Well, my AAU boys had one last tournament to let it all hang out, and leading up to it, I loosened up the rules defensively and just explained how to play aggressive without giving up too much. I knew they could have played this style of defense all along, however, I wanted them to get a sense of discipline so we aren't lunging at every pass just because we are close to it. Payed off big as we won every game in the Garden State Basketball Fall Jamfest IV by at least 20. Some of the coaches that we hadn't seen before blamed their loss on the fact that I had a 6-foot kid on the team, but the other parents who had played us before came up afterwards and were complimenting the team on their basketball IQ and team ability. We played phenomenal basketball, pure and simple. Did having a 6-foot kid help? In some instances. But we probably would have beaten all those teams without him even stepping foot on the floor because the boys were in the zone. We were forcing turnovers, contesting shots, running the fast break and draining buckets with ease. I hope that team stays together, because it has a ton of potential. The guard will need to start bulking up a bit before their size becomes a weakness, but I can't really work on that in a 22-game season.
This was a great season for all of us. The boys had a ton of fun, and half of them will be staying together for their travel season. 3 of the 5 will likely be starters, with the other 2 filling in their roles understanding that's what they are for. I had a great season, helping them develop their teamwork, defensive intensity and hustle, and helping them to understand that not everyone needs to put up 20 points to be important. Those 3 past seasons of learning subbing rotations, helped, and just being honest with the kids was key. "Hey, I need you to hustle and get those boards. If you don't score but get 6 rebounds, I'm happy and you get a star in my book." No trying to hard, just went out there and got his rebounds, and then you look and he's got 4 points from put-backs. Kid comes off the floor feeling like a superhero. Win - win. The parents were great. Totally committed to both me and the team. No issues with playing time; they understood their kids limitations and were happy to see them happy playing their roles. Parents that can admit that their kid is a role-player are unsung heroes, let me tell you. I need more parents like these each season, the lack of distractions really gives me the ability to just coach, not play politician.
All in all, it was a great season, with successes all around. Yeah we had some easy games which helped boost our confidence and fluff our record, but their were some hard wins in their that let you know we were legit. Here's a few high notes from the season:
Record: 19W - 3L
Longest Win Streak: 9 Games
Most points scored: 77
Fall Classic One Day Shootout I Champions
Fall Classic One Day Shootout II Champions
Fall Classic One Day Shootout III Champions
Bergen Catholic Tournament 3rd Place
Fall Classic One Day Shootout IV Champions
Garden State Basketball Fall Jamfest Champions
Rest is for "suckas" lol. Travel Basketball is already underway, and it's right back to work from the ground up. Time to keep my personal win streak alive, and start a new one with a new team that will hopefully see a similar success story unfold before their eyes.
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