Nike Skills-Indy

[scoutnwhoops]

Took the 6 a.m. out here and I'm exhausted but below is a link to my blog from day one. As usual we will have full tip sheets, photos and coverage beginning Monday!

http://hoopgurlz.com/nike-regiona-skills-indy-friday-pm

[coachdarkansasraptors]

Nice job Chris, thanks for the update and all the work. Much appreciated.

[ILLINOIS SPEED]

Anyone have any additonal information on Nike Skills in Indy.

Chris- I see where you mention that two girls didn't show up. I heard Ariel Massengale was not there also. If true, you missed a great 2011 guard from the Chicago area. She is a must see.

[scoutnwhoops]

It will be up Monday morning. 09 tip sheet with a recap of how things went overall.

[lboogie]

to really make sure I was comprehending correctly. If that is the way it was, that is a total shock and really hard to believe based on the two that I have attended. Gannon's energy is infectious, how can you be in the gym with him and not get pumped?

[coachdarkansasraptors]

Shocked, from what I have heard about the NSA and having meet Gannon myself I find it hard to believe that anyone could be in the room and not be as hyped as he is about basketball. It is shocking to me but sometimes the personalities of the players and the nervousness makes it appear that they are not as hyped. At least I hope that is the reasoning behind it. IMHO:confused:

[scoutnwhoops]

I will say another factor could be that when kids are challenged they often put up defenses by not trying rather than trying and failing. If they dog it they can say, well I just didnt' try.

[NOFEAR5658]

That is so true. It seems that for some kids, when they are challenged instead of trying they go into the " I don't care mode". I think this is what separates the good players. It is easy for a player to play hard when know one challenges them. What separates kids is how do they play through the difficult times.

What can a parent or coach do about this mentality?

[coachdarkansasraptors]

NF - I think that it takes early preparation to break this kind of thought. You have to instill in kids from an early stage that they are not the best players in the world no matter how good they are and that they need to work on it and learn about the game when ever they can. You have to make sure that they realize that they are going to be given opportunities in this world that they need to take complete advantage of and to never back down from anyone and for sure do not back down from failure itself. You have to instill in kids that they need to prove themselves everyday on the court and that they can not be taking any days off or be sitting in the background. They can never be satisfied with their place in the sport and have to keep pushing themselves to get better and to showcase their skills to everyone.

[glenn]

That is so true. It seems that for some kids, when they are challenged instead of trying they go into the " I don't care mode". I think this is what separates the good players. It is easy for a player to play hard when know one challenges them. What separates kids is how do they play through the difficult times.

What can a parent or coach do about this mentality?

I agree this is what separates the good kids. Not only do we (HoopGurlz) notice this in the girls, the college coaches also do. The risk takers turn out to be the best players because risking - and failing - is the best way to learn. I think it requires coaches and parents to let go and stop trying to micro-manage girls when they are on the floor. It also requires encouraging players to try new things and that making a mistake isn't the end of the world. I even think coaches and parents should <u>encourage</u> players to make mistakes during games.

[scoutnwhoops]

I agree this is what separates the good kids. Not only do we (HoopGurlz) notice this in the girls, the college coaches also do. The risk takers turn out to be the best players because risking - and failing - is the best way to learn. I think it requires coaches and parents to let go and stop trying to micro-manage girls when they are on the floor. It also requires encouraging players to try new things and that making a mistake isn't the end of the world. I even think coaches and parents should <u>encourage</u> players to make mistakes during games.

To follow up on this because G said it better than I did - this is the point of this event. Yes to build skills but to take risks around talented teachers of the game. Yes they move incredibly fast through some things but who stopped to ask for help if they were behind? Not once did Baker single out a kid for dribbling off their foot or dropping a tennis ball. I saw him at the hotel and he pretty much said he could care less if they can play talent-wise, it's their attitude and enthusiasm for the game that shouldn't be affected by talent. Get out there and work hard if you love the game.

If you're not passionate about the game it doesn't make you a loser or a bad person, just not the right fit for elite level training.

[intelligenthoodlum]

To the IH, the whole point to participating in a showcase event or camp--ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE INVITED--is to to SHOW OUT. That is, you're there to show the eyeballers what you CAN do, and what you WILL do.
If you're participating in that type of setting, with that vibe as the order of the day, and you're not going to go with that flow and go hard, THEN STAY HOME. DON'T WASTE PEOPLE'S TIME.

[scoutnwhoops]

I overheard somebody, can't remember who naming all the people at the event who were watching the kids, HoopGurlz, Collegiate Basketball Report, Blue Star, Roundball Journal plus Nike looking for candidates for the national academy on top of the opportunity to learn from one of the better trainers out there... if that's not enough to motivate you who knows what is.

[da silent 1]

Along with not being motivated I believe that there is a lack of understanding and prepartion being provided to the players. There are too many pundits and coaches who have the wrong concepts about showcase events, and camps. No matter how talented a player might be, they have to be prepared for the specifics of these types of events.
University staff, scounting services and evaluators are there to see what a player can do. Not whether a team wins or has chemistry, or the kids are nice. That is why the best of the best are invited to begin with. How do you compare and how do you compete, are you coachable, how do you perform as project to the next level. What is the level of you skill sets, dribbling, reboundins, passing, shooting etc. when everyone can play, how do you match up.
This is an opportunity not given to everyone and is not for everyone, as elite tournaments and exposure events are not. I think some of these kids and their fan clubs buy into a ranking or rating and think the process is over when in fact it is only the first step. If you are suppose to be all that then go out and show us. Compete show that you are one of the best. This is a forum to display your wares. On the other hand if you are not properly prepared for the mind-set and or you have bought into the fluff, it stands to reason there will be a lack of enthusiastic zeal. Why show your ware when in your head and those around you believe you are already all that and a slice of bread. After all you have gotten 9000 letter from the universities.
The NSA concept identifies upward of 200 young ladies and from this invite the best of the best to learn and compete. This is an opportunity and is a beginning template for what USAB, NCAA, NBA etc. is trying to insitute by identifying and working with those indentified. To not want to be a part of this and to not take advantage of it is more an idictment of those preparing these young ladies than the players themselves. They are young ladies and the expectation that the big picture is clear to them all is asking a lot.
Preparation has always been and will always be on the high side of 50% of what it takes to succeed at anything!!!!!

[pgcop]

Do you think that just maybe some of these kids just don't have it in them? I mean it may be a case that the kids are giving it all they have to give but because of the advanced billing we are expecting more out of them. So if Suzy Q blows by All World X, some may say X is not playing hard or she is slacking. Maybe just maybe Q was underrated.

[scoutnwhoops]

Do you think that just maybe some of these kids just don't have it in them? I mean it may be a case that the kids are giving it all they have to give but because of the advanced billing we are expecting more out of them. So if Suzy Q blows by All World X, some may say X is not playing hard or she is slacking. Maybe just maybe Q was underrated.

I think you are reading it wrong. This observation has nothing to do with ability at all. It has to do with effort, how they respond to critiques, how much they listen. If a coach stops you and shows you specifically how to position yourself and in slow motion what to do and you turn around and run through the motions or roll your eyes at someone who is volunteering their time it is disrespectful.

EFFORT, ENTHUSIASM, SWEAT, that's all anyone can ask. Maybe the drills are over a kid's head but when the scrimmages come aroudn and the kid stands flat footed and straight legged while the competition is headed right for you has nothing to do with talent.

[coachdarkansasraptors]

It has to do with playing with heart at all times. In the infamous words of MJ "I play hard everytime I am on the court because someone somewhere in the stands this in their only time to see me play and this could be their only chane to have their own MJ moment and I want to make sure that I give the most effort possible to assure they get that moment." You have to have the heart for the game and yourself to raise above your own insecurities. And I agree with Da Silent One earlier that we have to make sure that our players know that failure is not something to be afraid of but something to use to your advantage and to learn from. IMHO

[pgcop]

I got you now, I think I locked in to a couple of lines on the tip sheet and didn't read the context of the thread.

[letsski]

As my daughter's high school coach says, "there are only two things you have 100% control of on the basketball court - effort and attitude."

[NC Ballin]

I see you guys points, everyone is thinking and tell the kids what it take to be this or that. But the old saying the cream raises to the top is true. We see that at every level of sport in all sports. When a MJ put in the work to be the best you see the ending result for what can happen (greatness) and the ones that don’t are the if players (has all the talent but no drive). We adults are always telling kids what it takes to be this or how hard you have to work to be the best. Well, what kind of players or kids where you? I don’t need you to tell me or share it, but did you do what it took? Or are you the one that is a if I only would have listed athlete. The point is these are kids and kids want to be kids sometime. They play year round now, if you let us tell it every event is the most important event. All we can do is keep talking to them and maybe the light comes on. But the ones that are going to put in the hard work to get better are going to be the ones that will benefits from it. Like always we are living out our dreams through our kids or speaking from experience huh. So what, the kids didn’t give there all, did you at that age??????? Most of them will go to college and become successful people. They have there paths, lets just be there to support them and keep telling them that hard work is the best way to accomplish there dreams. Most of them don’t care if they are invited or not (but we do). They just want to have fun some time and we as adults need to do a better job of evaluating that, lets put a report out on rest, having fun and most of all being kids for a little bit of there young adult life.

[da silent 1]

Everything you say is true and certainly is applicable to youth. That is if you are just the player who is only out to have fun. Let's remember these are the young ladies who have been identified as ' special ' and for the most part themselves or their fan clubs have wanted this. This being the case go out and show what made you be selected for this honor.
When I came along there were no such opportunities and there were not as many adults involved to tutor push us. It was us and we made the determination and hoped to be seen or picked. Today it is different and I believe it is the job of the adults/coachs to make the young people aware of these opportunities and for these young ladies it is not a place or time to be regular and just be young and just have fun. Do all these things but take advantage of this opportunity as to be in this situation is special and treat it as such. That was the point and that is what was sensed as missing at the event. No young person as an individual can or should turn this in to a ' whatever ' time. It is important and perhaps it is the fault of the adults for not making some of these ladies aware of who/what/where/how of such an event.

[NC Ballin]

I see your point but some of these young ladies play for several teams and they are told every event is important for what ever reason. I feel pretty confident that they was told how big this event will be. That some of the best 200 players are selected and this is where you show that you can work hard and deserve to be here. Let face it kids will be kids and the kid came out in some of the players in this event. Some people are going to say this play isn’t that good, I may see them at there best and say she is a top 5 in her position. The best always understand it and show up when it’s time to play. That why a consistence top 5 college program get the players that have that drive in them, and not the sometime players.

[ClayKallam]

I think one thing we're seeing here is simple fatigue. The girls are put on display pretty much all year round, and they can't bring it every week.

Wouldn't it be nice to give these kids some time off? Wouldn't it be better for them physically and mentally, not to mention academically and socially? Why do they have to be in tournaments three weeks out of four? Why do they have to play one sport year round? Why do we grind them and grind them and grind them until by the time they get to college, a lot of them just don't care any more?

[NC Ballin]

You are so right about that Clay, I wish we could have something in place that says a kid can only play 5 0r 6 events after the high school season ends. Just thinking out loud, with practices and games when do they get to be kids…..

[NOFEAR5658]

I understand that a child can burn out. In order for kids to be successful, it is very important for a kid to enjoy what they are doing. As a coach or parent, we must be very careful not to be to overwhelming. At the same time in order for a child to be successful they must make certain sacrifices. One might not be able to take part in all of the same activities as other children. If a child has a special talent, adults in their circle need to make sure that they take advantage of all the opportunities available. Playing year round provides the best opportunity for a kid to receive a college scholly. If my child had to miss out on some social events in order to prepare themselves for a college scholly, then so be it. They can have fun later.
We do what we have to, so we can do what we want.

[ClayKallam]

The question would be whether she needs to work that hard or that long to get the scholarship (and I'm not saying yes or no, because I don't know).

I do feel that many of the girls who do wind up with scholarships would still get them if they played considerably fewer games, and took more time off. And then, if basketball didn't work out, they might have other aspects of their abilities a little more developed.

[letsski]

As far as my daughter is concerned, she has always played multiple sports all the way through high school.

During the summer, she split her time between club basketball and club water polo. While not playing one sport exclusively may have hurt her recruitment a bit, we all felt that the time away when playing the "other" sport helped keep her fresh, reduced the chance of injury and provided some great cross training.

In the end, she ended up with multiple offers in both sports and chose to continue playing basketball at the next level.

(BTW - as a little side note, the NCAA allows for only 5 official visits regardless of the number of sports you are being recruited for - means you have to divide your trips between sports.)

[da silent 1]

This particular subject has gotten great info and recommendations. It has winded and twisted its way allowing input on all angles of the topicl
This is good, but the thread was about the lack of enthusiam displayed by the ladies at this camp for a selectied number of identified players. This being the case one way or the other they are ' elite ' and the expectations of the elite are specific.
This is not about the average player participating in the sport. This the ' top 200 ' as judged by some criteria. HS games are what they are, your spring and summer games are what they are. If you got selected the expectations are that you show up and dsplay what it is that got you selected in the first place.
I would suggest that most of these ladies expect to go hi level D1. They expect to be offered up by one of the top fifty programs. That being the case someone has chosen to invite you to a camp that will enhance these opportunities and better prepare you. 80% of these ladies have the rudiments of game and this camp is designed to help and assist you as a player to better hone these skills.
Their selection in and of itself says they are special and will receive a special help. I think the thread was looking at this groups aura as opposed to the other camps. We all can agree that this was a special opportunity not offered to the average player and was not designed for the average player. It was about skill development at a higher level to be learned in a smaller window with fewer repetitions and less time for execution. We as pundits, coaches, etc. were looking for reasons why this group did not apparently see this opportunity in the same light as the other campers in other areas did.
And out of that came a lot of positive reasons and a lot of identifiable reasons and reasoning that would address the original concern. this is good, but let us not forget these ladies all of them were deemed as being special and that is why they were there.

[glenn]

While I agree that all the things people have brought up in this thread are factors, I feel like I need to point out that fatigue, being overloaded, already doing enough for a scholarship, etc., has little to do with the Nike RSAs. These are instructional sessions with elite-level instructors. Attitude and composure under pressure and fatigue are skills, too. Just because a kid is tired does not in the least open the door for, or excuse, any loss in personal discipline. In fact, we should - and do - take those into account when rating and ranking players because they translate into critical things such as being able to transition into the next level of competition, perform late in games, and perform in high-stakes and pressure-packed situations.

Also, since a vast majority of communication is non-verbal, the yawning and slack posture sends an entirely wrong message to, in this case, Ganon Baker and staff, and, in the majority cases, a coaching staff. Instructors and coaches need immediate feedback on whether they are reaching their audience (the players). This is such an important part of the sport's communication process.

As others have pointed out, if the girls cannot even pretend they are alert and attentive, they ought to just skip these sessions, forego even trying to get a college education, via sports or otherwise, and just submit their applications to Subway and Mickey Ds right now.

[da silent 1]

Very good Mr. Glen. I am glad you said it in exactly the way you said it, as others without your credentials and expertise may not have been listened to. It addressed exactly what these particular young ladies just didn't seem to get and why they were chosen to be there!!!!! I do believe this truth will help those in the future who are selected to participate in this type of event in the future.

[coachdarkansasraptors]

your comments were right on the money Glenn. I think that what these players need to realize is that a lot of players were not invited to attend who may have been overlooked or just not well known enough to get invited. That it was a honor to get invited and to play in the NSA not a curse. It being a honor than it needs to get treated that way and taken advantage of not worked through half hearted and half awake. If you did not want to work hard at the camp or were not interesting in attending than move aside and give someone else the chance because their are plenty of players out there with just as much talent just dying to get those opportunities. IMHO