Kids are fat. Study after study suggests kids are staggeringly obese to the point where this generation may be the first to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. We know kids are fat. We see them on the street, on the news and on TV shows. We have even re-defined fat: I realized that kids who when I was in school would have been considered "chubby" are considered normal now.
The answer is recess (and other unstructured play).
Friday, September 21, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Time to Trade Shawn Marion
Is Shawn Marion the biggest paradox in sports?
On the court, he appears to be the consummate team player, subjugating his star status to be a third wheel, playing defense on the opponent's top player and rebounding. Of course, this also means he is the highest paid role player in the league at $16+ million dollars per year for a player without a defined position.
Off the court, he appears to be the NBA's biggest prima dona, caring more about his place in the pecking order than the team's success. (more).
On the court, he appears to be the consummate team player, subjugating his star status to be a third wheel, playing defense on the opponent's top player and rebounding. Of course, this also means he is the highest paid role player in the league at $16+ million dollars per year for a player without a defined position.
Off the court, he appears to be the NBA's biggest prima dona, caring more about his place in the pecking order than the team's success. (more).
Monday, September 17, 2007
Jacki Gemelos Out for the Season
Jacki Gemelos, a high school All-American from Stockton, CA, re-injured her ACL last week and will miss another season at USC. I knew Jacki when she was younger, as I ran workouts for an AAU team for whom she played. She is the most talented female high school player I have seen and is one of the rare players whose gifts were evident at a very young age, as I first saw her play in an AAU Tournament when she was in 7th or 8th grade and told friends she'd be the #1 ranked player in her class, which she was for much of her high school career.
Last time I spoke to her, she was determined to rehab from her first injury and come back stronger than ever. According to this article, it sounds like that is exactly what she did, as she drew praise from none other than Lisa Leslie:
FWIW, I wrote the same thing about Gemelos last year on Full Court Press, a web site for women's basketball, and there was almost unanimous agreement that I did not know what I was talking about. I'm happy to know I am on the side on the basketball legend, not the random anonymous posters on a message board.
I know some people are already writing off Jacki, much like some are doing with Greg Oden. However, I would not bet against her, her talent or her work ethic as she tries to achieve her goals:
Last time I spoke to her, she was determined to rehab from her first injury and come back stronger than ever. According to this article, it sounds like that is exactly what she did, as she drew praise from none other than Lisa Leslie:
Gemelos giggled when asked about the compliment she received from former USC star and three-time WNBA MVP Lisa Leslie following a recent workout.
"She said if I was in the WNBA right now, I'd be one of the better point guards," Gemelos said. "She made my day for I don't know how long."
FWIW, I wrote the same thing about Gemelos last year on Full Court Press, a web site for women's basketball, and there was almost unanimous agreement that I did not know what I was talking about. I'm happy to know I am on the side on the basketball legend, not the random anonymous posters on a message board.
I know some people are already writing off Jacki, much like some are doing with Greg Oden. However, I would not bet against her, her talent or her work ethic as she tries to achieve her goals:
Gemelos said she is disappointed, but not discouraged.
"I can't dwell on it and feel sorry for myself when I still want the same things in life," Gemelos said. "I still want to be in the WNBA, and I still want to play for the USA Olympic Team. Everything's still the same. It's just going to take a little longer."
Sunday, September 16, 2007
The Russians are Back
Russia upset Spain to win the European Championships in Madrid today. While barely newsworthy in the USA, this is a monumental upset, as nobody figured Russia would make the Final Four, let alone win the championship.
In the semi-finals, Russia defeated Lithuania, the last unbeaten team in the tournament and in the finals, it avenged an earlier defeat at the hands of the Spaniards, winning the championship 60-59 on a game-winning basket by J.R. Holden.
Holden? THat isn't a very Russian name? In fact, Russia is led by Americans, an unthinkable event in the my Cold War childhood. Holden, who plays professionally for CSKA Moscow, played at Bucknell University. Its Head Coach is former Princeton University player David Blatt who coached Efes Pilsen in Istanbul, Turkey after leaving Benetton Treviso.
Of course, Russia has actual Russians, several of whom NBA fans will recognize: Andrei Kirilenko, Victor Krypha, Segie Monia among others.
I have been an unabashed Andrei Kirilenko fan since his rookie season and I am happy to see that after a tough NBA campaign, AK47 looks to be back to his usual active self. Also, last September, when the media jumped on the "hire a European coach" bandwagon, I suggested a smarter path might be to hire an American with international coaching experience, like the Nuggets' Mike Dunlap, or one coaching in Europe, like David Blatt.
While CSKA Moscow's Ettore Messina has been the hot name for over a year, this championship might vault Blatt to the top of the NBA wish list, especially if he is successful at Efes Pilsen. And, if Team USA fails to win the gold in Beijing, maybe Plan B for Jerry Colangelo will be to hire a coach with International experince, not to mention a European Championship on his resume...
In the semi-finals, Russia defeated Lithuania, the last unbeaten team in the tournament and in the finals, it avenged an earlier defeat at the hands of the Spaniards, winning the championship 60-59 on a game-winning basket by J.R. Holden.
Holden? THat isn't a very Russian name? In fact, Russia is led by Americans, an unthinkable event in the my Cold War childhood. Holden, who plays professionally for CSKA Moscow, played at Bucknell University. Its Head Coach is former Princeton University player David Blatt who coached Efes Pilsen in Istanbul, Turkey after leaving Benetton Treviso.
Of course, Russia has actual Russians, several of whom NBA fans will recognize: Andrei Kirilenko, Victor Krypha, Segie Monia among others.
I have been an unabashed Andrei Kirilenko fan since his rookie season and I am happy to see that after a tough NBA campaign, AK47 looks to be back to his usual active self. Also, last September, when the media jumped on the "hire a European coach" bandwagon, I suggested a smarter path might be to hire an American with international coaching experience, like the Nuggets' Mike Dunlap, or one coaching in Europe, like David Blatt.
While CSKA Moscow's Ettore Messina has been the hot name for over a year, this championship might vault Blatt to the top of the NBA wish list, especially if he is successful at Efes Pilsen. And, if Team USA fails to win the gold in Beijing, maybe Plan B for Jerry Colangelo will be to hire a coach with International experince, not to mention a European Championship on his resume...
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Who Am I?
While searching for my DVD on youtube yesterday so I could provide a link in my free weekly newsletter, I found a review of the DVD from a blogger and I am still unsure what to make of the review.
At first, the blogger questioned my credentials because there was not an NBA star promoting the DVD.
First, I don't understand why people still believe a DVD produced by a big name is inherently better. From people I know who buy and watch multiple DVD's, it's almost an inverse relationship between star power and quality of the product: the bigger the star, the worse the DVD.
Second, there are companies who arrange star placement for products like DVD's. So, just because a star allows his name to be used in promotion does not mean the star knows anything about the product.
Next, he criticizes my background:
Well, some people were impressed when I was a Head Coach in a pro league when I was 25 years old! Apparently not the blogger. But, what does playing in college or the NBA have to do with teaching 10-12-year-olds how to handle the basketball?
As for players, apparently this blogger is only impressed with the NBA, but there are college and pro players who have trained with me and attended my camps and clinics. I just don't shout their names all the time. And, I don't train "names" for free just so I can use their name, like a lot of trainers.
Training NBA players basically depends on having a pre-existing relationship with a player or an agent. Agents usually control who a player trains with. Besides, there is almost nothing in common between training an NBA player and the progression of drills in my DVD. I have watched workouts with NBA players, assisted with workouts with NBA players, am friends with guys who work with NBA players, advise trainers who work with NBA players and have subscribers on my newsletter who train NBA players. Trust me, it's not that exciting. Many trainers prefer working with younger players, but train NBA players because of the money. Sure, there is a challenge to training an NBA player, but it is a very different challenge (performance-based versus learning or development) than teaching a novice to make a change of direction move, which is essentially the subject of my DVD.
Next, he questioned my "stage presence:"
I did not have a script. I did almost all the voice work in a sound studio on the fly without any notes. It was very difficult. I did the last bit of work on a 2-hour layover in San Francisco after a flight from Beijing to SFO before a connecting flight to Sacramento. The voice work was done in 3 sessions. But, I assure you there was no script. Next time, I will have a script, as it is pretty hard to do it on the fly outside of the natural setting.
So, that was the "Bad." I just got it. All the pictures in the post confused me. As for the good, he writes:
Since this was essentially the goal, I am glad to know that we succeeded.
This is a compliment, as this is exactly how I try to teach.
After playing with his wife, he writes:
So the DVD fulfilled its mission. Hurray!
Hmm. Press Maravich? That's lofty praise, especially based on one DVD. He sure changed his tune.
I know trainers who actively seek really good players. They practically recruit good players because these are the players that can give a trainer a rep. I don't. I have a web site. If you call me and we can arrange a time, gym and price, I'll train you. It does not matter to me who you are.
I trained a kid who became a DIII All-American. I started with him when he was the 4th string PG and on the Head Coach's potential cut list. The other best player I have trained for an extended period of time started with me as a 7th grader; now he is a mid to high major recruit. I've worked with McDonald's All-Americans and had them attend my clinics. But, I only talk about the kids I train over a long period of time. The kids in the DVD worked with me over the course of 2 years.
The important aspect of the review, I suppose, is that the blogger gave the DVD a chance, even though he did not think much of my credentials. And, the DVD speaks for itself. It's a very good DVD and based entirely on the drills and progressions I do on a daily basis with players. I know the DVD is good because high school coaches have emailed me and asked me to do a similar DVD on all the skills.
The difference between my teaching (and my DVD) and others is that I use progressions, while most use drills. If someday a great player sees this and wants to train, great. But, I won't treat him any differently than the kids in the DVD and I won't hold my breath. Unlike others, I don't need an NBA player to validate my training. I have seen for myself the affects of long term training and I know what I can and cannot do and I work everyday to improve. If that's enough to sell a DVD, great. If not, I'm not banking on getting rich off DVD sales, so it's no big deal. Really, you can spend your money on flash and hype elsewhere, or you can get substance. Either way, I'll do what I do and be fine, whether I coach another pro team in Europe or a junior high school team around the corner.
Coaching is coaching and players are players. Everything else is hype, marketing and money, and I can't be bothered by any of it.
At first, the blogger questioned my credentials because there was not an NBA star promoting the DVD.
Yep folks that is the Brian McCormick, coach of what? I get to watch footage of which awesome players in this DVD?
First, I don't understand why people still believe a DVD produced by a big name is inherently better. From people I know who buy and watch multiple DVD's, it's almost an inverse relationship between star power and quality of the product: the bigger the star, the worse the DVD.
Second, there are companies who arrange star placement for products like DVD's. So, just because a star allows his name to be used in promotion does not mean the star knows anything about the product.
Next, he criticizes my background:
So what does Mr. Brian have? Some coaching in Sweden? A couple of degrees? Which player has he developed into greatness? If there was one, then I am sure we would have heard about him? What elite squad has he coached? Did he play in the NBA? Did he even play college ball? I am sure they would have mentioned any of that in his promotional information. Nope… nothing,
Well, some people were impressed when I was a Head Coach in a pro league when I was 25 years old! Apparently not the blogger. But, what does playing in college or the NBA have to do with teaching 10-12-year-olds how to handle the basketball?
As for players, apparently this blogger is only impressed with the NBA, but there are college and pro players who have trained with me and attended my camps and clinics. I just don't shout their names all the time. And, I don't train "names" for free just so I can use their name, like a lot of trainers.
Training NBA players basically depends on having a pre-existing relationship with a player or an agent. Agents usually control who a player trains with. Besides, there is almost nothing in common between training an NBA player and the progression of drills in my DVD. I have watched workouts with NBA players, assisted with workouts with NBA players, am friends with guys who work with NBA players, advise trainers who work with NBA players and have subscribers on my newsletter who train NBA players. Trust me, it's not that exciting. Many trainers prefer working with younger players, but train NBA players because of the money. Sure, there is a challenge to training an NBA player, but it is a very different challenge (performance-based versus learning or development) than teaching a novice to make a change of direction move, which is essentially the subject of my DVD.
Next, he questioned my "stage presence:"
She immediately commented that she believed this guy must be reading directly from a script,
I did not have a script. I did almost all the voice work in a sound studio on the fly without any notes. It was very difficult. I did the last bit of work on a 2-hour layover in San Francisco after a flight from Beijing to SFO before a connecting flight to Sacramento. The voice work was done in 3 sessions. But, I assure you there was no script. Next time, I will have a script, as it is pretty hard to do it on the fly outside of the natural setting.
So, that was the "Bad." I just got it. All the pictures in the post confused me. As for the good, he writes:
This DVD systematically builds the principles of Attack Ball Handling. He builds each move up from the ground, and then gives insight into why each move is helpful, and how it works. The thing I really liked about it was the way the moves where unlimited.
Since this was essentially the goal, I am glad to know that we succeeded.
I am a musician and he teaches basketball like it was jazz, instead of classicall. He teaches you the chords and scales so you can create music, not how to read the chords and scales that someone else has already written.
This is a compliment, as this is exactly how I try to teach.
After playing with his wife, he writes:
I spent the first ten minutes going over some of the drills from the video, and then we played. She was better, and finally kind of got it. She finally understood what the whole, why you dribble one way or another way, was about. So the same person that thought Mr. Brian was a boring dude, actually enjoys playing basketball more because of him.
So the DVD fulfilled its mission. Hurray!
The ugly is that Brian doesn’t have a sweet gig yet, or the developed player that can help him get the exposure he needs. I am hoping that the next Jazz virtuoso of a basketball player finds Brian to be their mentor. Please, Please, Please, make this guys day. He reminds me of a young Press Maravich, and press wouldn't be remembered without the Pistol.
Hmm. Press Maravich? That's lofty praise, especially based on one DVD. He sure changed his tune.
I know trainers who actively seek really good players. They practically recruit good players because these are the players that can give a trainer a rep. I don't. I have a web site. If you call me and we can arrange a time, gym and price, I'll train you. It does not matter to me who you are.
I trained a kid who became a DIII All-American. I started with him when he was the 4th string PG and on the Head Coach's potential cut list. The other best player I have trained for an extended period of time started with me as a 7th grader; now he is a mid to high major recruit. I've worked with McDonald's All-Americans and had them attend my clinics. But, I only talk about the kids I train over a long period of time. The kids in the DVD worked with me over the course of 2 years.
The important aspect of the review, I suppose, is that the blogger gave the DVD a chance, even though he did not think much of my credentials. And, the DVD speaks for itself. It's a very good DVD and based entirely on the drills and progressions I do on a daily basis with players. I know the DVD is good because high school coaches have emailed me and asked me to do a similar DVD on all the skills.
The difference between my teaching (and my DVD) and others is that I use progressions, while most use drills. If someday a great player sees this and wants to train, great. But, I won't treat him any differently than the kids in the DVD and I won't hold my breath. Unlike others, I don't need an NBA player to validate my training. I have seen for myself the affects of long term training and I know what I can and cannot do and I work everyday to improve. If that's enough to sell a DVD, great. If not, I'm not banking on getting rich off DVD sales, so it's no big deal. Really, you can spend your money on flash and hype elsewhere, or you can get substance. Either way, I'll do what I do and be fine, whether I coach another pro team in Europe or a junior high school team around the corner.
Coaching is coaching and players are players. Everything else is hype, marketing and money, and I can't be bothered by any of it.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Warrior Bashing
Last spring, NBA fans fell head over heels for the Golden State Warriors. "We Believe" t-shirts and posters popped up everywhere. Hoopsaddict writer Ryan McNeil pleaded for someone to put one on ebay. Sacramento fans and the Sacramento Bee cheered the Warriors like they were a hometown team. Ailene Voisin went through one of her brief love affairs with Don Nelson (of course, she has since changed her mind. Why should a journalist believe in anything for than a week or two?). I was one of the few dissenters who wrote an ill word about America's team, the Golden State Warriors.
As I saw on True Hoop today, I was not the only one. Golden State Warrior Sarunas Jasikevicius also thinks the Warriors play bad basketball. In Chris Sheridan's article, he says:
And, with Jason Richardson in Charlotte and Don Nelson holding out for more money, one has to wonder if Golden State was a one-hit wonder which captivated America for a fleeting moment or if they can sustain their postseason momentum into the 2007-08 season.
As I saw on True Hoop today, I was not the only one. Golden State Warrior Sarunas Jasikevicius also thinks the Warriors play bad basketball. In Chris Sheridan's article, he says:
You know my style of basketball is more team-oriented, and I hope to find a team that actually passes the ball and plays team ball."
And, with Jason Richardson in Charlotte and Don Nelson holding out for more money, one has to wonder if Golden State was a one-hit wonder which captivated America for a fleeting moment or if they can sustain their postseason momentum into the 2007-08 season.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
UFC Fights
I just watched the Michael Bisping vs. Matt Hamill fight on Spike TV. Bisping won a split decision, which I didn't see. What is most onfusing is the judges scores:
29-28 Bisping
29-28 Bisping
27-30 Hamill
How can the loser of a fight win a round 30-27 on one of the score cards? How can one judge be so different than the other two? Personally, I thought it was 29-28 Hamill, but I would errored toward 30-27 Hamill before I went 29-28 Bisping.
29-28 Bisping
29-28 Bisping
27-30 Hamill
How can the loser of a fight win a round 30-27 on one of the score cards? How can one judge be so different than the other two? Personally, I thought it was 29-28 Hamill, but I would errored toward 30-27 Hamill before I went 29-28 Bisping.
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