THOUGHTS FROM PRACTICE

Saw some good stuff tonight...as well as some stuff that needs a lot of improvement.

I wanted to see some physical play from the defense to get the offense use to going in and FINISHING under pressure, but instead, I saw a lot of hacking, slapping and pushing from our defenders tonight.  Mostly because they were getting caught out of position.

This is the first time in three seasons that I have not spent the first two-three weeks of practice emphasizing defense (over offense).  I'm beginning to wonder if I made a mistake.  Our transition defense over the past three practices has been dismal.  We have always taken great pride in our ability to play pressure defense (because it's hard and not many athletes can do it).  

It doesn't do any good to score if we have trouble stopping our opponent from scoring.

Okay, now that the verbal thrashing is out of the way, I did see some promising things on offense.  We are getting a lot of open looks on the perimeter.  Although it is hard to tell whether it because of the RIP offense or that the defense isn't closing out quick enough and they're getting caught out of position.  If you are open...square up and take a confident shot.

I promise you that I am making practices physically harder than what you will experience in a game in order to prepare you for the first game.  How many games have you ever played in that go wide-open full speed up and down the court for 12 minutes with only 1:30 of rest without a whistle (foul) or a timeout?  It doesn't happen that way in a game.  Survive the next five practices and you'll see the reward in our first game as we wear down our opponents.

Keep your head up and don't get discouraged with my constant criticisms...don't take it personal.  It is intended to help you recognize where we need improvement before we play our first game.

Keep up the good work!

4:13