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This blog is all about inspiration.
We’re going to spend 3 days elevating best practices from the squads that make up the Atlantic Coast Conference. And then we’ll talk about how to make that even better…

What makes something a best practice? This isn’t about the most intricate experience. It’s about looking at the world from your consumer’s point of view and delivering something that hits it right smack on the head. In the case of colleges, I’m treating the primary consumer as that prospective student athlete.

Cool?

Let’s move.

It seems fitting that today is here. Yesterday, we covered the details at the bottom of a website (check what Duke does, here)… And today we will flip that around with the top navigation. Let’s move to the Maryland Athletics website, here. As you can see in the image below, they hit us front and center with a For Recruits header.
That’s where the magic happens.

First of all, let’s zoom into that menu, below:

Maryland Positions Twitter as a Recruiting Tool. We have long identified that Twitter offers the potential for prospective student athletes to stay in contact with coaches. But if you look at the majority of sites, they instead offer Twitter under “Fan Zone” or “Multimedia” or, maybe, “Social Media”. And I’m a believer that you identify your audience and speak to them. Maryland makes this very clear.

I clicked into Twitter, and come to Coach Gary Williams’ page, here. Coach Williams does a great job here – he’s up fairly often, and is conversational and relevant. Scroll through it and you’ll see he gives props to former players (Greivis Vasquez, Steve Blake, and Landon Milbourne recently) — signaling that he doesn’t forget you once you leave Maryland. Just solid all around.

How could this be better? Make this the first thing on the menu. Twitter crashed the recruits menu, the mission now is to move it to the first thing we see.

One thing Andrew doesn’t mention is that perhaps an even better use of this comes from “down the hall” at the Comcast Center… Brenda Frese and her staff have, arguably, the Nation’s #1 recruiting class in 2011 and 2012 may be equally as good.  There is no secret that Frese has long been known for her masterful art of recruiting and her staff is tremendous.

The custom UMD Women’s Basketball site (many schools are doing this now) is really, really good.

I follow many coaches “Tweets” out there and the primary difference between the ones flowing out of College Park and the rest is I don’t just here about:  “It’s a beautiful day in (you fill in the college town), or ” Heading to workouts, it’s a great day to be a (fill in mascot of your choice.)” and the best is “just had a great (fill in meal based on time of day) at (fill in local sub, pizza or food spot) AWESOME!”  Don’t get me wrong, there is still plenty of that… every staff does that, it’s a given.  Follow Coach Frese on Twitter, you’ll get the idea.

I haven’t personally done a “Best of Twitter College Basketball Review,” maybe that is something that is out there.

Anyone with input and links to really good uses of Twitter forward them via comments section and we will share.

Mark Lewis

Mark Lewis writes for Hoop Gurlz… he writes exceptionally well.  Very insightful.  Would I consider him a writer?  Probably not.  No disrespect intended.  Mark’s a basketball coach.  In my mind’s eye I still see him on the sideline, or out on the road recruiting…. minus the camera.

So many times in the recruiting process parents try to re-live their sports lives (or lack there of) through their child’s… HUGE MISTAKE.  Mark’s insight is accurate and helpful.  Mark says, “I’m not a parent…”  I disagree.  Biology may not have played a part in Mark’s “parenting,” but he “parented” many during his 20+ year coaching career.

I’m a parent.  We have a daughter.  Both my wife and I went off to college.  I blew out my ankle twice.  If I didn’t pick the school because I wanted to be there no matter what happened on the basketball court – I would have been miserable.  My wife did transfer because she was miserable.  We had both sides of the story.  Mark is spot on.

I hope Mark is around and I remember his words in 2018 when our daughter is making her decision.

In… Remember who has the final decision, Mark shares a great perspective into the process of recruiting for parents.  Who actually has the final decision is really important.

Parenting is tough. That fact is evidenced every day by rebellious kids and surrendering parents who just throw up their arms in exasperation. The approaches to guiding, teaching, preparing and supporting are varied and as daunting a challenge as any adult will face.

Now add to that the twists, turns and decisions that come with the recruiting of a prospective student-athlete and you’ve got a volatile mix that can tip the fragile relationship between a teenager and her parents.

I must confess, I’m not a parent. In fact my single greatest contribution to society may well be that I’ve added no offspring of mine to the population. However, I have had a ringside seat to a multitude of recruiting decisions through the years that have revealed some startling child-parent dynamics.

A lot of athletes go through the recruiting process with their parents at their side and come up with the right decision that makes sense for her future in the classroom, on the court and personally. The tug of war begins when the agenda of mom and dad start to override that of their daughter.

It’s only natural that parents have important considerations in their daughter’s choice of school. More often than not, it’s distance from home and the parents’ desire to remain a more active part in their daughter’s life and college experience. I’ve met parents who had a hope that their child would choose a certain type of coach. Some wanted a man, some wanted a woman, some want black or white and others still had a concern about the coach’s lifestyle. Sometimes it was religion and others it was the history, tradition or success of the program.

In recruiting matters concerning their children, parents often have trouble keeping their own needs caged up.

All those are fine and certainly legitimate concerns … if they’re those of the athlete as well.

Several times this summer I heard coaching friends of mine remind me of one of the scariest sentiments you come across in recruiting. They told me that this recruit or that recruit was out of the picture because their parents “won’t let them go there.” We’re not talking about off-the-wall choices of schools or coaches recently paroled from federal prison. Reputable universities and programs with caring, professional staffs that the prospect had an interest in were not an option because mom or dad said so. End of story. One coach shared with me that a prominent prospect with many options was given a final four list of schools from which to choose after her father had narrowed it down to schools that met his standards, not hers.

I had almost forgotten how common that thought process is and how absolutely frightening it must be for the athlete. At times it’s been said that the first three major decisions you face on your own are where to go to school, what you want to go into professionally, and who you’ll spend your life with. While I’m not too sure it’s all that cut and dried, I do know that the athletes who head off to school knowing that it’s the school of their own choosing face the challenge of college life with a better much better and more positive perspective.

It’s understandable that parents want their concerns heard in the recruiting process but in the end they’re not the ones going to school. Wanting a daughter close to home so you can see more of her games and share more time together is fine only if that’s what she wants as well. I had one father tell me that he had “invested too much” to let her go away to school. She had offers nationwide and at the highest level but if they weren’t close enough for him they weren’t a consideration for her. In who or what was his investment?

Some parents address the distance factor by saying they can’t afford to travel to games or can’t afford to bring her home during breaks. At the same time, you have to ask yourself if you can afford to force your agenda on her if she wants to go away to school. Sometimes the price is high for tradeoffs in recruiting.

I’ve heard of parents who offer up the “it’s her decision” line accompanied by a heavy dose of subliminal guilt. They tell her, “It’s your choice, but if you go away we won’t be able to afford family vacations or that car we promised you won’t happen, the holidays without you will be tough. But we want you to be happy!” Gee, thanks for the autonomy.

Express your thoughts but don’t impose them. It’s OK to tell her what’s important to you in her decision and it’s important that she understand why you have those concerns. At the same time it’s important that she knows that she has ownership of her decision and can base her ultimate choice on the things that are important to her.

One of the most insightful fathers I came across offered up this thought as his daughter considered going to school clear across country rather than choosing a program in her backyard. “I’d like her to stay close to home, but even more I’d love for her to be happy.” Smart guy.

The drill work is the exact individual instruction work done by major college and professional basketball teams and coaches to help prepare their players for success at the highest level.

Review the schedule and teaching progression for the day BEFORE signing up.  This workout will be intense and demanding.

SCHEDULE & TEACHING PROGRESSION

Interest has already been VERY high.  There were 12-15 verbal commitments for the MAX. 50 spots yesterday, BEFORE the program was even announced.

DO NOT DELAY YOUR REGISTRATION.  We will not be able to go over 50 participants.

Registration is available NOW ON-LINE, or you can click the link below to download a copy of the application.  If you print the copy of the application you must mail, email, FAX or bring it to:

COACH SCOTT ALLEN

ST LEO THE GREAT CATHOLIC SCHOOL

3704 OLD LEE HWY FAIRFAX, VA 22030-1890

APPLICATION

The CBTA will take place on:

Sunday June 6, 2010

AT:

St. Leo the Great School (Fairfax, VA)

3704 Old Lee Hwy,  Fairfax, VA  22030

8:30 am – 6:30 pm

If you have any questions regarding the CBTA, please email us at:   CBTA@allbasketballreview.com

See you on Sunday June 6th!

]]> http://www.allbasketballreview.com/collegiate-basketball-training-academy-for-girls/feed 0 http://www.allbasketballreview.com/paul-vi-high-school-4th-state-championship-in-a-row http://www.allbasketballreview.com/paul-vi-high-school-4th-state-championship-in-a-row#comments Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:52:50 +0000 Jeff http://www.allbasketballreview.com/?p=2606

Paul VI High School VISGBA State Champions

The PVI Lady Panthers Varsity Girls Basketball team had an incredible journey this past week playing five games in five days!

It started with a win Wednesday at home against St. Gertrude (Richmond) in the Virginia Independent Schools State Tournament Quarter Finals. Thursday they went to Holy Cross in the Quarter finals of the WCAC tournament and upset them at the buzzer – Devan Fitzsimmons hit a 15 footer with 3 seconds remaining! Then off to Richmond for the VIS Semis/Final. Friday night they beat a pesky Bishop Sullivan team by 24 to move to the final (Blair Koniszewski hit 7 three pointers!!) against Flint Hill. Suffice it to say that they were starting to get tired. But they overcame a very tough FH team in 2 OT’s to capture their 4^thconsecutive State Title!

All tournament team honors for Blair, Maya Singleton, and Jess Long. Jess long was named MVP of the tournament! Mr. Menke (PVI retiring AD) was there for the game and proudly posed for pictures with the team, the seniors, and just about anybody that wanted. He was really proud to have his last basketball championship of his 42 year career!! He will surely be missed at PVI!!

Coach Allen said – ”we are like a driver going down the highway with the fuel light on– trying to go as far as we can before we run out of gas! Well, they finally ran out. In the semi-final of the WCAC tournament at American University.  Elizabeth Seton brought the season to an end. The PVI girls played hard the whole game but it was obvious from the beginning that Elizabeth Seton had the freshest legs. They struggled and lost a very emotional game. It was the last game for Blair and Melissa Westphal our seniors and they really wanted to go out with a win.

The whole team should be very proud – they won 23 games (school record) – 12 conference games (school record) – won the VISGBA state championship, made it to the semi-final of the WCAC for only the 2^nd time in 8 years – won 12 out of their last 14 games and one of the most impressive accomplishments in PVI history – Blair Koniszewski made 103 three pointers this season to lead all players in the Metro area (boys and girls)!!!  WOW! What a year.

The coaching staff and followers of the Lady Panthers are VERY Proud of their dedication and hard work this season as it will be a season that will never be forgotten.   I was able to be present for several practice, workouts, team meetings – this coaching staff pushes and challenges these young ladies.  The team responded, showed their trust and commitment and really came together to put it all together for a strong finish.  Perhaps, if they did not have the worst winter weather in recent history and the schedule wasn’t so jammed up at the end (5 games in 5 days… the NBA doesn’t even to that to millionaires, let alone high school kids) they might have kept going.  I didn’t doubt them.

Congratulations to each of the players, their families and the coaching staff on a great season!

Paul VI HS (VA) vs. O'Connell

From the Boy’s and Girl’s game at Paul VI High School in Fairfax, VA., a rival game vs. O’Connell… both boy’s and girl’s won big!

There is a freshman on the girl’s team that Division I’s need to see.  Also, one or two juniors.  Call Coach Allen!

It’s been a big week at PVI…

Lady Panthers upset # 1 Holy Cross and # 5 Seton

PVI Lady Panthers had a very exciting week of basketball playing 5 games in 7

days against 2 teams ranked in the top 5 in the Washington Post and the top 3 in the WCAC.

On Tuesday, the team hosted the 5th ranked team in the Washington Post, Elizabeth Seton. PVI led the entire game pulling off a very exciting 60 ‐ 54 win.

On Friday in front of a great crowd, The Lady Panthers hosted # 1 ranked Holy Cross. The game was a battle back and forth in the first half ending with a 26‐26 halftime score. The team came out very strong in the third quarter and finished strong pulling away with a 59 ‐ 53 victory. It was a very exciting game in which the PAC was very loud and supportive for the team.

The Lady Panthers finished off their 5th game in 7 days with a 77‐16 win over Don Bosco Prep.

Coach Scott Allen, his staff and players have put together a tremendous run of 8 straight wins after some early season struggles.   The perfect time, heading into conference and State Tournaments, to have come together and  be playing great team basketball.

Boy’s Basketball

On February 16, varsity played DeMatha and lost 72‐84 in a game in which a section of PVI fans were removed from the game under controversial terms by a referee. PVI was lead by Patrick Holloway 29pts, Stanford Robinson 11pts and Devin Hill 11pts. On February 18, PVI played Gonzaga and lost in a very disappointing 91‐53. PVI was lead by Coleman Johnson 11pts, Asa Smith 9pts, Stanford Robinson 9pts and Patrick Holloway 9pts. On Saturday, PVI beat Don Bosco 73‐33, lead by Devin Hill, Patrick Holloway, Stanford Robinson, Jamall Robinson, Coleman Johnson and Asa Smith.

John Noonan Ursuline Academy

In prepping for an “X’s & O’s” phone conversation with Ursuline Academy coach John Noonan one of the many things we were going to talk about was defending Flare Screens, both at the top and on the wing.  It got me thinking…

Like all of you, this is the time of year when it’s getting to be crunch time.  Being able to “steal” a play or two during a game (either offensively or defensively) can make a difference in the outcome of a game and potentially play-off seeding.

Talking basketball again with John was great!  John is a quality teacher of the game and an even better person.  His ideas on teaching fundamentals, defending actions as well as teaching players “HOW” to play are fantastic.

Follow the links below for ideas of defending FLARE SCREENS:  FLARE SCREENS 1 and  FLARE SCREENS 2.

I’ve become a much bigger believer in SWITCHING many things, including FLARING SCREENS.  The size and athleticism difference isn’t that great for one or two possessions to scare me out of the benefits of switching the action and killing the play.  You see most every coach during a late game situation say, “SWITCH EVERYTHING!”  With the game on the line, most people switch… why be afraid to do it as a steady system or scheme?  Not sure it isn’t the best way to handle most screening actions.  I wouldn’t do it all the time either, but it’s still probably the best way to kill the play.

One of the most over looked areas of defending flare screens is ball pressure.  Ball pressure, with “HIGH HANDS” that limits VISION is critical.  As a side note:  isn’t BALL PRESSURE a key to disrupting offense period?

Would welcome any thought and ideas in a reply or at: ideas@allbasketballreview.com

Good luck the rest of the way and in the tournaments.

RECRUTING TIPS – THINGS TO KNOW

• You and your parents or coaches may visit a college campus, at your own expense, as many times as you would like.  There are times considered a “DEAD PERIOD,” when you can not visit with members of a coaching staff.  Let the coaches know you are coming.
• You may meet and speak with college coaches on their campus at any time, except during a “DEAD PERIOD.”
• You may receive three (3) complimentary admissions to any collegiate sporting event any time you are visiting a university campus.  Your high school and/or AAU (Summer) coach may receive two (2) complimentary admissions as well.  That sporting event must be on the universities campus or regular HOME playing facility and it can not be for a post season (conference or NCAA Tournament) game.
• During your Senior year in high school:
  • You may take ONLY five (5) Official Visits
    • An Official Visit allows the college you are visiting to pay for certain things for you and your parents or guardian.  Those things include:
      • Hotel
      • Transportation – for you only if you are flying for all of you if you ride in the same car with your parents or guardian.
      • A university coach may accompany you during your trip to campus ONLY if that transportation occurs by automobile and all transportation occurs within the 48 hour period.
      • meals – On campus or Off.
      • Complementary Admissions to Athletic Events

• BEFORE you can take an Official Visit you must provide that college a copy of your test score fro the SAT, ACT or PSAT.
• Your Official Visit may not exceed more than 48 hours.

DEFINITONS:

EVALUATION

Permissible for authorized athletics department staff to be involved in off-campus activities to assess academic qualifications and athletic abilities.  No in-person, off-campus recruiting contacts with a prospect are permitted.  *Each year, the coaching staff may evaluate you up to 5 times during the academic year in women’s basketball (others sports have specific numbers of evaluations specific to the sport).  You can locate sport specific evaluation numbers HERE.

CONTACT

A contact occurs any time a coach has any face-to-face contact with you or your parents off the college’s campus and says more than hello. A contact also occurs if a coach has any contact with you or your parents at your high school or any location where you are competing or practicing.

Other Definitions HERE.

RECRUITING RULES & REGULATIONS

When does a young man or woman become a “Prospetive Student-Athlete” (PSA)?

You officially become a Prospective Student-Athlete (PSA) on the first day of classes for 9th grade.  Before 9th grade you become a PSA if a college gives you (or your relatives or friends) any financial aid or benefits that the college does not provide to all prospective students.

When is a college officially recruiting me?

If a coach or representative of the college’s athletic interests approaches you or any member of your family) about enrolling or participating in athletics at that college/university you are considered a prospect.

Who is allowed to recruit me?

Only university coaches and staff are permitted to recruit you.  Alumni and friends of the university are NOT permitted to contact PSA’s or their families in any way.

When can I begin to receive recruiting mail?

You may begin to receive recruiting materials through the mail from coaches, faculty members and athletic staff members beginning September 1st of your junior year in high school.  Boosters and Alumni can NOT mail you.  You may receive ONE mailing prior to September 1st of your junior year.  That mailing can ONLY out line the NCAA bylaw on mailing, contain a questionnaire and a camp brochure.

*If you request information before your junior year, coaches may send you a questionnaire, but all other information must come through the admissions office.  If you visit the college on your own (an unofficial visit) you can pick up any information that is available to any prospective student, this includes a student-athlete handbook.

When can a PSA receive phone calls?

College coaches may call you once per week after July 1st upon completion of your junior year in high school.  There are select other sport specific times where a coach may call you prior to summer competition, etc.  You may call college coaches any time and it will not count as the one call per week.  You may also call collect.  If college coaches call and you are not home or available – it does not count as their one call per week.  Boosters and Alumni are NOT permitted to call you at any time.  **You can locate most coaches phone numbers on their university’s website under “Staff Directory.”

Former WNBA Coach Talks About Character Education

Washington Middle School students listen as Jeff House, former collegiate and professional basketball coach and publisher of allbasketballreview.com, as he speaks during a Character Education assembly at the school. P-J photo by Dave Emke

The event, organized by the school’s guidance department’s Monte Lawson and Theresa Olson, is part of an on-going character education program designed to help promote a greater sense of community and giving back.

The school’s creed was featured and can be downloaded here:

WASHINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL CREED

For a copy of my PowerPoint pdf, WHY ARE WE HERE?  By: Jeff House, email me at:  leadership@allbasketballreview.com.

I can bring this presentation to your school or team by emailing me at:  leadership@allbasketballreview.com.