Coach Jay's Real Basketball

AAU Basketball Replacing Little League

2011-05-10T14:30:00.000-07:00

A report in the Wall Street Journal recently shed some light on the decline in participation in youth baseball. (http://on.wsj.com/eZ7ZYQ) The article states that, from 2000-2009, the number of young people ages 7-17 playing baseball fell 24%. While many experts search for where these kids went, I think I found them last weekend... they are playing Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball!

The AAU has become the general trademark brand of travel team basketball. In the same way that we call those little cotton swabs for our ears the Q-Tip (despite numerous companies that offer a version of the product), so too do basketball and media personalities refer to club team basketball as AAU. There are many outlets that offer travel basketball options, AAU just happens to be the most widely known.

As I'm officiating a local "AAU" tournament last weekend, I found myself watching some particularly bad basketball.  Formerly an outlet for elite players to hone their skills and compete, travel team basketball has taken on a new identity. That's when it hit me - these players used to spend their Spring playing baseball.

I think I saw this trend coming back when I was 9 years old playing Little League, back when I was picking dandelions in right field waiting for a ball that never came. I completely respect the sport, mainly because I respect anyone that can hit a ball. (I, on the other hand, struck out constantly - yes, in tee ball). Baseball has lost it's appeal to young people, and with new media promoting sports like basketball, soccer and even lacrosse, baseball looks like it's rapidly becoming the odd sport out.

Travel team basketball tournaments are popping up everywhere. In New England, the concept is so popular that it has become profitable. At a tournament that charges $400 a team and registers 30 teams, tournament organizers can garner over $7000 after paying for officials and facility rental fees. This doesn't factor in admission and concession profits which certainly boost a 30-team tournament to well over $10,000 in revenue for a weekend.

Paying these team fees, admission and concession prices are the parents and guardians of the new breed of AAU players. While it is a hit on the wallet, most don't really complain. Unlike in youth baseball, even if your child plays sparingly each game he or she is getting some decent exercise.

Now don't get me wrong, I am all for everyone playing basketball. I coach it and I love it. In fact, I played it myself when I was probably more inclined (and athletically more suited) to excel at a sport like track or soccer. However, I did it for free, with my friends, on the playground. As a coach I can't help but cringe when I see this new generation of young people and their families paying a good deal of money to play travel team basketball, especially when the kids are seemingly not properly taught the game.

So there I was officiating games with kids who, for the most part, don't yet know what a travel is.  As if that's not telling enough then getting questioned by coaches who obviously aren't teaching the game, and yelled at by parents who are ignorant to the rules of the game, all lend effectiveness to my point.

I do love when I see a kid pick-up the game for the first time, but perhaps this new wave of travel basketball parents should take the following advice: Let your children experience multiple sports.  Not everyone is made to play basketball year-round. Save your time and theirs (as well as your money) and allow your son or daughter to play the game for fun before try to advance their level of play.  Otherwise, most of you are simply putting money into the pockets of tournament and club organizers. Save your money, your child could excel in a diiferent sport and ultimately be better off for it.

The Smartest Player in the Game?

2011-04-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

As coaches, it's sometimes difficult to view the game of basketball objectively. Certainly, it's become increasingly more difficult to watch it as just a fan. Sure we are fans of certain styles or sets, but coaches are critical by nature. This thought came to me last night as I watched Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo help lead his team to victory.

I was a fan last night for the first time in a long time. For two days I watched the pre-game shows and the basketball "experts" dissect Rondo's poor performance in game 1 vs the Knicks. I also criticized Rondo's inability and willingness to simply knockdown a 15 foot jump shot despite the space he was being given. Like you and the experts, I sat in my living room thinking, "If I was the coach I would have him...(insert comment here)"

However, watching Rajon last night I came to the conclusion that I am guilty of being too critical. I absolutely believed that he should take and hit those open shots. I was wrong. I now believe that not only may he be the best point guard in the NBA, but also he might be the most intelligent player in the league.

While he may seem un-coachable at times, Rajon seemingly knows his limitations. Not only that, but he knows every player's strengths and weaknesses on the floor. It must be frustrating for a guy, who is asked repeatedly to push the ball, to look up and see no one running with him on either side. Yet, he maintains a steady balance of going to the rim or waiting for guys to fill lanes. He works within the confines of what he's given. Only smart players even want to do that, let alone will do it.

Further, name one guard in the league who, whether they were capable or not, would pass on the type of shots they are given for the betterment of the team? Name one NBA player that wouldn't want to turn those opportunities into "hero-status" by forcing the issue? Isn't the easiest solution to get people off your back to do the obvious? Maybe the fact that Rondo can't do something is the team's greatest asset.

It's easy to say that Rajon Rondo is who he is because of the Hall-of-Famers around him. But let's not forget exactly what being in that position with these players entails. It's a delicate balance between trying to listen to them all, while still directing them. There is NO ONE that has ever done it better.

So last night I sat back and watched Rajon play the game, I cheered for him. I cheered for the unconventional way he approaches and plays the game. I cheered for his lack of regard for how we as coaches, analysts and fans and his Hall of Fame teammates thinks he should play the game. And I cheered for someone who is single-handedly reinventing his position - one non-attempt at a time.

End of Game...

2011-04-17T19:46:00.000-07:00

Watching the opening game of the Celtics-Knicks playoff series, I took away a few things that seemingly happens to many of our teams on all levels of play. A couple of questionable decisions and calls probably decided the game in the Celtics favor (which is great, I'm a C's diehard), but it could have easily gone the other way:

- With his team up 85-84 with 21 seconds left, Carmelo Anthony is called for an offensive foul that probably shouldn't be called at that point in a game. Again, I'm a C's fan, but you just don't call that foul there since you hadn't called it all game. Also, while Paul Pierce flopped to get the call, Anthony could have easily used that chance to blow by him for an uncontested lay-up. Next time, Pierce flops, they score, game over. It's the law of averages.

- I gotta stay on the refs here a little. On the Ray Allen 3 pointer, the play was designed with screen the screener action. Allen screens for Pierce and then KG is supposed to screen the the man who switches onto Allen. After that, Doc is hoping that KG's man instictively jumps out to guard Allen leaving KG rolling to the rim alone. It works, somewhat. KG screens extremely late, and winds up setting a moving screen and tripping Knicks guard Tony Douglas in the process. If the refs were calling the game as they had on the Anthony offensive, it should have been a foul and Knicks ball. Again, law of averages say that if it happens in the future the officials call it.

- Well, Allen hits the shot and everyone goes nuts. Everyone including Allen and Delonte West, who was ON THE BENCH! Yet, West runs on the floor during the game to body bump Ray Allen when the Kicks have inbounded the ball for their final shot. Obviously, both Allen and West weren't thinking, and neither were the other 47 players, coaches and staff the Celtics have on their bench. The Celtics could have been assessed a technical foul and had given the Knicks (who didn't have a timeout left) a free throw and the ball on the sideline. Not a very intelligent move by a veteran squad.

- Finally, in the commotion, the Celtics forget to foul on the last play. The team had a foul to give and the Knicks, without a timeout, would have had to inbound the ball on the sideline allowing the C's to set-up a defense. More importantly, it would have prevented the chaos that ensued when the C's had trouble picking up a man (although Ray Allen's premature celebration could have been the cause of that too).

My point:

Even with arguably the best professional players, athletes, staff and officials, things can get out of control in the waning seconds of any game. It's important for everyone involved in game situations to keep a calm demeanor, especially the coaches and officials who seemingly let the emotion of the game overcome their better judgement. As coaches, we need to impart to our players and staff the need for control under these circumstances. If we can gain that advantage, then we can tip the law of averages in our team's favor.

All-in: The Solution to Financial Hypocrisy in NCAA Basketball

2011-01-11T08:48:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, University of Kentucky freshman Enes Kanter was ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA for receiving more than $33,000 in impermissible benefits while playing for the Turkish club team Fenerbahce two years ago (ESPN story). The ruling adds fuel to the fire that sportswriters, media personalities and coaches have started concerning the foolishness of the NCAA's numerous compliance laws. This ruling, while absurd, was completely correct based on the NCAA eligibility standards as adopted by the membership. Therefore, the time is long overdue that those with an influence in NCAA sports stand up and do something BEFORE issues like Kanter's arise.

The recent NCAA ineligible ruling on Kentucky's Kanter was just another in a series of findings by NCAA officials that have the college sports world divided. It also got me thinking of solutions. While coaches, schools and the sports media argue over the legitimacy of rulings, I have found a way to satisfy almost all of the stakeholders in men's college basketball. I do need some help though, and I am calling on some of the best known basketball aficionados to assist me in formulating my endeavor. Welcome to the new CBA, the Collegiate Basketball Association (yes, all rights reserved), that will once-and-for-all end the NCAA from implementing nonsense rules in a pseudo academics-first world. It's time to branch out, think outside the box, put the NCAA on notice, and I have just the front office team to do it. Among others, Seth Davis, Paul Hewitt, Dick Vitale, Stephen A. Smith, Jeff Goodman and Dave Telep - you have the power to change college basketball and put a stop to the nonsense.

For too long now, the NCAA has presided over the number one semi-pro basketball league in the world - Division 1 college basketball. Under the guise of academics and scholarships, NCAA basketball has served as a breeding ground for most of today's NBA franchises. Let's all catch-up to (and, dare I even say, get ahead of) modern times and start paying our D1 basketball athletes what they are worth to their respective academic institutions. Make no mistake everyone, this is a big business, and I'm just going to enhance it. Therefore, schools who choose to join will now become semi-pro basketball franchises and will run their own operation, paying salaries to players instead of scholarships. Before you traditionalists and "purists" blow a fuse, let me divulge some details of the new CBA:

Who's In?

Anyone, that's the beauty of it! Certainly the members of the "Power 6" are aboard. If you don't believe that, please call Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee, he can't wait for this new league! After that, there are some mid-majors who can afford to join. Oh, and the Ivy League invite is open...

Contracts

The NCAA forces its athletes into them. In fact, they are far more restrictive than any collegiate coaching contract. But I say keep them with improvements. After all, we need SOME structure. When an athlete signs with a CBA school, they enter into a contractual agreement with the college or university. I propose a salary cap, in that each athlete is paid a base wage equal to his school's tuition, room and board, meal plan, and incidentals. On top of that amount, total team salary (13 roster spots) can be supplemented by a predetermined formula (a percentage of reported basketball revenue, ticket sales, etc.). If the school wants to pay it all to one player, that's up to them. If the school wants to raise athlete base salaries, they must raise tuition. (With that one I just lost some Power 6 and mid-major interest, but gained the ENTIRE Ivy league, so participation still high). This leaves it up to the institution to create a balance that will both satisfy recruits, while maintaining a viable, profitable, fan-base.

Eligibility

Well, there is none. Athletes will receive their salaries to play for the school, represent the schools and enhance the brand (just like a professional franchise) but they don't have to attend that school. If they so choose, since the base salary will equal and exceed tuition, they may apply, enroll at the school, and either use their salary to foot the bill, or apply for federal aid like every other student who works and attends class. These are kids after all, and I happen to know that some actually value an education. Also, just like every other student, this allows the athlete to work, pay bills, go to class, take a semester off, etc. Have you ever known a fellow classmate that works in the dining hall and collects a check from the college? Exactly, picture the gymnasium as a better paying dining hall. These jobs consist of part-time students, non-students, full-time students, work-study students and many others who simply work for the institution with no desire to attend. All of these employees allow the school to operate, function and provide a service to the college community. The basketball program provides entertainment and revenue to the same community - so treat it as such.

Recruiting

Sooooo many options here. I cant' give away all my secrets because I must consult with my management team, but there are a number of ways to go. First, it could be a free-for-all, with coaches offering any recruit anything they want based on the salary parameters. I wouldn't advise it, that could get messy. I say we rely on the 3,752 recruiting services available, rank the top 200-300 players, and it's draft time! You got it, parody. Parody works, see the NFL. Every recruit not drafted is a free agent. Think a school is going to break league rules (and break the bank) to offer a non-ranked free agent anything of substance? Not often enough to make a difference. Also, with today's technology and media advances, gone is the possibility that a high recruit is going to be left off the draft board and hidden someplace. If a player is over 5'9'' and can dribble, we have all heard of him. Besides that, with the salary being offered for registering for the draft, there won't be any draft dodgers out there. If you don't register, you can't play in our league until you do.

Getting Started

I know there are many other avenues to address, but like I said I can't reveal them all here. I do have a business plan that I hope to work on with my new CBA transition staff, here is how we'll start:

Vice President of Implementation and Promotion

Let's be honest, this is going to be an easy one. Big-time college basketball does very well for itself, so imagine what it could be without the outdated restrictions. But I'm not taking anything for granted, that's why I have you, Dickie V!!! Coach Vitale will sell the new league to schools and prospects. Instead of "Awesome with a capital A!", this will be "Profit with a capital P!". From the institutions to the players and coaches, everyone in our league wins. We need to start promoting soon, and I think his year's Final Four is the ideal marketing period. I know ESPN wants in, so I'll leave that up to Dickie V to work out the details.

Director of the CBA Player's Union

Steven A. Smith. This one wasn't even close! Anytime the NBA has some strife, Steven A. has the answer. And leave no doubt, we will surpass the NBA at some point. I've met him personally. I love his communication skills, his insight, his basketball knowledge and his demeanor. His natural television presence is exactly what we need to get off on the right foot. He has the player's best interests in mind making him the right man to represent them. I also realize that he has recently started to diversify his professional portfolio to include political insight. Perfect, he will need it to deal with the Presidents of these institutions, as well as our new Commissioner.

Commissioner

Dealing with the player's union requires someone who has everyone's best interests in mind. I'm calling upon you, Paul Hewitt. I know what you're thinking, how can someone who has never even sniffed a recruiting violation have the player's best interest in mind? Easy, Coach Hewitt does everything the right way. He is calm, collective, can deal with players and administration effectively, and won't screw the real moneymakers - the athletes. He has been successful as a coach, but hasn't been able to win the big one because he doesn't bend the rules. Don't get me wrong, we need the rule benders, but let's keep them as coaches. I need Coach Hewitt to keep us balanced, and his cooperative skills are invaluable.

Executive Director of CBA Scheduling and Draft

Seth Davis. We always enjoy his writing for SI and CBS broadcasts, but we need to lure him away from CBS. Let's face it, Davis is the face of March Madness and we can't have competition. We'll have the money and big-time talent to do it, and Davis has the connections. He will oversee draft selection order, league schedules, rankings, and our end of the year tournament. Everyone likes Seth, and he always has the right answers about the bubble teams in March, so no one will get mad at him if they get left out.

Vice Presidents of Recruiting and Coaches

Having read most of their stuff, Fox Sports' Jeff Goodman and Scout.com's Dave Telep need to run this office. Not only do they have the insight on every kid who can reach the basket, they have unlimited resources and contacts. They know every AAU, high school and college coach in the country. This helps us keep track of recruiting and sets the bar for talent level in our league. Nothing gets by these two, and they are on top of the social media technology that it will take to propel us past the NBA eventually.

As for me? I intend to give everyone their share, and sit back and let the royalties roll in. After all, it is my idea. I'll take in the games, serve as an advisor to the staff and help wherever needed. Oh, and I don't intend to get rich. Exactly half of all my royalties will go to start a charity to benefit under-privileged, at-risk youth, particularly young women, so that they too will have a shot at one day earning this money that is out there. There are a number of loopholes to close such as number of schools, longevity of contracts, player endorsements, and operating costs, but I have the answer to those in my business plan.

There is sarcasm here, of course. Yet, I think the above is feasible. There is no longer a reason in our modern capitalistic society to feign interest in promoting amateurism. The NCAA's recent decision to delay the punishment of the Ohio State football players until next year, while allowing them to take part in a bowl game, underscores my point about capitalism. I'm not saying to completely eradicate NCAA basketball. Schools that choose to take part in the CBA can reap the benefits, the others can stay with the NCAA, add some D2 schools to replace the departing teams, and go on like normal. Though we all know what this will do to athletic departments.

In college hoops, schools that belong to the major conferences can more than afford to branch off and start their own basketball league outside of NCAA governance. Colleges and universities have the power to take back control of their own destiny. With that said, it's time to make big-time college basketball semi-professional. Yes, it's time to start paying these athletes.

Create a Culture

2011-01-06T09:45:00.000-08:00

I love basketball. More importantly, I love basketball as a metaphor for life. As coaches, we have an opportunity to work with people on all levels to create a successful atmosphere on and off the court. Coaching the game allows us to teach, make great relationships and provides an avenue to fulfill our competitive urges, as well as the urges of our players and the people associated with our respective programs.

In our efforts to strive for tangible success, it's important to begin by establishing a culture of excellence in developing our basketball programs. Unfortunately, too many coaches overlook this aspect of development and the pending result is often mediocrity, losing, or unmet expectations. I'm a big believer that a winning culture starts on day one, within the first five minutes of taking over a new team. When I start coaching a team, I attempt to immediately set a tone that demands precision, structure, truthfulness, open communication and an overall desire for everyone (coaches, players, staff) to get better each day. Setting this tone has been effective in establishing a successful culture in the programs to which I have been involved.

Every coach has a different set of ideals and goals that they hope to impart to their basketball team. Whatever path a coach may choose, I would argue that the MOST important part of establishing a winning culture is to follow through with that chosen path. Consistency in messaging and communication is essential to getting everyone to "buy-in" to the mission of the program. The moment that a coach wavers from their tone is the moment that they begin to compromise their program's winning culture. Inevitably, maintaining consistency will encounter a number of road-blocks including losing games, poor player attitudes, administrative disagreements and the pressure from stakeholders surrounding the program. Any coach can stay constant when winning, but a truly great coach will be steadfast in keeping his or her program focused through all of the interference and second guessing. This is what builds a successful culture, and the lack of a culture is why (among other things) there is so much turnover in the profession.