Oscar and Weekend Reflections

I watched the Oscar Awards last night and it seemed like the Hurt Locker swept the competition. I have to say I did see the movie and it was well deserved. It was great to see the big names such as Tom Hanks, Michelle Pfeifer, Morgan Freeman, and even Oprah Winfrey. You definitely have to admire and respect the talent there.

It felt like the NBA All-Star game ceremony. This is probably the only show I watched this weekend besides basketball since I do have to share the tube with my wife (and since the Jersey Shore season is over). We did flip channels in between to watch the Godfather II on AMC then to the Style channel (courtesy change) to see what was on.

Other than that, it's safe to say I'm still a hoop junkie at all levels. Here's a list of perspectives on this weekend of hoops March 5-7, 2010.

Player- I played pick up ball early Saturday morning. 7am special at Pacific Athletic Club. It's solid run for about 2 hours, 4 on 4 full court on the side baskets with two games going at the same time. Games are up to 11 by 1's. The crowd is mostly older players but it's pretty competitive and it definitely beats feeling like a hamster on the treadmill. The best thing is that everyone goes hard and for the most part, doesn't complain (it's too early!). It's great to get on a team that develops chemistry which helps your team to win and stay on the court. The worst part you figure would be to lose and sit out.

Spectator- My nephew aka Mike Diesel is 10 and playing for a National Jr. Basketball (NJB) All Net team and they made playoffs. It was his first post season game and he rose to the occasion. With his team having possession and up 2 with 11 seconds remaining, Mikey caught the inbound ball and made sure he was fouled since he wanted to shoot the single bonus free throws (1 and 1). He knocked down both free throws to increase the lead to 4 and sealed the deal. As a fan, it was a very proud moment for me to watch him not only play well, but step up in the clutch.

Coaching- On weekends and weekday evenings, I train and work with Mikey. The more I've watched his games, the more the coaching bug starts to reappear. We work on fundamentals, awareness, and most importantly confidence. I would say I'm pretty intense and can be hard on him but fair at the same time. He's about 5'7 and plays the post but I do have to remember he's still only 10. From my influences and who inspire me, I'd like to say I'm a combination of John Wooden, Bob Knight, Coach K, Phil Jackson, Red Auerbach, Greg Popovich, and the list goes on which means I can come off pretty relaxed, fired up, or even a jokester. Mikey is probably pretty confused at times. My point is as he gets better, I'm sure I'm getting better as well in my delivery and communication. Basketball is an amazing and humbling sport.

NBA Tid Bits-

• Rodney Stuckey: Scary moment on Friday night, hopefully he recovers to full strength.
  
• Lakers @ Magic: Big win for the Orlando Magic over the LA Lakers. Kobe celebrated too early, Matt Barnes played the punk role and played it well, Pau is skilled but soft. The best part of the game was the 2nd coming (in appearance) of Dennis Rodman, Ron Artest's new hairdo.
  
• The reason why Allen Iverson has been AWOL. Let's hope he is able to recover.
• March Madness is about to begin and so are the NBA playoffs.
• Big Game James? Lots to live up to with that name, good luck!
  

Where is Richard Jefferson?

The biggest disappointment of this NBA season was not RJ getting cold feet and pulling out of his wedding last minute. It's actually watching him blow the grand opportunity to step up and play a key part of the Spurs contention in the West. It doesn't look like he's adapting to Pop's system.

Check out his season versus career stats-

Career					FG					3PT					FT					Rebounds					Misc
Year	Team	G	Min		M	A	Pct			M	A	Pct			M	A	Pct			Off	Def	Tot			Ast	TO	Stl	Blk	PF	PPG
2001-02	NJ	79	24:18		3.4	7.5	45.7			0.2	0.7	23.2			2.4	3.4	71.3			1.1	2.6	3.7			1.8	1.4	0.8	0.6	2.7	9.4
2002-03	NJ	80	36:00		5.7	11.4	50.1			0.1	0.3	25.0			4.1	5.5	74.3			1.9	4.6	6.4			2.5	2.0	1.0	0.6	2.7	15.5
2003-04	NJ	82	38:12		6.8	13.6	49.8			0.6	1.6	36.4			4.4	5.7	76.3			1.3	4.3	5.7			3.8	2.4	1.1	0.3	2.7	18.5
2004-05	NJ	33	41:06		7.2	17.1	42.2			0.9	2.7	33.7			6.9	8.2	84.4			1.5	5.8	7.3			4.0	4.0	1.0	0.5	3.3	22.2
2005-06	NJ	78	39:12		6.4	12.9	49.3			0.8	2.4	31.9			6.0	7.4	81.2			1.2	5.6	6.9			3.8	2.2	0.8	0.2	2.5	19.5
2006-07	NJ	55	35:36		5.5	12.1	45.6			1.0	2.6	35.9			4.4	5.9	73.3			0.9	3.5	4.4			2.7	2.2	0.6	0.2	2.2	16.3
2007-08	NJ	82	39:00		7.6	16.2	46.6			0.9	2.6	36.2			6.6	8.3	79.8			1.1	3.0	4.2			3.1	2.4	0.9	0.3	2.7	22.7
2008-09	MIL	82	35:47		6.6	14.9	43.9			1.4	3.6	39.7			5.1	6.3	80.5			0.7	3.9	4.6			2.4	2.0	0.8	0.2	3.1	19.6
2009-10	SA	58	30:53		4.3	9.8	44.5			0.9	2.5	34.5			2.4	3.4	71.4			0.6	3.3	3.9			2.0	1.3	0.6	0.4	2.2	12.0
Career		629	35:17		5.9	12.7	46.8			0.7	2.0	35.2			4.6	5.9	77.8			1.1	4.0	5.1			2.9	2.1	0.9	0.4	2.7	17.2

Now check out how Amare smashes on him.

D League Big Moment

Everyone loves the underdog story. Here's a great feel good clip of Sundiata Gaines who was playing for the Idaho Stampede and got the call from the Utah Jazz. This is definitely a must see.

Pet Peeves from Great Coaches

These acts are committed at all levels of the game. As fundamental as they sound, coaches need to teach the little things while players should build their awareness.

· Fouling in the backcourt. Fouling a dribbler that is not going to hurt you.

· Not stepping BACK on rebounds after free throws when we are the inside (defensive) team!!!

· Players bending over to pick up a ball instead of diving on the floor.

· Players attempting to dribble a loose ball instead of securing it first. Just picking it up (w/ 2 hands) STRONG!

· Players using the bounce pass to pass to a player with no defender in between them.

· Offensive players not using the jump stop off the dribble in the paint.

· Kids saving a ball going out of bounds to the opponent under opponent’s basket.

· Not to making a 100% commitment to sprint back on defensive transition.

· Players standing and watching when a shot is taken.

· Saving a loose ball under our opponent’s basket.

· Timeouts to save possession early in the game.

· Post player’s using a dribble in the paint for no reason.

· Players not following their own shot.

· Players dribbling balls when a coach is talking.

· Correcting a player in a drill or explaining something to them and other players turn around and make the same mistake...because they did not listen and pay attention.

· Not stopping the ball on defense. Players will reach and let the ball go by.

· Watching a player sulk or make an excuse after making a mistake or turning the ball over.

· Not giving the ball to an open teammate, who is open down the court.

· Screening air, not a body.

· Calling timeout, telling players to press after we make our next basket and only one or two remember.

· Stepping away from taking a charge.

· Getting beat down the court in transition going from offense to defense.

· One-handed passes.

· Older players not leading and mentoring younger players.

· Not communicating on the defensive side of the floor.

· Players who don’t get into triple threat position when the catch the ball.

· When a player in not aggressive to take the ball to the basketball and create.

· Failure to acknowledge a great pass from a teammate.

· Blaming others for losses.

· Not reversing the ball. Passing it back to the place where you just caught it from or dribbling it back to where you caught the pass.

· Finger roll lay-ups.

· Defenders not mirroring the basketball.

· Offensive players not moving to the ball in order to catch a pass.

· One-dimensional players.

(via Team Arete)

DeJuan Blair

The rookie out of Pittsburgh University gets the start for Tim Duncan and posts a 20-20 night with a win at Oklahoma City. He's one of my favorite players, here's the video footage.

The Gun Show

Gilbert Arenas has dug himself into one deep hole. Whether he's trying to laugh it off because he knows that he's in trouble, it doesn't matter. He took advantage of his position and will pay the consequences. David Stern's statement is no joke.

"Although it is clear that the actions of Mr. Arenas will ultimately result in a substantial suspension, and perhaps worse, his ongoing conduct has led me to conclude that he is not currently fit to take the court in an NBA game," Stern said. "Accordingly, I am suspending Mr. Arenas indefinitely, without pay, effective immediately pending the completion of the investigation by the NBA."

Weekend Ball

As you know, I watch basketball on a daily basis whether it be SportsCenter highlights, NBA or College games, and even high school hoops because I'm such a junkie.

Right now, I'm watching the San Antonio Spurs vs. LA Clippers at Staples....I always enjoy watching Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and one of my favorite players Manu "Obi One" Ginobli. The Spurs will be tough in the playoffs. Sebastian Telfair is starting over Baron Davis(flu)? Last time Michael Jordan had the flu, he dropped 48 against the Utah Jazz in the NBA Finals.

Friday night, Corey Brewer got his posterization on. Derek Fisher, unfortunately, was the victim. But you know what....everyone gets dunked on if you have played long enough. However, this play can be described in one word: DIRTY!

Silent Sunday's

My 10 year old nephew (video's below) just started playing in the All-Net basketball league and they had game this morning. The director of the league issued an email to all the parents and coaches about "Silent Sunday." Please read and let me know what you think.

This Sunday, December 13^th is designated as our “Silent Sunday” across all Chapters in the Silicon Valley Section.

Silent Sunday is meant to have the fans “clap” only and do no verbal/vocal cheering.

To make Silent Sunday work, there are a few steps your Chapter can take:

1. Send a message to your parents/membership and coaches to give advance notice of Silent Sunday

2. Post multiple signs at your gyms entrances

3. Have a Player read the signs to the people in the stands before each game

4. If someone in the stands do not adhere to the spirit of Silent Sunday, do not try and force the issue so as not to put more negative activity in situation

Let’s have fun with this and hope it helps the parents see and learn about allowing the kids to have more fun on the court.

Having fun means developing talent and teaching teamwork. I don't get it, I really don't. All I could think about is would they do this in the basketball Mecca's of this nation? Indiana, North Carolina, New York, Texas!! I don't know what message they were trying to send.

Maybe a few bad parents ruined it with their big mouths and inappropriate comments but don't punish everyone else for their faults. It's just like the terrorists who made a bomb out of liquid and now nobody can bring water through airport security. If there are bad parents who bring negativity, so be it....that's how life is. Teach your kids not be like them. I have to be honest, it was pretty lame.

Nevertheless, it was a great time to see my nephew develop and watch kids play the game at its purest form.

Here is footage of my nephew Mikey.

Pre Game Free Throws- Hold your follow through

In Game Footage of the Big Fella

Bill Bradley

"The team who wins plays together." Bill Bradley on NBA TV's Books and Basketball show.

It's a simple concept but a lot of teams and coaches still miss the point. That quote stood out when I was watching his interview.

Game Winners

Kevin Garnett hit a shot to send the game into overtime against the Knicks in New York then hit the game winning basket as time expired. Both shots were from nearly the identical spot on the floor which was about 21 feet out from the top of the key area. The point is....he hit the game winner (watch it by clicking here).

What exactly does that do to a player's psyche? I believe it helps tremendously and can work miracles for someone's confidence. LeBron James hit his first game winner last season while making another one in the Conference Finals. His confidence soared on top of his confidence. The likes of Derek Fisher, Chauncey Billups, Robert "Big Shot Bob" Horry, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, etc. turn legendary.

I love to see game winners because they're fun and emotional, most of all....it propels us to new heights. Just like anything else that we see in life, it could be achieving a grade or goal that you were shooting for, a presentation that knocked the roof off of your higher ups, or even printing out the right TPS reports without your managers getting on your case can simply elevate your whole mentality. Once the confidence comes, the aura is built around it and you almost expect it and people expect it from you.

The moral of the story? Courage to take that chance is rewarded with confidence.

Quote of the Day

"I don't look back, I look ahead." -- Shaq

Click here for a classic list of quotes from the Big Fella and Top 10 from ESPN.

And another video arguing with Ali G.

Most Underrated Coaches

Who comes to mind when you think of underrated coaches? Jerry Sloan, he's already in the Hall of Fame. Vinny Del Negro with the young Chicago Bulls or even Rick Carlisle who got fired after he won over 50 games and brought the Pistons to the Conference Finals. I think a handful come to mind but my man SOS gives you his Top 3 based on facts.

Top 3 Underrated Coaches of All Time in the NBA

Written by: S.O.S. (Stein on Sports)

Rick Adelman
860 wins going in to this season. Spread across a handful of West Coast teams (Portland, Golden State, Sacramento, Houston). It's hard to list a man with two trips to the NBA finals as underrated, but those trips to the finals came way back when Cliff Robinson wore headbands and MJ was playing horse with Larry Bird for Mickey D's. He averages 47 wins a season and that includes two dismal season with the Warriors. This guy took the NBA equivalent of no mans land a place better known for killing Baobby Hurley's career to the playoffs for 8 years in a row. They have not made it to the playoffs since he left. His Sacramento teams were always so close, but could never make it over the top. Look for this guy to take a team boasting Scola and Battier as their top 2 to the playoffs this year.

I'd love to see this guy coaching a team on the East Coast perhaps the Knicks after the sign King James!

Del Harris
542 across 12 full seasons. This guy is a lifer, he coaches the China National Team and you know he doesn't speak Chinese. He took the Rockets to the NBA finals and lost to the Celtics. Had a some really good Bucks teams, but they weren't taleneted enough to beat those beast Celtic or Sixers squads. Had a nice run with the Lakers and even won a Coach of the Year when he lead a team with Nick Van Exel, Cedric Ceballos and Elden Campbell to nearly 50 wins. Thats impressive.

This guy might also be the man for anyone wanting to win a Sixth Man of the Year Award. He has either been the assistant or head coach for 4 winners of this award.

Mike Jones errr Mike Brown. If I told you that there was a coach who in his worst season he had 45 wins and in his best season he had 66 wins would that be somebody you'd be interested in? This guys has had the luxury of coaching LeBron James, but one of those teams had Larry Hughes. Whats more shocking the first stat or that Larry Hughes was on a team that won more than it lost? They say this guy is on the hot seat, but I'm sure a savvy GM like Joe Dumars would be happy to have him on his bench. All time winning % for guys who have coached 200 games or more this guy is #9 ahead of Pat Riley, but behind KC Jones.

Suprising, yes. It just doesn't seem like it because he doesn't run a great offense and also because he has King James but the wins backs his case.

Honorable Mention: Greg Popovich, Doc Rivers, Byron Scott, Flip Saunders, Larry Brown, and Phil Jackson.

SOS is a senior writer for HoopforLife.com and is an expert in not only NBA basketball but at all levels as well as all sports.

The "Light" Stuff

Flashback to NKOTB's Right Stuff, let's talk about SHOES!

As you know, as a fan and as an active player we all notice the 'kicks' on every player and we always want to floss the best ones because we love the attention or they make us play better and even make us jump higher. In today's game, it's all about staying Light on your feet!

Here's a great analogy to help you figure out which our the best shoes for today.

Written by Quimelda Marcos

Nike Zoom Kobe IV - Weighs about 11.6 ounces..probably one of the lightest if the the lightest shoe for hoop today. The shoe was inspired by soccer shoes.

Positives: Lightweight, stylish, and its a low top. Also has some of nikes newest technology in the shoe which include lunar foam and flywire which is made for the shoe to be secure but yet stay light.

Negatives: Too light as in not enough support. People feel as though lowtops are prone to ankle injuries. Some of the colorways are loud which also turns people off and #1 reason why people are reluctant to wear the shoe is that its KOBE's shoe AKA Public Enemy #1-2-3 and 4.

I feel as though this is one of the best Nike's to ever come out. I'm not playing favorites either since Kobe is my favorite player. The shoe runs for about $120 to $130 bucks and has yet to go on sale due to its popularity. They're sold only on Eastbay, Niketown, Nike websites, or Footlocker. No other shoe stores carry them.

Nike Lebron 7 - Full air unit. Fly wire, very stylish. LJB's are usually heavy but he's even gearing towards a lighter weight now.

Nike Hyperize - $125 bucks. The shoe weighs around 13.0 ounces....supposedly this is the continuation of the ever so popular NIKE HYPERDUNK.

Nike HyperDunk...started the popular trend of light..TEAM USA rocked 'em and then Nike just let loose on color ways for the upcoming season. About 13.0 ounces as well, $110 USD.

Adidas BrotherHood Collection (Dwight Howard, Gilbert Arenas, Tracy Mcgrady, Tim Duncan, Chauncey Billups, Derek Rose) any shoes from these guys are popular for Adidas.

Adidas Pro Model has maintained its popularity for being a pretty good shoe for a pretty good price under $90 bucks and usually go on sale a lot of color ways to chose from.

With that said, which pair of shoes are you investing in to make your game better or even make look better? It's all about comfort and I believe that if you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you do good. But that's just me.

Ron DaDa!!