Former HS HC for 30 years; played for 10 state titles; won 6; 10-0 in Final Fours; 14 region titles; Father; husband; grandfather; Christian; GACA HOF 2023
To all AAU coaches, please leave our high school players alone if we are fortunate enough to be getting ready for an Elite 8 game. We need them rested, focused and healthy for a strong finish. For many the opportunity to be a State Champion is a once in a life time opportunity.
I do not think most people realize all the sacrifices and good deeds that HS coaches do throughout the year for very little pay nor recognition nor appreciation. We do it for the kids. We sometimes substitute for parents; it is all worth the effort.
Last night Rick Barnes got onto Grant Williams hard at the end of regulation. He never flinched; no bad body language; did not pout nor sulk as so many players do. He just went back to work. Finished with 43; team won. My kind of player; I got on mine hard; winning is fun.
Coaches: do not waste another second of your life trying to make folks happy. Concern yourself with what will make your team better. And put players on the floor consistently that will help you win your toughest late season games. Reward toughness, good attitudes, effort. 🏆🔥🏀
Parents; nobody is ever happy IF your only concern is for your child’s accomplishments and recognition and not the team’s because it will NEVER be enough for your child. You must be happy for the TEAM! It is a TEAM game. If you cannot accept this, try golf or tennis.
Shouldn’t AAU coaches check a player’s school attendance record and grades before they allow them to play in a tournament where they miss school and check with his HS coach to see how he/she is doing?
High School Head Coaches: If your players’ parents or your booster club does not take care of your coaches and you at the end of the season, you buy nice plaques; nice shirts; a meal somewhere out of the basketball budget yourself. Folks; show some appreciation for HS coaches!
Give me a player who: is coachable; works hard; defends; is team oriented; looks to pass the ball; takes good shots; rebounds; competes; never quits; works on skills; doesn’t make excuses; cheers for teammates; and you will see a winner!
More and more, I am convinced there is a special spot in heaven for high school coaches. Paid little, appreciated even less, helping others, especially teenage children, there must be.
There must be a big gym in heaven for high school basketball coaches; we are all about helping kids as people and players; with little to no pay and very little appreciation from most. But we make a real difference in young folks lives.
Georgia produces what may be the best high school basketball teams and players (legitimate teams, not prep school); yet none of the state championship games are televised? But all the football games were. Very disappointing.
To high school coaches: retirement is overrated. I'd gladly take those in season 80 hour work weeks if I could back right now. I miss the locker room, the players, the preparation, the practices, seeing that break through. Enjoy each day. Nothing lasts forever.
Parents; your child does not need another coach or critic. What he/she needs is your support and your presence in their lives. They need to be held accountable for their behavior, and one of the best things you can do is teach them a good work ethic. We’ll coach them up.
One of the greatest things about playing on a team is that you are a part of something bigger than yourself. What is such a shame today is that so many players and parents don’t understand that concept. Teams with me over we never win their biggest toughest game.
No state championships are being handed out in mid January (except by the media). You had better be focusing on becoming tournament tough; being able to win winner take all tough tournament games. It takes team toughness to win state tournaments!
Coaches are often accused of playing favorites. We do play guys who hustle, listen, are on time, behave, are good teammates, execute, defend, rebound, take good shots and are team guys. So I guess we do play favorites.
To win a state championship, you must have at least one player on your team who refuses to allow your team to lose; somebody who grabs that loose ball; secures a rebound in traffic; makes a tough shot; will make that free throw; and locks down the other team’s best player.
Everybody has a great attitude when things go well. How do you respond to adversity, a loss, tough coaching, a bad call, being subbed for? Tough situations reveal one’s character!
Coaches: your players do not need any more pals, buddies nor friends. What they need is a coach who will hold them accountable, push them to be their best, and help them reach that next level. Praise the good; correct the wrong; reward effort and team play! 🏆🔥🏀🔥🏆
Coaches: do not let anyone discourage you from encouraging and demanding your players do things soundly, with effort, passion, and together as a team. In the end the whole must be greater than the individual parts or your season will end early. 5 forming a fist is greater than 1.
To all assistant coaches (I volunteer assistant coach): be loyal to the HC the school, players, and program first and always; encourage players; help them with their roles; be a behind the scenes contributer. Prepare to be a HC as a goal.
KSU once again shows other Georgia teams, just recruit in state and you will win. When will UGA and Ga Tech figure that out. And why don't you contact Georgia high school coaches to help you?
It’s a shame you can have an entire season of games each Friday and all state championship games televised for football in Georgia, but not any of the basketball state championships especially when the quality of basketball is so high.
The best advice I can give younger HS coaches is to be who you are. Do things your way. You rarely will ever get credit for the good, but you will be the first to hear the bad. Tune it out; work for your kids and the program. Enjoy the team building!
If your team has an off night shooting the ball, there are three things that can save you; your defense; your effort, and your rebounding. Win and advance.
Only coaches and players really understand the suddenness of a season’s ending. The quickness is numbing. Then you reflect and realize young men/ women have grown and matured; the record is not as important as growth.
Players: are you afraid to hold teammates accountable? Would you prefer their selfishness and lack of team play cost you a chance at a championship? You need to decide. Players must hold teammates accountable.
Unfortunately, most players have no idea what real toughness is. They give in to the least bit of adversity. Real toughness is never giving up; playing hard; taking coaching; diving on the floor for a loose ball; letting your playing do your talking.
The missing ingredient for so many players is a lack of mental and physical toughness. The ability is there and the skill and the talent, but where are you in the most difficult parts of the season and games? Pouting? Pointing fingers? Making excuses? Or getting the job done? 🏆
I am seeing a disturbing trend in HS basketball: more super power prep schools not affiliated with a state organization; school not accredited and using 5 year guys vs 4 year schools. Players moving on a whim; eligible immediately. And they get most of the media coverage.
@TheoLawson_SR
@TheAndyKatz
Wear the mask. You are not above anybody's safety. I cannot believe there are so many just like him including Kyrie, Novak and Rodgers.
Everyone is in agreement that playing multiple sports benefits the athlete. Yet nothing has been done to make that easier. Basketball has already started and the football playoffs begin Friday. Basketball games should not start before Thanksgiving. Dec 1st would be good.
Parents, players, trainers, and coaches; make sure your player is learning the basic fundamentals of the game; short jab step; slow shot fake; one hard dribble 2 at the most to the rim; jump stops; form shooting; dribble and kick; catch and shoot; use both hands; pivot; repeat!
I notice so many talented HS teams folding under their toughest test because many of their players are not invested in the program; they have no culture to fall back on. Players must be invested in their team.
Coaches; do not try to make folks happy; nobody is ever happy if they are not happy for the team. It is never enough for the individual nor the fans. So do your best to impact your players in a positive way and promote your team.
Finding consistency among your players is a challenge at best. There are so many things a HS coach cannot control; if a player is getting sleep; hydrating at home; eating right or anything at all. What is going on at home; is thee any support; that is why I admire HS coaches.
Jordan Loyd played JV in the 10th grade at Milton. His parents never said a word. He went to work. Started his last 2 years. Won a state title. Played D 2. Today he is one of the best Euroleague players out there. Work through the process.
Parents and basketball booster clubs: there is not enough you can do to show your appreciation for your basketball coaches; they work 365 days a year; barely get compensated; mentor, coach, scout, call college coaches;travel on a school bus; and teach. Let them know you care.
Coaches: the easy way is not the best way; getting rid of a kid does not help nor save a player. Working with them; sitting them when needed, letting them know you care about them will make a life long difference. I know I for one have benefitted from second chances.
Toughness is doing the right thing; touching lines; playing thru contact; accepting coaching; putting up extra shots; defending your man and helping your teammates; diving on the floor; rebounding in traffic; protecting the ball; cheering for the player starting ahead of you.🏆🏀
@OriginalYoni
@drkeithivy
Jordan’s story is tremendous; JV to Varsity to state champion at Milton; beating Bradley Beals HS; Oak Hill; to Furman to Indy U to G League to Israel to Toronto Summer Team to two way contract to All NBA G League to playing for Toronto to World Champion.
Players; you will never be happy if all you care about is yourself; it will never be enough; points; accolades, playing time. The only way you can be happy is if you are happy for the team. This goes for parents too.
Recently heard a coach say it was all about the Jimmy's and the Joe's not the X's and the O's. But when you play against other Jimmy's and Joe's you better know your X's and O's.
My book is in the editing process. My daughter Charisse organized the book and provided many of the topics. The final version should be ready soon. The book includes teaching, coaching and life experiences and a few victories here and there.
As a HS coach you hope your young players are watching these tournament games and listening to how appreciative the college players are getting an opportunity to play another game.
When your best players simply put winning above any other stat, your best shooters get more shots, your top free throw shooters have the ball late in games; your bench cheers for starters and vice versa, and you have a chance to win championships.
My book is finished. You can purchase it on Amazon. All proceeds go to Brunswick HS boys basketball where I volunteer coach. There are many stories that coaches and fans should enjoy. My career has had both great highs and lows. I don't leave anything out.
I noticed McEachern has We>Me on the back of their jerseys. Ball never lies. Team must take priority over the individual or your team will suffer a disappointing ending to your season. Make the extra pass; be in help side D; drive to dish; repeat. Win.
For any player who loves the game and loves to compete, the best disciplinarian is the bench. Poor behavior, bad grades, lack of effort, pouting, front running, you sit. Watch; think about it; learn from it. Do it early before it’s too late. Save him and the team!
High school head coaches; if your parents and or booster club does not take care of your assistant coaches and you, find a way to do it yourself through the community or the basketball budget. Parents and booster clubs: show your appreciation for the time and effort.
I wish I had taken this advice. I hope you will. Try not to be too hard on yourself for past mistakes, poor decisions, and failures. No one is perfect. We can still do good in the world. God forgives us. We must also forgive ourselves.
With high school basketball practice a week away, players must understand their role on the team. Who is going to be the rim runner sprinting the floor every time? Who are the best 3 pt shooters? Best defender? Dirty work guy? Screener? Late game FT shooter? Leaders?
Players: being a part of a team; putting your heart and soul into helping your team win; winning a region championship; playing in the state tournament; that feeling in the locker room; the brotherhood; enjoy every second! Very few things in life match that experience.
If you never saw Louis Williams play in high school for South Gwinnett you missed out. Every game was sold out. They sold season passes for 1,000 dollars each which included reserved seats and parking. Then Lou Will put on-a show.
For younger coaches building a program: choose a style of play that is fun to watch and play. Do not underestimate the value of being entertaining to watch. The best I ever saw do that was the legendary Tony Ingle. And he won big too! Players like a fun style.
Over the years, I have come to realize that my championship teams won for many reasons: converted free throws; played hard but smart; were unselfish; defended; rebounded; did not turn the ball over; and responded well to coaching, and were unselfish. And were good teammates.
How fortunate I was to have my 3 children with me during my GACA HOF ceremony this weekend. Geoff, Christina, and Charisse are all Champions in life. The folks at the GACA put on an incredible ceremony both days.
The worst action from a player is to make excuses for not getting the job done. Blaming others for your short comings and lack of effort will accomplish nothing. Learn, listen, be coachable and get better. Excuses do not pay the phone bill.
Until all your players buy into team over me, your team will never reach its potential, and you will come up short in your most critical game, and then you will have a long time to think about what could have been.
#11finals6titles
I hope today’s NBA players watch the special on MJ. No days off; you dogged it he got in your face; he’d fight you to win; no stupid 15 dribble step back 3’s. He would break your spirit.
It’s a great day when you find a piece hidden in your closet for 5 years, and it brings back so many wonderful memories. This was given to me my last year at Milton.
Coach Sharman White helped me become a much better coach and a better person throughout the years we battled. As they say, iron sharpens iron. Young coaches; follow his lead; go watch a practice; go to one of his games. Take notes. Championships won are not by luck.
You look at our record at 18-10; you do not see 5 out of state powerhouse losses; you do not see 2 losses to
#1
Coffee; you do not see our missing a mid D I starter most of the year. But if you look closely, you see us in the Elite 8; healthy. Brunswick HS
To win region road games: players must be alert on the bus and focused; be the more aggressive, physical team; officials tend to favor those teams; take the ball to the rim; work inside out; get every loose ball; make layups and free throws!
Players: your season could be done in less than a month. What are you doing to prolong it? Practicing with energy and focus? Playing your role; following the scouting report? Encouraging your teammates? Being coachable? Putting the team ahead of yourself?