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Message: [QUOTE="Carnac, post: 2759667, member: 5798"] [B]You also can't teach desire.[/B] Allow me to digress just for a moment. What is desire? The most recent example of "pure desire" was the performance of USC's [URL='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4DuiHK-RC8'][B]Kendal Ellis[/B],[/URL] who closed a [B]30 yard gap[/B] during the anchor leg of the final event of the day, the 4x400 relay race to overtake the lead runner at the tape by a step, that helped her school win the national championship in Track & Field. [B]The focus here is [U]on the runner[/U], not the school. [/B] If you note the prolific rebounders that have passed through WCBB the last 25 years or so, one common trait they all had was desire. Rebounding was part of their "game". Unfortunately, some players completely dismiss the importance of rebounding, and it's bottom line effect on the outcome of a game (Remember what former LA Laker coach "Pat Riley" said about rebounds). Too many are only concerned about scoring and their personal numbers. Playing defense and rebounding take a backseat in their overall "game". [B] Napheesa Collier[/B] and [B]Gabby Williams [/B]are prolific rebounders, and a decent shot blockers, which is why they are such valuable assets. They play BOTH ends of the floor. Lest I remind you that it was Collier's block of Shakayla Thomas' last second buzzer beater attempt to preserve UConn's season opening road win over Florida State (11/14/16) 78-76. Collier was an above average rebounder in high school. She's parlayed those skills into becoming a great rebounder at the next level. If you have to [I]"think"[/I] about hitting the boards, you won't be an effective rebounder. Prolific rebounders go to the boards instinctively. It's a reflex. They don't think about doing it. Collier does it instinctively, and she does not shy away from contact. She has [U]consistently[/U] shown that she is not afraid to jump right in the middle of the paint to fight for contested rebounds or dive on the floor for loose balls, even if none of her teammates choose to join her. I noticed that her freshman year. Great rebounders have desire, timing and a nose for the ball. Her teammates have noticed this also. They have often referred to her as a "ball magnet". A moniker I heartily endorse. :cool: [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach