John A.: Geno on the importance of practice

[pap49cba]

“Kids need to understand that it’s here [practice] where you learn to be a good player. I don’t want to hear anymore of this crap about how some guys are game players, not good practice players.
“I’ve never met anyone that was a great game player who didn’t have tremendous work ethic and practice habits. The challenge for everyone, at least those who come here, is learning how to practice with such consistency that you know you are going to perform consistently when you go into a game.”

LINK

 

[Biff]

 

[RadyLady]

this is a must read for just about everybody. I don't know anyone who would not benefit from Geno's comments.

 

[j66kicker]

Great player - #1 overall draft pick, rookie of the year, MVP awards, scoring titles, All Star MVP, etc, etc. Never won a championship - no NCAA championship at Georgetown, no NBA championship with Sixers or any of his several other NBA teams. Olympic bronze medal - no gold.

 

[reno tony]

One of my favorite sports interviews ever.

 

[Zorro]

If he had practiced, we would have won the gold, mebbe.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Great player - #1 overall draft pick, rookie of the year, MVP awards, scoring titles, All Star MVP, etc, etc. Never won a championship - no NCAA championship at Georgetown, no NBA championship with Sixers or any of his several other NBA teams. Olympic bronze medal - no gold.

He did drag a mediocre collection of talent to the NBA Finals once.

 

[huskeynut]

Well, as a musician, practice does make perfect.

Or as Bria said last year, I'm paraphrasing - We don't practice until we get it right. We practice until we can't get it wrong!

 

[Huskies Rule]

Variously attributed to either world-class violinist Jascha Heifetz or pianist Arthur Rubinstein, when asked by tourists lost in NYC "how do we get to Carnegie Hall?" responded- "PRACTICE!" Maestro Geno.

 

[Huskies Rule]

Is this just Geno being Geno, or is he genuinely troubled about the players' work ethic and the way they are practicing? Is it time to worry? Oy

 

[VAUConnFan]

I do not fully agree although I believe in the importance of practice, especially as it pertains to conditioning and familiarizing yourself with teammates. I do believe that there are athletes who do not necessarily practice well but show up to play on game day while there are others who are demons on the practice floor and totally freeze up when the lights come on.

 

[semper]

One of my favorite sports interviews ever.

Just showed to a family member (not a sports fan) and the person completely did not get it, and I was laughing my whatever off, always do when I watch this. But if you want to laugh even harder, try explaining it to someone...see, he's talking about practice...well, you get it.

 

[j66kicker]

Is this just Geno being Geno, or is he genuinely troubled about the players' work ethic and the way they are practicing? Is it time to worry? Oy

We shouldn't worry - that's his job.

 

[Bestiarius]

One of my favorite sports interviews ever.

Sounds to me like Georgetown might have had a few of those North Carolina classes too.