The NBA Players Association Top 100 Camp is a special event because it places as much emphasis on building character off the court as it does building players on the court. There were daily sessions that addressed topics such as drug abuse, STDs, social media savvy, and the fatal dangers of texting while driving… as well as other pitfalls that many players fall victim to (NOTE: in reality they don’t actually fall victim at all… everything in life comes down to choices, decisions, and consequences).
This camp is the only event where I am not the strength & conditioning coach – but rather an actual basketball coach! I was one of 10 high school coaches selected to coach a team during the week. This was a unique experience and fun challenge for me. Each high school coach was assigned an NBA player (either current or retired) to serve as an assistant coach. Last year I had Chris Duhon (Orlando Magic) and Brian Cook (LA Clippers). This year I was assisted by Luke Walton (LA Lakers) and Tim James (Miami Heat, retired). I left the X’s and O’s to those guys and I handled the motivation, team building, and chemistry.
Luke Walton has an incredible basketball resume. His father was arguably the greatest college basketball player of all time and is enshrined in Springfield, Massachusetts. Luke played for a Hall of Fame Coach in Lute Olsen while at Arizona. He is currently teammates with the best player in the game (Kobe Bryant) and plays for the most decorated coach in NBA history (Phil Jackson).
I asked Luke to name the 5 things that make Kobe Bryant the game’s greatest player and the 5 things that make Phil Jackson the game’s greatest coach.
Here is what Luke Walton said about Kobe Bryant:
1. Kobe’s work ethic is unparalleled. He comes in early and he stays late. He always does more than is asked. He gives 100% in every drill, in every workout, in every practice, and (obviously) in every game. He is never satisfied and is always striving to get better.
2. Kobe’s competitiveness rivals his work ethic. He wants to win at everything. He can’t turn it off. He competes just as hard in workouts and practice as he does in the NBA Finals.
3. Kobe has no fear. He doesn’t fear failure and he doesn’t care what the public or the media think about him. He doesn’t look over his shoulder and he doesn’t try to please everyone.
4. Kobe is a student of the game. He constantly studies film… of himself, of his opponents, and of previous generation’s players. He has a true respect for the game and for those that came before him.
5. Kobe truly believes he is the best player in the game. He has a confidence, swagger, and arrogance about him. He believes he is the best because he knows he has outworked everyone and that he has earned the right to be the best.
Here is what Luke Walton said about Phil Jackson:
1. Phil works hard to keep his team balanced and even keel. He never wants his players too high or too low. He wants them to have the mind of the ‘Peaceful Warrior.’
2. Phil has an incredible ability to connect with every player as an individual. He doesn’t treat everyone the same. He works to connect with each player on a much deeper level than most coaches do. That is why guys love playing for him.
3. Phil is extremely intelligent… almost to the point of being intimidating. He is well cultured, well read, well informed, and knowledgeable about every subject. He knows facts about everything and everyone. His intelligence demands respect.
4. Phil is more of a manager of the game than he is an X’s and O’s architect. He takes pride in molding a group of individuals into a cohesive unit. He specializes in chemistry, not drawing up plays. That’s why he loves the challenge of a Dennis Rodman or Ron Artest… they are a test to his ability to create a team.
5. Phil is confident. He knows what he does works. Period.
I am really thankful to have had the chance to spend a few days working with Luke Walton and I appreciated his insight and willingness to share.
I will be in Chicago this week (June 22nd to 29th) working the Deron Williams, Amar’e Stoudemire, and Kevin Durant Nike Skills Academies. Make sure you follow me at www.Twitter.com/AlanStein for behind the scenes insight and coaching bullet points!
I will be posting a video later this week (www.YouTube.com/StrongerTeamDotCom) featuring the TRX Suspension Trainer – which is an affordable, portable, and versatile piece of training equipment I use regularly with my players. I love it because it teaches players how to use and control their own bodyweight! If you are a high school coach, you need to add this to your arsenal. For more info on the TRX, check out www.TRXTraining.com.
My next blog, ‘Mindset of a Champion’, will share a wealth of valuable info I picked up from Sports Psychologist Graham Betchart. Graham was the mentor assigned to my team at the NBPA Camp! He is also the one who turned me on to the concepts of:
Play Present: http://blog.strongerteam.com/post/2011/01/12/Play-Present.aspx
Play in the Zone: http://blog.strongerteam.com/post/2011/01/13/Play-In-The-Zone.aspx
I am a staunch advocate of Graham’s work. For more info, please visit www.GBPerformanceCoaching.com
Until then… train hard… train smart… enjoy the journey.
Alan Stein
www.StrongerTeam.com
www.Facebook.com/StrongerTeam
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PSSS: I will be releasing 3 new DVDs in July:
· DeMatha Basketball All-Access (Championship Productions)
· Lightening Quick Defensive Reaction Drills (HoopsKing)
· Killer 1st Step Explosiveness Drills (HoopsKing)
All of these will be available for purchase at http://Shop.StrongerTeam.com