Coached or played basketball.

[Papa33]

For what it's worth, I played high school varsity ball in Ohio for three years. I was best at defense and rebounding because I could jump: at 5'11" I could grab the rim and even dunked a couple times (springy floor, I suspect), but my ball-handling was only ok. And I coached high school ball for 28 years, 8 years with young men, 20 with young women.
So what did I learn? To appreciate defense, but even more, how daunting it is to take a new or replenished group each year and coach them well enough to be able to predict their responses in games. And how damnably hard it is to take a single "simple" maneuver like setting and using a screen effectively: set the screen at the right place, not too early, not too late, and at the right angle; and for the cutter not to move too early or too late and, most difficult it seems, how to set up the approach angle and scrape the defender off the screen. If any one of those details is off, the screen doesn't work, especially against good defenders — for example, those from MSU last season. Nothing comes easily, even for the most athletic and intelligent players and the most dedicated coaches. I love to watch for those details during the games (and while examining the playbacks).

Amazingly, UConn makes it all work a remarkably high percentage of the time. Coaches and players are willing to invest the time and effort and not tolerate inattention to the little pieces.

 

[Moose]

Played D1, during the TASSK era. Recently had 2 babies and currently trying to make my comeback in city league and lunchtime pickup at work. I lurk here for inspiration.

 

[Ukonnfan]

Played

 

[Kurebeach5]

Coached HS (freshman,JV, asst. varsity) for 24 years.

 

[Mlb0814]

Played middle school ball though Varsity and made my college’s D3 team but ultimately decided not to play as my studies came first. Strangely as much as I love UConn and absolutely loved playing, not playing was an easy decision for me. Coached, but not for basketball (Special Olympics track and field for ten years).

 

[Bronx23]

I played (not well) and refereed (even less well), but I'm not sure this is the right question, frankly. I've never been president of the United States, but I certainly have my (impeccable) opinions about how the country ought to be run. And opinions on pretty much everything else. And I recognize that others have the right to their own (mostly wrong compared to mine of course) opinions on just about every subject.

I agree that as a sports fan some sort of expertise can be important. And that is usually the result of personal experience more than of study. But I think there are two sensibilities at play here that produce our different outlooks, regardless of our differing experiences.
1. a fundamental sense of humility about just how hard it is to play basketball consistently well. Of course, that humility is easiest gain through personal experience. But you don't need to be a violinist to appreciate how hard it is to play a violin at master level. Frankly, you just need imagination.
2. different temperaments. some folks see the glass half empty, others half full. No bridging that divide: it's just the way the world turns.

There's no answer, I don't think, for the broadly-sketched differences between those posters who are more critical or pessimistic, and those who are just less so. I don't think that expertise necessarily makes you one or the other. Temperament does.

As usual, Bags27, I agree with many of your points and enjoy your sense of humor.
Your comments about temperament make a lot of sense and of course apply to how one plays the game and more importantly adjusts and make improvements.
While having played or coached has its importance and brings some real advantages, some who have never played still have a lot to offer even to those at the top of this field.
I played a lot through my teenage years and even played on the freshman team in college. My being 5'7" just made it very unlikely if not impossible for me to go anywhere in basketball. My younger brother played professionally in Europe and Israel but he was 6'1". We grew up in NYC and played with some truly great players like Tiny Archibald and my brother could play with him much of the time. My parents used to say if he had my drive and his talent (or vice versa) he definitely would have made the pro's in the US (speaking of temperament). My daughter who is now 33, played high level HS ball on a premiere NYC HS team and AAU ball too through that time. She now is barely 5' tall so that determined much! Her drive, determination and athletic ability has had a great deal to do with who she is and has become. She did rhythmic gymnastics, basketball, softball, swimming and bowling all at a high level
It gave me my love for women's sports, led by The U Conn women's basketball and US Women's national soccer team. The manner in which even great women play, truly moves me.
Bronx23

 

[Tontobruto]

I played CYO bb for a month, but I got kicked off the team for taking the Lord's name in vain. That was the first in a long series of mental errors culminating with several unforced miscues on the BY. Damn!

 

[Mdoggie]

I played CYO bb for a month, but I got kicked off the team for taking the Lord's name in vain. That was the first in a long series of mental errors culminating with several unforced miscues on the BY. Damn!

Too funny!

 

[DaddyChoc]

Long story - but fits into coaching discussion:

Some 79 years ago, my first coach explained that basketball was easy; all I would have to do is learn to pass, shoot, dribble, rebound and play defense - and after a pause “and you play defense half the game”. That stuck with me all my playing days, especially since I wasn’t a big scorer but wanted to play and not sit on the bench.

Years later, when one of my daughters showed both a strong interest and an aptitude for playing, I passed those words along to her. They weren’t as fully adhered to as with me, primarily because she was
a scorer and had all the offensive tools.

Time passes and I’m driving my young grandson to a CYO practice and he turns to me and, some 67 years after I first heard the five skills and emphasis lesson, he told me what his mother had told him he should do to develop and play basketball.

True story - and had me soft thinking about the same words being passed down over so many years.

 

[HuskylnSC]

High school, college, international (under 18), coached kids rec league. I had Glen Miller in junior high

 

[DaddyChoc]

High school, college, international (under 18), coached kids rec league. I had Glen Miller in junior high

 

[HuskyNan]

Seriously, for those who don't know, Glen Miller was Jim Calhoun's long time Associate Head coach. He was fired by Kevin Ollie.

 

[Dillon77]

I've played hoops steadily since the hoop went up outside the house in elementary school. Played in middle and high school. Wasn't good enough to play varsity at ND, but the competition at the intramurals, Bookstore Basketball Tournament and pick-up games at that school was challenging (I had two all-state players on my intra- team).

Have played in city leagues, corporate leagues since then and still play in a Sunday morning organized pick-up league (same 20 guys, divvy up the teams every week). A few guys around my age, much more in their 30's and older 20's. First step lost me years ago, but it'amazing how basic skills I learned years ago still keep a place for me in these games: post- and weakside defense; boxing out; passing and my running one-hander.

While my main coaching gig has been travel soccer, I coached basketball extensively in New York City when I was there at various Y's. In fact, one of the aspects of hoops and lacrosse I brought over to my soccer teams was the "high press" (or "ride" as it's known in lax). If an oppositions's back line couldn't handle the ball or had no strategy to move it upfield, we were coming.

Agree that the loosening of various forms of dribbling have changed radically, from steps (are you allowed to step across the ocean on some Eurosteps?) to changing pivot feet. Other developments: big guys are still great inside....and out. Not so much in the middle.

Girls on the other hand, shoot consistently well from where-ever they're supposed to. We had a former All-Nevada PG play with us for years and her dribbling and driving abilities were first rate at age 30. And she said her "baby sister" was even better at getting off left and right handed layups. Light's out j-shooter just past the arc.

Last comment on change in game and my ability to play it: while my legs get tired earlier than they used to, I save energy for the third game on because there is no boxing out then and I can make a living on offensive rebounds and junk put-backs. Same as it ever was....

 

[huskeynut]

Aaaaaaaa, tuba! Low brass kicks ass!

My youngest plays the baritone horn. I’m a former band mom. My son is a music major in college now.

Our youngest played trombone, then tuba. He had shirts made up that said "We'll Kick Your Brass!" I spent a few years as a band dad and band parent president. While EMBA was still around, we did a couple of competitions at Cheshire. Danbury Hatter Marching Band!

 

[JustinesGuy]

I played varsity high school basketball for 3 years in a local CT town as well as 4 year varsity Track (sprinter). I played intramural Basketball in the filed house at UCONN Storrs for 3 years. I played against Shea Ralph, Rigby and a few other Women athletes in the field house.. I retired after college and now post of college boards hahaha

 

[Bronx23]

Agreed. I was a halfway decent high school level player, never good enough to go to the next level, and had different goals in mind by that time anyway. While no one would have accused me of having a “complete” game, I was regarded as a consistent perimeter shooter. What I learned from that experience was the role of confidence in shooting efficiency. One can get one’s confidence to the level that one is shocked when even the toughest outside shots don’t drop, and, conversely, there are times when that level of certainty is entirely elusive. Lou, for example, is in a zone where she regards shots from behind the arc as virtual layups, and that supreme level of confidence yields predictable results. Gabby, who certainly has the ability, clearly has no confidence in the reliability of her 15’ jumpers, with equally predictable results. It’s a shame, because adding that element to her game would make her the most feared player in the country.

You are absolutely right in the importance of confidence, which speaks to the value of the mental part of the game.
On the other hand, it's surely not close to all about confidence. Lou is a great shooter but has spent thousands of hours since she was a little girl working on her shot, her form, her touch, her release, her follow through. Her dad taught all three daughters how to shoot and adjust. Until last year that was 75% of her game with her passing another 20%. Her enormous drive to improve the other areas of her game have led her to where she is now. Great shooter, superb passer, good defender, ok rebounder. She will only continue to improve with more work, experience and time.
Gabby comes at this with a totally different style and skill set. Her unbelievable athleticism leads to her amazing defensive play and huge jumping ability and sense of where the ball is and where it is going. ANTICAPATION!!! Learning to shoot better at this point in her career I believe while not impossible, is very difficult. Also Gabbys energy and skill set is based on a motor that never stops or hardly slows down. Good shooting requires being able to do that even for a few seconds. I surely believe Gabby has and will continue to work on her shot and maybe get a little better. While I hope I'm wrong here, I don't think she will ever be a good shooter. Also sometimes what your striving for can mess up what you already have.
Her confidence is in her strengths and they are awesome. Surely she should work at it!
Bronx23

 

[BroadwayVa]

I played (not well) and refereed (even less well), but I'm not sure this is the right question, frankly. I've never been president of the United States, but I certainly have my (impeccable) opinions about how the country ought to be run. And opinions on pretty much everything else. And I recognize that others have the right to their own (mostly wrong compared to mine of course) opinions on just about every subject.

I agree that as a sports fan some sort of expertise can be important. And that is usually the result of personal experience more than of study. But I think there are two sensibilities at play here that produce our different outlooks, regardless of our differing experiences.
1. a fundamental sense of humility about just how hard it is to play basketball consistently well. Of course, that humility is easiest gain through personal experience. But you don't need to be a violinist to appreciate how hard it is to play a violin at master level. Frankly, you just need imagination.
2. different temperaments. some folks see the glass half empty, others half full. No bridging that divide: it's just the way the world turns.

There's no answer, I don't think, for the broadly-sketched differences between those posters who are more critical or pessimistic, and those who are just less so. I don't think that expertise necessarily makes you one or the other. Temperament does.

I too ref'ed a tiny bit. I enjoyed doing it but I was terrible in execution. I was educated in a black and white world with few greys so making those decisions was easy. What wasn't easy was making the right decision in split second time.
I coached at 3 different levels none at the speed or precision of Uconn.
I differ with number 2. Under varying conditions I can see the glass half either way. In many circumstance, even in Uconn BB, I can argue both sides of the discuss and feel proper doing it. (see my posts on Azura 3 ball shooting)
What some see as Pessimistic or critical others see that as realistic. Relating known weaknesses and the long term possibilities of those weakness isn't pessimistic or critical. Geno can be critical with his team knowing those same weakness because he too sees the potential long term possibilities. You don't have to have been a coach or player to make those fair determinations.
The other side of the coin is: Critiquing is what fans do best. But don't let a ND or Ms St fan do it here.

 

[BroadwayVa]

While I played various sports through college, coached and refereed some after college, I’m not sure that’s necessarily the most relevant factor when it comes to commenting on games.

What is relevant, imo, is whether or not you’re just a casual fan who reacts emotionally to a game or do you take the time to break down what’s going on, while reading, listening and learning what knowledgeable experts have to say.

For me, the answer is both. When I watch a UConn game live, I’m emotionally invested in the outcome, and it’s difficult to be objective. The next day, or soon thereafter, I always watch the game a second time, breaking it down like a coach watching game film.

As for listening and learning, one good example was Kara Lawson’s funny explanation of “closing the elevator doors” to describe a two player screen that Louisville set up several times in the 2nd half to get Durr open shots. I’d never heard that term before. In my day it was the “swinging gate.” After Kara’s explanation along with the replay, I had learned something new about a game I love to watch both emotionally and analytically.

See the highlighted above: At that time you can be objective, I am, and see the REAL fouls that were accurately caledl or as in the Louisville game I saw the fouls that were not fouls called on both Uconn and Louisville. I didn't like it but if the ref's make the same bad call on both sided, it's apparently fair.

 

[HuskylnSC]

Also one time leading scorer for Robert Fitch.

Also I reffed for a year, but after needing a police escort out of a small Alabama town, I hung up the zebra shirt.

 

[Twolf]

Started playing BB in junior high when I was small enough that I could tuck the armholes of my jersey into my trunks. Fortunately grew & played four years in high school, two in the juco ranks, and two years @ a good D-2 School. This is my 40th year of coaching, with all but the first 2, as a head coach at different levels (except junior high) and different genders. I’ve always been grateful that a brother, a sister, and myself were able to get a college education by dribbling, shooting, and defending a round ball- something that wouldn’t have been attainable without that financial benefit.

I have learned that coaching is really simple: you try to get a whole bunch of young adults to do a whole lot of things they really don’t want to do, so they can all end up where they want to end up. I’ve also learned it is really hard to have a zoo without animals, if you catch my drift. I feel extremely lucky to have had my paths cross with a myriad of young adults, fellow coaches, AD’s, and believe it or not, officials. I’ve learned something from a multitude of them & have formed many lasting friendships that have lasted the test of time.

None of this makes any of my opinions more valid, accurate, or insightful than any other in this forum, but my experiences give me a greater appreciation of just how mind boggling the continual success of the UConn program that G.A., CD, and the staff has built. I hope no one takes it for granted- it won’t last forever.

 

[augustaTC]

Neither, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express!

 

[VA Huskie]

My basketball career ended after my freshman year in high school, when I realized that being 5’2” and not growing any more would never allow me to excel. I switched to wrestling - much better fit. I did play 3 sports a year for 4 years of hs. Greatest learning was about the value of team. Helped me throughout a relatively successful corporate career. Also is the greatest reason why I value the Huskies. Well, maybe I exaggerate - also appreciate their winning ways

 

[skilz]

Played high school and college...SF. Fan of many teams, but mainly a fan of WBB (however, I also love football)