AAU basketball that I can see that’s fun for the players is the traveling. Many of the programs are going to tournaments all over the country and players are staying at hotels, eating at good restaurants all the time and are doing things kids like to do. AAU basketball is fun and there’s more parental involvement.

The AAU players have greater advantages that high school teams don’t. During your high school season you play 20 or so games with teams in your community which means you get on the school bus and travel to another school to play. There are no hotels or places to eat after the game like you would get during the AAU season and there is no travel.

During the AAU season you have a different coach and sometimes and entirely different group of coaches. Other major advantages I see are recruiting good players to the AAU program whereas in high school, you’re stuck with the players who go to that school.

Recruiting is a big deal these days. College coaches want to see as many players in one place, at one time and you can’t really do that during the high school basketball season.

At some of the AAU events there are hundreds of teams with thousands of players. It would make sense for college recruiters to attend because it’s much easier to see all of the good players in one place. College coaches can see these players play many games during the length of a tournament and it is a great advantage to the players of these AAU basketball programs.

AAU basketball players can play 40 to 50 games and there are many other perks that go along with that such as, players receiving free shoes and new uniforms. In high school, you are stuck with same old outdated jersey that’s been worn a million times by many other players.

AAU programs also have power. When it comes to recruiting they have the most talented teams and players and college recruiters want to get to know these AAU coaches. College coaches can only get to these players by going through the AAU coaches. I’ve heard that some AAU coaches will say things like, “if you make a donation of $10,000 you can have access to my players”. Now keep in mind, this is not illegal. AAU programs are non-profit and have to raise money somehow. College programs do make these types of donations and it’s all good for everyone.

Back in the day and not that long ago, some high school coaches would try to ruin a high student athlete’s chances of getting recruited for college but with the power of AAU basketball, you can’t get over on players any more. The players now have more options and there’s nothing wrong with options.

The things that I’m hearing and seeing with AAU basketball is that some major college recruits are bypassing the high school basketball season altogether. If it’s about recruiting and being seen then all you would have to do is only play AAU basketball. By only playing AAU basketball, you can still been seen by a greater number of college coaches and I think it would be a better advantage to play AAU basketball. The only downside I can really see is if you are an average basketball player and are not on a good AAU basketball program. Then, you would need the high school basketball season.

To be recruited in high school it would help if your team played in the state tournament every year. College programs would come and see the players playing–all in one place. That still goes on but the value is not so important any more. Not every team makes it to the state tournament and good players sometimes get overlooked. But if you are lucky enough to be on a good AAU team, then you will be seen by a large number of coaches.

Think about this: some smaller college programs who don’t have the big recruiting budgets have to pick which events to attend each year. These smaller college programs must spend their money wisely so, to attend a large AAU basketball tournament would be in that college’s best interest. College programs don’t need to attend the high school basketball games anymore because they’re only going to see one good player–maybe. College coaches are funny about how they recruit players and they’re not coming just to see one player anymore. AAU basketball offers more. It’s like one-stop shopping–get it all and see it all in one place.

I don’t know if the coaching is any diffident or better with AAU basketball versus high school coaching. It may be about the same because a lot of high school coaches are AAU basketball coaches. What I do see is the AAU coaches having more time to put into their own programs and players. Also, many AAU coaches don’t have to deal with the high school BS from school administrators and athletic directors. AAU coaches can bypass many restrictions that are placed on high school coaches.

Yes, being an AAU basketball coach has its many advantages. Being an AAU coach, you can build the program how you want and pick or recruit the players you want now. High school coaches are teachers and do not have the time to fully help their own players with recruiting.

There will come a time when AAU basketball is more powerful than high school basketball. In the future, you will see more AAU basketball events on T.V. Some AAU programs will even start their own television network and maybe run their own programming on the Internet.

AAU basketball is what’s happening now! I love AAU basketball!

www.woodsrecruiting.com

© 2007 Al Woods

The best NCAA College Basketball Coaches have the uncanny ability to get their players motivated for “Big” games and throughout the entire season. Here’s a list of some of NCAA basketball’s best coaches:

John Thompson- coached the mighty Georgetown Hoyas (”Hoya Paranoia”) to multiple NCAA championships, and 2 of the most dominant centers in NCAA and NBA history; Patrick Ewing and Alonzo Mourning. Coach John Thompson’s influence on the game of basketball is evident by his former player, Patrick Ewing’s induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Typically when a player is inducted into the Hall of Fame and included in the realms of such great basketball talent, it’s a direct reflection of their coach, such is the case with former Georgetown University Coach and former Boston Celtic- John Thompson, one of the best collegiate coaches in basketball history. Coach Thompson’s best collegiate coaching days were in the Big East Conference against the likes of…Syracuse University, St. John’s University, Boston College, Providence College, Villanova University and Pitt University (alma mater of former NFL Dallas Cowboy- Tony Dorsett). John Thompson- Georgetown Hoyas

Dean Smith- The former University of North Carolina Head Basketball Coach has coached the like of Michael (”Air”) Jordan, James Worthy, Vince Carter, Kenny (”The Jet”) Smith, Rasheed Wallace, Jerry Stackhouse, Joe Wolf and many more! Dean Smith and his famous “4-Corner Offense” of the mid to late 1980’s was popularized by the teams including Michael (”Air”) Jordan, James Worthy, Brad Daugherty, Sam Perkins, Kenny (”The Jet”) Smith and others, symbolized by “UCLA-like” backdoor cuts and Slam Dunks by Jordan and UNC teammates. Dean Smith, a master recruiter with an extremely high NCAA basketball winning percentage-that makes for a great coach! Coach Dean Smith’s best collegiate coaching days were in the ACC Conference against the likes of…North Carolina State University, University Maryland, Duke University (Alma Mater of Phoenix Suns Guard- Grant Hill), Wake Forrest University (Alma Mater of San Antonio Spurs Center- Tim Duncan & New Orleans Hornets Guard- Chris Paul), University of Virginia (Alma Mater of former NBA player- Ralph Sampson), Florida State University (Alma Mater of Heisman Trophy winning Quarterback- Charlie Ward, who starred for the NBA’s New York Knicks, with teammates Patrick Ewing, Chris Childs, John Starks, Charles Oakley, and Anthony Mason), and Clemson University (Alma Mater of former teammate of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls- Horace Grant). Dean Smith- North Carolina Tar Heels

John Cheney- The former NCAA basketball coach of the Temple University Owls (Alma Mater of the great Bill Cosby ‘Fat Albert & the Cosby Kids’, was famous for his early morning basketball practices! Coach John Cheney was also famous in NCAA basketball for winning! His Temple University basketball teams dominated the Atlantic 10 conference, year-after-year. Past players include; Eddie Jones and Aaron McKie. Coach Cheney is also noted for his extraordinary recruiting ability, especially in the inner cities. Last but certainly not least… similiar to Coach John Thompson, Coach Cheney has produce many college degrees, which is very often an attribute of NCAA basketball coaches that is not given credit! Coach John Cheney’s best collegiate coaching days were in the Atlantic 10 Conference against the likes of…UMass (John Calipari), University of Rhode Island (Lamar Odom), LaSalle University (Alma Mater of my former Junior College Basketball Coach at Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, Oregon- Verick Cutler), and St. Bonaventure (Alma Mater of Former NBA “left-hander” and Milwaukee Bucks Center- Bob Lanier). Coach John Cheney- one the NCAA basketball’s great coaches. John Cheney- Temple Owls

For more listings of everything basketball, including Coach Jamaal Al-Din’s top NCAA and NBA Coaches, Players, Teams and more…log onto Jamaal Al-Din’s Hoops 227- the everything basketball website!

John Wooden- former coach of UCLA (Bill Walton & Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), John Wooden sustained dominance throughout his tenure of the UCLA Bruins, winning countless NCAA basketball championships and producing professional basketball players every year in Westwood.  John Wooden UCLA Coaching statistics include: 4 undefeated seasons and 10 national championships- that’s alot of winning. And on top of it all, stands his fromer center (Lew Alcindor), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer! Coach John Wooden has books which can be found in local libraries as well as Barnes & Noble Book Stores! He was one of the greatest coaches of college basketball history! Coach John Woodens’s best collegiate coaching days were in the then Pacific 8 Conference (now PAC-10)! Interesting Fact: John Wooden once coached high school basketball in South Bend Indiana, home of the University of Notre Dame “Fighting” Irish! John Wooden- UCLA Bruins

Adolf Rupp- the former NCAA basketball coach of the University of Kentucky, Adolf Rupp was a graduate of Kansas University (Wilt Chamberlain’s Alma Mater). Coach Rupp for whom the University of Kentucky’s Rupp Arena is named, propelled the University of Kentucky to national prominence, during the 1930’s through the 1971-72 seasons (41 seasons). Of collegiate basketball coaches with more than 500 wins, Coach Adolf Rupp had over an 82% winning percentage- the highest winning percentage in college basketball history. Today, the SEC basketball conference plays host to basketball programs such as University of Alabama, University of Arkansas, Mississippi State University, LSU, University of Florida, Ole Miss, University of South Carolina, University of Georgia, Auburn University and University of Tennessee. 

Jud Heathcote- the former Michigan State University Head Basketball Coach was famous for his “weave” offense and also famous for producing the likes of Earvin “Magic” Johnson- the NBA 5-Time World Champion. Other past players include Kevin Willis, Scott Skiles Shawn Respert, Thomas Kelly, Mateen Cleaves, Sam Vincent, Jay Vincent, Greg Kelser (of the “Cuff-Dunk” variety!) and many more! The national championship of Michigan State University over Larry Bird’s Indiana State Sycamores was historical as it marked the beginning of one of the most storied player rivalries of NBA basketball history- “MAGIC” Johnson (NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers) & Larry Bird (NBA’s Boston Celtics). Coach Jud Heathcote began his collegiate coaching career at the Big Sky’s University of Montana and his coaching career was highlighted by his 1979 NCAA Basketball Championship broadcasted on NBC by Dick Enberg, in Salt Lake City, Utah, as the Michigan State University Spartans were victorious over Indiana State University.

Mike Krzyzewski- the current Duke University Blue Devils basketball coach has won multiple
NCAA basketball championships and is the coach of the USA Men’s Olympic Basketball Team which features the like of Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and many NBA greats. Coach “K” has coached in 10 NCAA Basketball Final Fours and won back-to-back NCAA basketball championships in 1991 & 1992. Coach “K” Court at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durahm, North Carolina, plays host to some of the most “Rockus” (aka “LOUDEST”) fans in the nation! Many of the Duke University Blue Devils fans camp out near teh stadium, during the week of big ACC Coneference games becasue of the high demand of Duke University basketball tickets. Krzyzewski is one of the wimmingest collegiate basketball coaches in history. Coach K’s former players include: Christian Laettner, Grant Hill, Elton Brand, Carlos Boozer, Bobby Hurley, Jay Bilas, Tommy Amaker, Johnny Dawkins and an endless list of former McDonald’s High-School All-Americans. Coach Krzyzewski is once of the best recruiters in college basketball.

Bobby Dye- one of the best defensive NCAA basketball coaches in NCAA basketball history. Coach Bobby Dye is an eccentric addition to my list of the greatest NCAA basketball coaches ever, because his style of ball control and hard-nosed defense was a tactical basketball approach that could be used to compete against any team in college basketball. Coach Bobby Dye had successful NCAA coaching stints at Cal State-Fullerton and Boise State University (Alma Mater of former NBA/ New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, New Jersey Nets Guard- Chris Childs, former Big Sky Player of the Year- Arnell Jones and International basketball star- Tanoka Beard, and Wilson Foster).

Lute Olson- University of Arizona Wildcats, Head Basketball Coach, Lute Olson has appeared in 4 Final Fours and won the NCAA basketball national championship in 1997 with current NBA guard- Mike Bibby leading the way. Lute Olson has dominated PAC-10 play, competing against the likes of UCLA, USC, Oregon, Stanford, Cal-Berkley, Washington, Arizona State, Oregon State, and Washington State. Lute Olson has also been blessed with an array of players of McDonald’s All-American status. His notable players of the past include: Gilbert Arenas of the NBA’s Washington Wizards, Steve Kerr- General Manager of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns (Shaquille O’Neal/Steve Nash), Mike Bibby, Sean Elliott, and Sean Rooks. 



Jamaal Al-Din’s Hoops 227- the everything basketball website, is home of 227’s YouTube NBA, 227’s-YouTube “MAGIC,” 227’s-YouTube “Jordan,” 227’s-YouTube “Chili,” and lots of everything basketball on YouTube! 

For more listings of everything basketball, including Coach Jamaal Al-Din’s top NCAA and NBA Coaches, Players, Teams and more…log onto Jamaal Al-Din’s Hoops 227- the everything basketball website!