Bucks cold on Alexander

2008 #8 lottery selection Joe Alexander is swinging in the wind. The Bucks declined to pick up his 3rd year option which marks the highest pick in the modern draft era not to have his option picked up.

The word out in the NBA is that the Bucks have not had enough time to evaluate the option year. It is a fair statement since Alexander has missed all of training camp and the 2009 regular season. If you go back and review Alexander's career at West Virginia, he went from being a late first round/early second round pick to a lottery selection in 4 NCAA tournament games ... was that enough time for the Bucks to evaluate his meteoric rise?

In the end Alexander will get his contract ... but there will be a deadline. Watch Feb 1 ... if Alexander has recovered and is back showing improvement, his natural talent and toughness will show out. If he is still injured or in and out of the line up, the Bucks will shop him for someone who can help them make a playoff run. Watch the West Coast teams bescoming a factor in potential trades or him.
I'll keep you posted.
DD

Golden State- Ellis gone

Golden State is actively shopping Monta Ellis in a continued effort to eliminate tension between head coach Don Nelson and disgruntled starters. The recent moves seem to be opening the door for young core players like Steph Curry and Anthony Randolph. Watch the same old teams get in the mix ...

1. NY Knicks dumping Nate Robinson and Lee for Ellis.
2. Miami Heat shipping off a collection of role players and draft choices to keep a core of Chalmers, Wade, Haslem, Beasly, Jermaine Oneil.
3. Orlando Magic need a new pg with the injury to Jameer Nelson-- the addition of Ellis could get them over the top.

DD

Iverson Saga

As we have all heard AI has left Memphis. The two hottest on his trail according to reports... Knicks and the Bobcats. For the Knicks it would be an obvious scoring boost in D'Antoni's system-- but another undersized guard for the stable. Regarding the Bobcats ... they cannot score and maybe the LB/AI saga can have a happy ending.

Here's a tip... watch the Nets come on strong to compliment Devin Harris. As much as I like Brooke Lopez, he is a #3 scorer in the NBA. AI could be that second scorer for Coach Frank.
Also, don't count out the psychological genius Pat Riley. AI couple with DWade could help with the scoring load.

As fragile as the signing of Iverson could be, we know two things about him:
1. He is in a contract year where his image needs to be improved ... failure is not an option.
2. He is a Hall of Famer who has not won ... the desire for a legacy may cause a short term change of attitude.

Either way AI can help someone score-- don't sleep on Golden State and Pheonix either.
DD

European Vacation

Each month I will give you the tourneys to see in order to follow the next potential NBA draft choices from Europe.

Dec 20-23, 2009 Tenerife Christmas Tournament (Tenerife Spain- Under 18 Club Teams)

Dec 27-29, 2009 Citta di Roma- Stella Azzurra (Roma Italy- NIJT qualifying Tourney- U18 Club Teams)

Dec 27-31, 2009 International Tournament (Baracaldo Spain- U18 national Teams)

As we get closer to the tourney I will preview each team and potential prospects. Scouting reports on the match ups will appear the evening before each game.

DD

What to do with the Knicks

My offseason is over and it's time to get back to business. After having a chance to scour the NBA preseason and see many faces change teams ... it's time to evaluate. The most frequently asked question has been revolving around the Knicks.

We have heard LeBron, DWade, Chris Bosh ... and many more coming to the Knicks in the big free agent blast of 2010. I believe the 2010 market is important for the Knicks ... but they need to get ahead of the curve. Let's start with their core:

Tony Douglass is an NBA guard and can play the role of scoring PG or undersized 2.
Danillo Gallinari can flat out stroke it and can be a #3 scorer in the NBA at the forward spot.
Jordan Hill is too athletic and active to keep on the bench- at 6-11 he is the PF of the future.
Wilson Chandler is a 6th man who can provide scoring off of the bench at the guard and forward spots.

So why not just play these guys and build? The reason is simple. In order to get ahead of the free agent curve the Knicks have to show that the following players have market value:

1. David Lee
2. Nate Robinson
3. Al Harrington
4. Jared Jeffries
5. Larry Hughes

All five have to be moved immediately ... it is a poorly constructed core. Here's what to do with them.
The Hornets are looking to have a garage sale-- they fired Byron Scott and CP3 is hurt. Knicks give expiring contracts of David Lee and Nate Robinson to New Orleans for Emeka Okafor.
The Clippers are in the same boat. Dunleavy is two weeks away from being fired as both GM and Head Coach ... once he is fired (he should not be by the way) take Marcus Camby and send Jared Jeffiries and Larry Hughes out West.
The final move won't come until draft time- Al Harrington and a 2011 first rounder for the rights to Rick Rubio. Minnesota needs a forward that can create and Rubio will not be available until 2011 (unless the Knicks buy him out)

Don't take my word for it. Look at the rosters, the contracts, tendancies of the coaches and Gm's.

Here's the Big Move-- forget LeBron, Dwade, Bosh and go and get Joe Johnson. Bring him and D'Antoni together again. Treat him like one of the big 3 and get him off of the market before he becomes the only one left.

Here's what the Knicks look like in 2010-11
PG Ricky Rubio (he will never play in a second rate market like Minnesota- it's LA, NYC, Chicago)- a younger Steve Nash???
2G Joe Johnson
SF Danillo Gallinari at 6-10 he can shot over most 3's
PF Jordan Hill can do what Lee does but with better def and less shots
C Okafor is a double double waiting to happen and is a post that demands a double team

Off the bench-
Tony Douglass- a better Leandro Barbosa
Duhon-- Keep him. He is an NBA back up who knows how to win- insurance
Wilson Chandler is instant offense off of the bench- at 6-7 he gives lots of options.
Marcus Camby gives them the inside defensive player they need to get out and be more aggressive on the perimeter.
Target Chris Wright 6-9 forward in the second round out of Dayton (Boris Diaw in the making)
Keep Darko or Curry for the often injured Camby.

Tomorrow I will give you the tourneys you need to keep an eye on internationally to be ready for the top darft picks in June.
DD

Shaq gone by Feb

Mark my word ... the Cav will dump Shaq by the trade deadline in feb. O'Neil has been notorious for being a part time player. Once the all-star break happens (he may even be an all-star this year) they will look to move his salary to make room for a younger superstar to team with LeBron (maybe two) and stock pile more money for the LeBron contract.

I don't think the Cavs know exactly who they want but they'll keep their eyes on guys that can keep up with LeBron-- don't be shocked by a Chris Bosh or a Chris Paul level of player coming on board. Watch an up and comer like Boris Diaw, Troy Murphy, or dare I say David Lee of the Knicks.

It will be interesting as to which big goes-- Ilgauskas or Shaq-- Ilgauskas represents roughly an 11million dollar salary that can be dumped at year end ... wait and see. Danny Ferry is sitting on a goldmine with LeBron.

If he views LeBron as the power forward he could put together a weapon more powerful than the 80's showtime lakers.
DD

Missing Shots??

In evaluating your misses, you must remember that there are only four ways to miss-- LONG, SHORT, LEFT, and RIGHT ... or any combination of the above. Lately, I have been reading questions about problems when missing off of the dribble. Here are some thoughts:

1. If you are missing short ... you need to look at mechanics. Body posture needs to be slightly bent over and the position of the ball needs to be out in front of the first step. The closer the ball is dribbled to the body the more the body fights itself to maintain proper shooting posture.
2. If you are missing long ... you need to pick your head up when you dribble and focus on the rim a little longer. You are probably trying to pick your target up at the last minute.
3. Pay close attention to the power you use on your dribble when going to your weak side. There needs to be a conscious effort to really pound the ball and stretch it out in front of you.
4. When dribbling strong side, keep your guide hand at the same level as the dribble so when it is time to rise up and shoot, you just have to slap the guide hand onto the ball.
5. When it is time to shoot the ball, use the momentum of the ball traveling upwards to iniate your body movement upwards-- do not uncoil to early. It needs the be a total body commitment towards one spot on the rim.

DD

The Role of a Coach

One of the most common portions of recruiting dialogue revolve around personal development of a young man. Once a program gets the attention of the recruit with all of the promises of money and fame in the NBA and the AAU coaches have been smoozed enough to feel like "big deals" ... it's now time for homevisits. This is where all of the adult figures in the life of the recruit congregate in the livingroom of their home to review the basketball issues and to speak about the real reason a kid goes to college-- the get an education and to grow up in an environment where he can become a man. The growth of an individual during the ages of 18-22 is extreme ... it's the first time kids are away from their parents for an extended period of time and they begin to be influenced by other people and ideas.

The role that college coaches promise to take on is that of a parent figure. They cannot replace the parent but they promises to return that young man exactly as if the parents have raised him. They proclaim that "basketball is merely a vehicle to teach life" and that their program is "bigger than basketball ... if it is not, then it is a shallow situation."

I do not believe that people turn it on and turn it off-- you will hear coaches preach this constantly. Do they hold themselves to the same standard when looking at their lives?

These are the challenges that will face Rick Pitino when he sits face to face with his next family. When all of the smoke clears and people stop chanting his name, it will be him and his family standing together. As someone who enjoys watching a Rick Pitino team play and believes he is an innovative basketball mind, I hope he and his family get through this situation. He has had a loyal wife, who endured his long very mobile career. He has a son trying to get started in the business. His family endured the loss of a child while he was at Providence... I hope they come together to get through this.

As a father, husband and coach (notice the order) I no longer lose sleep over preparation for a game-- that's the easy part. What keeps me up at night is helping those people I am with see the importance of doing the next right thing right-- that is about as perfect as anyone can every hope to be. Rather than going through the scruples of Pitino, let's pay attention to how he handles the next right thing-- and let's hope his family does not suffer too much as this drags through the media.

My best to the family.
DD

Mastering Footwork

I have had the unique opportunity this summer to work with several young men and women one on one in an effort to help them establish a style of play. In doing so we have started with a very similiar foundation for all of them-- with the feet and the brain- and have seen each game grow in very different directions. All kids have or are in the process of developing their own style.
The degrees in ability and experience are as broad as can be-- anywhere from pros to grade school kids-- boys and girls. I have been asked by each parent and player to put a finger on the drastic curve in their progress ...

Here it goes ... basketball, as taught in my gym is not intended for utilitarian purposes only or for pure aesthetic enjoyment. It is an effort to train the mind and to bring it into reality with the nuances of the game. Shooting for example, is not practiced solely for the purpose of hitting the target-- just like a dancer doesn't dance purely to perform a certain rythmical movement of the body. The mind of a basketball player has to ultimately reach an unconscious state. We have all heard the announcer scream "that guy is unconscious" when a shooter gets in a zone where he/she cannot miss.

The kids I have worked with are beginning to master an art-- individual moves and footwork. Technical knowledge is not enough ... each player has to transcend technique so the footwork grows from their unconscious. They are getting to a point where they are becoming one with developing the technical skill and realize that their accomplishments cannot be traced back to a progressive study of the footwork and/or drill work used. It's almost like a great painter-- when he reeaches a certain state he no longer needs a brush and a canvas ... just his mind and his body.

Hope that helps.
DD

Point Guard Thoughts

I received several questions in regard to point guard mentality. There are a great number of cliches that can be thrown out to describe this warrior like position (see I did it). Rather than go into the a list of point guard traits I will give a mindset that point guards need to have during competition that will help them evaluate over a 40 min game.

Ask your point this question during practice to help him/her develop a mindset that will be progressive and analytical. During each stoppage of play have a coach assigned to the point guard and have him ask the question "What happened on the last two plays?"

This is all encompassing because he is evaluating the whole game-- who's hot, changing defenses, a team unraveling, etc.... it focuses on adjustments and evaluations so he cannot fall into that victim state of mind.

Try it out and see if helps out your pgbecome a better (more stable) floor leader.
DD

Milwaukee Bucks

I had a chance to wacth the summer league between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Golden State Warriors last night ... and I know this may sound crazy but, watch the Bucks net season. They just dumped Richard Jefferson to San Antonio but I think they be better off without him.

As maligned as Brandon Jennings has been, I am convinced that he is going to be an elite NBA floor general-- he makes everyone around him better and he gets the ball up the court in a hurry. His defense has already improved with the expected demands of Skiles system of play.

Flanked on either side are 3 young forwards that will emerge this year as keepers--
Watch former Buck lottery selection Joe Alexander have a breakout year. He is looking more and more confident with his offensive game each contest. Luc Mbah a Moute proved to be a favorite of Skiles last year for his ability to guard multiple spots. Amir Johnson is a mere 21 years old and showed flashes with the Pistons ... he is power body in the mold of a Skiles type of player. Finally late round draft choice Jodie Meeks will provide a back court running mate for Jennings and a scoring punch off of the bench.

PG- Jennings
SG- Redd
SF- Mbah a Moute
PF - Amir Johnson
C- Bogut (former #1 pick)

Meeks and Alexander provide flexibilty and scoring punch off of the bench.

Give Skiles 24 games to mold them ... then start counting. This could be a 7 or 8 seed in this years playoffs.
DD

Atlantic Division not done

Watch the Knicks snatch up Ramon Sessons... not Andre Miller.

Boozer, Odom, and maybe Iverson to the Heat.

Big Baby Davis to the NJ Nets.

A player to watch in the 2009-2010 season ... remember Adam Morrison of Gonzaga. Well, he is in a cotract year and has had a fantastic summer league in Vegas-- watch Morrison bust out this season and have a career year.
DD

Shaq vs Dwight Howard ... some insight

The year was 1992 and the #1 draft choice for the Orlando Magic was none other than Shaq O'Neil. At that time in the Atlantic Division, Pat Ewing was beginning to establish himeself as a dominant force, not only in the East, but in the entire NBA.

Ewing, a former #1 pick for the Knicks, had a reputation for being a little cold with rookies ... most specifically rookies that threatened his legacy at the center position. This toughness and gamesmanship were probably learned from the likes of Mike Jarvis, John Thompson, Rick Pitino, and Pat Riley.

Flash to the future. We now have 17 year NBA vet O'neil trying to stamp his legacy and ironically, a young Orlando Magic center is barking at the door... Dwight Howard. The onslaught on the game of Dwight Howard had some mental tactics involved with it ... however, the attack was more a knock on the teaching ability of Patrick Ewing. I am sure Shaq was trying to get nto the head of Howard, but if you follow the history and interviews involving the two, you'll find a grudge that dates back 17 years.

Watch for the saga to continue now that Shaq is back in the East and he has a king in his corner. 1 more title for Shaq or a new dominant center on stage in Howard. It should make for interesting viewing in 2009-10.

DD

New happeneings in the NBA

Here are three things to look for today in the NBA--

Ricky Rubio is fading further and further away from Minnesota-- the buyout on his contract is a shield to prevent him from going to a small market. Rumor has it, his current franchise is willing to deal, but it has not been made public. Rubio will stay abroad ... but possibly with a different club (who can pay for his entire buyout) until the TWolves figure if Johnny Flynn can do the job. If he can, Rubio will be in a large market within the next two years.

Carlos Boozer is out in Utah-- the clock is ticking on the Milsap deal. The Jazz have to have financial room to give Milsap the 10 mllion plus is looking for on day one of his contract... or they wll lose both. Lurking in the shadows is none other than Pat Riley. Watch Riley make a deal involving Haslem and some draft picks for Boozer. Dwade will be smiling all the way to the championship game.

The Heat aren't done. Reportedly the Lakers are pulling out of the Odom deal. Watch Riley swoop in again and bring Odom back to Miami.

Iverson is meeting with the Clippers face to face to discuss coming off the bench. Don't be shocked if Pat Riley grabs the fallen star to team with DWade in the back court.

DD

Time for Miami to make a move

The Miami Heat have been involved with a mini-public soap opera with DWade regarding the future moves of the Heat front office. Mostly stimulated by the media, Wade and Team Prez Pat Riley are not on the same page with the direction of the franchise. Two moves happened recently that look favorable for the patient Riley:

1. Wade was offered his extension ... what Dwade must realize is that his signing is a catch 22. He wants a strong push to sign a big free agent before he signs ... what he fails to realize is that without his contract being signed ... THEY CANNOT GET ANOTHER BIG NAME!!!

2. Carlos Boozer has a home in Miami ... the Portland and Utah are in a battle for Milsap which ends the three team deal I mentioned friday and Detroit will not give up Prince for Boozer ... Welcome to Miami!!!

Watch Riley in the upcoming 10 days make a push for Boozer long term-- injuries have killed his market value but maybe the drive for a title to solidify his contributions to the power forward spot and his legacy may keep him healthy ... he Miami won't hurt either.

Watch for a DWade, Boozer, Beasley threesome to make a run.

DD

NBA Deals

Watch out for some of these deals in the next few days:

Boozer to the Bulls
Hinrich to the Trailblazers
Tyrus Thomas to Utah

Watch Stephon Mabury go to Europe.

Iverson is rumored to go to Memphis ... watch the Miami Heat possibly sneak in.

The Ricky Rubio talk is quieting down... they are still trying to get out of the buyout clause (6 million) or at least reduce it. Minnesota is giving the impression that they are slowing down ... but do not count out the Knicks still-- they are waiting to close out the contract talks with David Lee and watch them move him to Minnesota for the Spanish point guard.

DD

Alternating Current

As I mentioned yesterday, the alternating current idea is not "foreign" to US basketball ... but it is emphasized to a higher degree in other parts of the world. The concept is as follows:

It's important to survey the court before you receive the ball ... so when you get it you have the working knowledge of what has happened two to three passes before you and know what to do with it.
The alternating current thought is simple in theory-

1. If you receive the ball quickly, you should assume that the player before you saw something ... you should take a little longer with the ball to see what he saw.
2. If you receive the ball after someone holds the ball, you should be ready to move it quickly as the next recipient.

The major difference within the practice stuctures I saw is simple: PASSING IS SEEN AS A TEAM SKILL NOT AN INDIVIDUAL SKILL.

DD

More from South America

Here are some teaching points that I thought were emphasized in team and individual practice settings:

1. When we backdoor ... post up right afterwards. They cannot take away both the backdoor and the post up.
2. When we fill an open area (after a backdoor) we do so with the intent to shoot. The help cannot stop the backdoor and the fill.
3. Separate winners from losers everyday ... 1/1 daily-- losers run at 5am.
4. 5/5 games are played to 3. They have 3 teams of 5 with the odd team out skipping rope the entire time they are out.
5. Warm up shooting in outer third right, outer third left, and key area. They spend the first 20 minutes of practice shooting from these areas and charting.
6. From the charts on the shooting, the coaches decide how they run their offense and who gets shots in certain areas.
7. They move the ball with an alternating current (more on this tomorrow).
8. When they catch the thought is that the defense on the ball cannot take away the shot and the drive--- it has to be n immediate read. SHOT OR DRIVE!

Tomorrow we will hit their fastbreak thoughts and elaborate on the alternating current theory-- any electrical engineers out there?

DD

More Tips from South America

Each day this week I will provide you with some staples that I heard with each national program I visited. I will not divulge where each tidbit came from, however, it should not matter ... it's all very good basketball nuggets.

1. With the ball on the wing, we send the point person backdoor by dribbling at a point 1 step above the elbow or at the butt of the defender.

2. On the backdoor pass anticipate the cutters third step.

3. In practice chart offensive rebounding and shooting.

4. With shooters- chart how they miss (short and left; long and to the right;etc)

5. Never miss 2 shots in a row-- builds toughness.

6. Passers need to learn where the shooters want the ball ... and when they want the ball.

7. Pass before the shooter is open.

Each I'll add the -"isms" from South America. I hope they can add to your off season preparation and find their way into your practices and training.

DD

A little handling technique

As promised here is a little tidbit of skill information obtained from Argentina. When witnessing the ball handling workouts three things were emphasized during stationary handling/dribbling as well as movement exercises:

1. When the hands are moving the feet are moving--- this pertains more to the stationary dribbler than the moving dribbler. For instance, while administering a figure 8, the coaches demand a a heel to toe subtle movement so the feet and hands are in constant motion together.

2. In single ball movements, they had the guide hand up and moving ... mirroring the hand with the ball.. This was to prepare the kids for an easier exchange of the ball... so they can do something with the ball more quickly.

3. As the ball drops to the floor the body drops in order to make the exchange happen more quickly.

I hope these three little nuances help your handling technique.
DD

KNICKS on the move

In an attempt to revamp their roster Donnie Walsh has made several subtle moves ... watch for the big ones to come in the net few days.

A recap:
Draft night the Knicks picked up athletic forward Jordan Hill and steady combo guard Tony Douglass. Both guys will be contributors as they reach the all-star break net season.
They also made a draft night trade to acquire 7-1 journeyman Darko Milicic- a 12pt/8 reb guy in D'Antoni's system. Hill, Darko, and Tony Douglass will be players 8-9-10 in the rotation.

Last Season:
The Knicks developed Duhon who will ultimately become the back up point guard (player number 7) and gave major minutes to Nate Robinson-- I don't think they want to hold onto him but he could become a bargain-- the market doesn't want the 5-9 guard either so his price will be driven down. Robinson becomes player #6 in the rotation and could provide a 24 minute a game spark plug off of the bench.

The Rotation:
Right now David Lee and Wilson Chandler have become staples in the rotation and have proven they can be built upon. Mid Season acquisition Al Harrington proved to be solid and Galinari is a wait and see prospect-- but appears to be penciled in at the forward spot.

The moves:
The Knicks still need a point guard and a center-- watch the Knicks make a move to land Jason Kidd (Kidds kids live in NY and he has a residence there) or Ramon Sessons from Milwaukee to fill their pg needs.

Watch Jared Jeffries get moved to make room for free agent center Marcin Gortat from Orlando--

Wrinkle--
if the Knicks sign and trade for Ricky Rubio using David Lee then Harrington moves into Lees spot in the rotation. Nate Robinson is coveted by Sacramento-- possible sign and trade with them ... prospect unknown.

Knicks Rotation:
1- Kidd
2- Chandler
3- Gallinari
4- Lee
5- Gortat
6- Duhon
7- Robinson/Douglass
8- Harrington
9-Hill
10-Milicic

DD .... tomorrow more Ricky Rubio!!

Foundation for Argentinian National Program

I had the good fortune of visiting Argentina and examining the foundation of their national program. This week I will go through what I believe makes Argentina a GREAT program. Here are some keys that you can take and apply to any program at any level:

1. Their staff (from age 8 to 22 and and up) is on the same page.
2. They develop players everyday- not just skills ... but the whole person.
3. They seek out the toughest players- they will steal players from soccer, rugby, etc
4. They promote the Basketball Federation nationally everyday ... by reaching out to athletes in all of the federations (soccer, tennis, etc), through community events, by employing former Argentinian basketball legends as part of the process, they run free clinics to develop coaches, and run camps, clinics, and combines to make basketball.

This is a simple blueprint for program success that can be employed by a youth hoop and major college basketball. Argentina has been very successful in regards to international competition and placing very good players into the NBA over the last eight years. If you get a chance to their national website and check out the names of the products that they have produced (i.e Ginobili) ... it was quite evident to me before my trip and even more evident after the trip that this nation knows what is doing from a business and a basketball standpoint.

Tomorrow ... more secrets on Argentina.

DD

Shaq to Cleveland !?

It was reported here that Cleveland should look to make some sort of move to help out LeBron... in fact I offered over a dozen scenarios ... INCLUDING SHAQ TO THE CAVS!!!

But there has to be more to the deal than Pavlovic and Wallace- it has to be deeper than that. Danny Ferry is looking for an attention getter--- well he got everyone's attention. However, this deal will not be consistent with LeBron's career. Let me explain.

The Cavs want Lebron to sign in 2010 for the next 10-12 years-- Shaq gives them 2 of those years ... then what? I know Ferry doesn't want to show his whole hand but I would at least flip the cards over for LeBron.

The Heat have the right idea-- go get Chris Bosh-- he will ride off into the sunset with Wade ... until the egos collide. However, this is the right formula --- give me a playmaking perimeter and a versatile "4 man" and you have yourself a building block for a championship unit.

IF YOU WANT lEbRON TO SIGN A 2 YEAR DEAL THEN SHAQ IS THE RIGHT SIGN--- IF YOU WANT HIM FOR ETERNITY THEN LOOK AT THE YOUNG FORWARDS-- BOSH, STOUDAMIRE, BOOZER.

i WILL BE HEADING TO THE U19 CHAMPIONSHIPS -- SO THE BLOG WILL BE A LITTLE SLOWER OVER THE NEXT 10 DAYS-- BUT i WILL BE READING REPSONSES AND IDEAS-- KEEP THEM COMING, IT HAS BEEN GREAT.

DD

Someone grab Alston

As the NBA draft approaches and all of the combines shake out the draft orders, the Orlando Magic to to shift their focus on some glaring needs for the future. Some of the growth will happen with the maturity of Hedo, Lewis, and Howard-- those guys are budding superstars who just need to play together for a few more years. As mentioned yesterday, they have a problem at the guard spot from a skill standpoint- even though Jameer Nelson may be the answer at the point and Pietrus may be the guy at the two they need another guy that can move between those spots as needed--
There is, however, a glaring weakness that permeates their entire team... THEY NEED A STONG PRESENCE IN THE LOCKER ROOM TO DIRECT TRAFFIC. THEY NEED SOMEONE TO GRAB ALSTON AND REDIRECT HIS THOUGHTS. HE HAS TOTAL CONTROL OVER HOW HE APPROACHES HIS PLAYING TIME... HERE'S THE ANSWER TO HIS STATEMENT:
"IF YOU CANNOT PRODUCE IN 20 MINUTES THEN I WILL FIND SOMEONE THAT WILL-- "
ALSTON ACTS LIKE IT'S A NEGOTIATION-- IT'S A CANCER. IF THE MAGIC HAD SOMEONE IN THE LOCKER ROOM THAT HAD THE LEADERSHIP ABILITIES TO NIP THAT IN A BUD, ALSTON HAS THE ABILITIES TO CONTRIBUTE.

HERE'S MY ADVICE TO ALSTON- IN BETWEEN WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU AND YOUR RESPONSE IS A SPACE-- IN THAT SPACE LIES YOUR ABILITIES TO CHOOSE HOW YOU DEAL WITH THINGS AND ULTIMATELY THAT SPACE DETERMINES YOUR DESTINY-- CHOOSE WISELY... YOUR ACTIONS AFFECT MORE THAN YOU.

GO GET GRANT HILL OFF OF THE FREE AGENT MARKET-- HE CAN PLAY THE 1-2-3 POSTIONS AND GIVE YOU THE PERSON IN THE LOCKER ROOM YOU NEED. ALSO, IF YOU HAVEN'T NOTICED, HOWARD'S BACK UP NEEDS TO BE KEPT-- IF ALSTON CANNOT MAKE THE ADJUSTMENT TO COMING OFF OF THE BENCH TRADE HIM FOR A DRAFT PICK-- HE IS AN UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT IN 2010-- GET SOMETHING FOR HIM. THE PACERS NEED A LEAD GUARD THAT CAN SCORE. I WOULD ALSO MAKE A STRONG PLAY FOR RESTRICTED FREE AGENT MARVIN WILLIAMS OF ATLANTA-- THEY ARE IN A MAJOR SALARY DUMPING CAMPAIGN... GO AFTER IT!

DD

Lay off Dwight

With the Magic down 0-2 and Shaq's twitter on overdrive, Dwight Howard, at the age of 23, is taking alot of abuse for his performance in the playoffs thus far. In an earlier post, I came down on him for his demands on Stan Van Gundy and questioned whether or not he is a superstar. Right now, Howard is finding himself in a foreign land-- the Magic franchise is not a regular in the NBA finals. Forget Phil and Kobe's appearances, the Laker franchise has been in 29 of the NBA's 60 Finals.

Can the Magic take care of business at home ... of course. But they need better guard play. Kareem had Magic, Duncan had Ginobili/Parker/Avery Johnson, Shaq had Kobe, Olajuwan had Drexler/Kenny the Jet/Sam Cassel ... all great bigs who won championships had great guard play. Orlando had 20 turnovers last night in an overtime game ... that's 20 possessions where they did not get a shot and began defense at a disadvantage. I can't believe the game was that close!!

At this point, it is not clear how good Jameer Nelson is ... he was an All-Star but it is impossible to evaluate his performance under pressure in the finals-- he has been out for 4 months. Although Alston outplayed Williams (Cleveland) in the East Coast Finals, it is clear that he is not the long term answer.

Orlando is shooting 36% in the finals (as opposed to 47% during the year). They are working way too hard to get shots. Watch for two things in Orlando's game over the next 3 home games-- these will be telling facts...

1. Orlando needs to get more stops to start transition.
2. Olando is converting at a 35% clip in transition ... they need to be around 50%.
3. They need to make better feeds to shooters and post players-- watch their passes-- they are hitting guys when they are open instead of before they are open. They are also making receivers reach a little-- these two factors together take uncontested shots and make them contested.

Tomorrow I will give you a Treviso update... as reported earlier in my Blog-- No Brandon Jennings ... but there is a Patrick Mills sighting.

DD

The Hedo Pick and Roll

The Magic have been very simple with their offensive approach this post season... they alternate between dump in and spot up revolving around Dwight Howard and ball screen action with Hedo and whoever the worsthedge defender is on the opposing team (Ilgauskas). I received alot of questions as to whu that simple pick and roll has worked do many times.
To me it's alot like the old Vince Lombardi playbook -- Sweep Right or Sweep Left. In a basketball sense here's why to use it:

1. it's the hardest thing to guard
2. saves on turnovers- why throw all of those passes when you can get the same shot with a ball screen.
3. There are so many bad passers out there-- why let them mess up the rhythm of the offesne by allowing them to handle.

The Magic are so good at with Hedo running it because he understands separation. Hedo gets separation twice during the exchange--

1. He knows how to get the defense off of him before the pick happens.
2. He comes off of the pick to score.
3. He takes two dribbles beyond the ball screen before looking to make a move.
4. The post sets himself with his back to the basket-- forces the defense to really commit to going over the top or under in a straight line with the hoop.\

Check out the high ball screen action Stan VanGundy employs this series. A 6-10 Turkelu and the 7-0 Howard certainly forces other teams' bigs to come in uncomfortable territory.

DD

Watch the Raptors

I never thought I'd utter those words ...but watch the Raptors make a strong push next season. They are making moves with their coaching staff right trying to land former Memphis Head Coach Marc Iavaroni (he was a strong influence in the Pheonix Suns rise).

Chris Bosh becomes a free agent in 2010-- do not count on the Raptors sitting on their hands to wait for that time. Look for one of two things to happen.

1. Trade Bosh for Boozer. This would not be a move to make Boozer a franchise player, but a move to grab a pawn in a potential deal with Miami around the trade deadline. Boozer wants Miami and Miami wants Boozer. With Pat Riley easing closer to retirement and wanting one more ring, Toronto could move Boozer for Udonis Haslem and Mike Beasley.
2. Bosh to Detroit for Rip Hamilton and the expiring contract of Amir Johnson ... along with Detroits #15 pick -- They take Demarr Derozen (6-7 2g and SF from USC) with their pick and Gerald Henderson (6-5 shooting guard/ DUKE) with the #15 pick.

Either way, the Raptors need to make a play for another player in the paint-- troubled stars like Camby and Rasheed Wallace look to be their best bets.

Rotation: Deal 1

Jose Claderone

Anthony Parker

Shawn Marion

Mike Beasley

Rasheed Wallace/Marcus Camby

Andre Bargnani

Joey Graham

Jason Kopono

Demar Derozen

Udonis Haslem

Deal 2:

Jose Calderone

Rip Hamilton

Shawn Marion

Amir Johnson

Rasheed Wallace/Marcus Camby

Andres Bargnani

Gerald Henderson

Demar Derozen

Jason Kapono

DD

Rubio to the Knicks

Oklahoma City watched everyone of Steph Curry's games this year-- I would venture to say that they like him. However, Curry is not a top three pick. Watch this quick move by the Knicks front office.
The Knicks team President Donnie Walsh pulled off a deal (when he was with the Pacers) where he moved up to number two to take the Dunking Dutchman Rik Smits. Watch him move up to take Ricky Rubio, who is balking at the small markets in the top third of the lottery.
The Knicks end up with Rubio and OK City gets Curry ... plus possibly Eddy Curry (he needs a fresh start and they need a center).
Stay tuned.
DD

Chicago PreDraft

This past weekend kicked off the Chicago predraft camp where all relevant parties to the June NBA draft were present ... or were they. In an event that ressembles the early 90's version of speed dating, the top 7 anticipated selections either were no shows or didn't perform any relevant physical activity. The knock on the skill sessions are that 30 minutes of skills can debunk an entire body of work because the GM's/Pres etc ... lack self-reliance. Where the workouts help are when you can pit two closely disputed players against one another and see with your own eye.

Both sides truly have a point-- the players could lose millions with one bad half hour ... and the organizations could lose millions in a bad investment. The NBA needs to step in or this event will become (if it hasn't already) become a mockery.

Here's an idea: Give each team a monitored number of workouts they can have between the lottery selection and the draft (alot like college official visits). Give the players a certain number of visits as well. Upon arrival to Chicago each player is given a physical and if he is deemed healthy, he participates otherwise he does not get drafted. This way if a player performs shockingly well or poorly, the team and the agent can work something out after Chicago if they have not used all of there visits. The key to the whole procedure is to get the projected top picks to buy in to the importance of it. OTHERWISE DO NOT HAVE IT AT ALL!!!

Next stop Treviso, Italy.
DD

How About Shaq

Shaq did it with Kobe... He did it with DWade ... how about a three peat with LeBron.

Bring over Shaq and Barbosa for Gibson, Mo Williams, and Ben Wallace.

The two teams swap draft picks as well-- with that pick ... Ty Lawson.

Still go and get Ariza, Grant Hill, and now get Lamar Odom--- Second round pick goes for Nando DeColo (a combo guard).

Mess with that line up.

Lawson
Ariza
James
Odom
Shaq
Barbosa
Hill
Smith
Ilgauskas
West
Decolo

Put it on the AM X and get it done Cavs.
DD

Another Thought For Cleveland

Here is another series of movments in the trade market that could help Cleveland financially and on the court. With the new partner in the ownership box from China, Cleveland should be ready to spend where other markets are dumping salaries.

Transaction #1: Dump Pavlovic, Gibson, and the second round pick for the Nets Yi Jilian and their first round pick.

Transaction #2: Send Mo Williams and Anderson Verejo to Atlanta who is shopping Josh Smith.

Transaction #3: Ilgauskas and the first round pick to the TWolves for Sebastian Telfair, Mike Miller, and first round pick.

Transaction #4: Ben Wallace to Charlotte for Okafor (Charlotte will then dump Wallace's salary to free up cap space for low market free agents).

On the free agent market: Cavs need to pick up Trevor Ariza and make a strong bid for Andrew Bynum as a restricted free agent. Grant Hill should also be a priority. ALL THREE GUYS HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND BASKETBALL.

Here is what LeBron's cast should look like:
Point- Telfair
Guard- Ariza
Forward- Josh Smith
Forward- LeBron
Center- Okafor

Second Unit:
Draft Guard- Tyreke Evans
Draft Guard- Gerald Henderson
Sign Guard/F- Grant Hill
Traded For G/F- Mike Miller
Traded For F- Yi Jilian
Sign Restricted FA- Andrew Bynum

Joe Smith and Delonte West are still retained for security.
Play with the finances, the on court combinations, and the locker room make-up (pick up a few guys who have been there before) ... this gets Cleveland in the Championship Round. You surround LeBron with long athletes that allow for him to be moved around both offensively and defensively. You provide him with young and old to allow him to be a student and a teacher. You get him a second and third scorer along with some guys that will bang and defend for him.

Find a way Cleveland. In a time time where everyone is getting conservative, go out and be proactive. There is a small window of opportunity ... remember ... EVERYONE HAS LEBRON JAMES ON THEIR 2010 wish list. Do not make it possible for him to look elsewhere... I'd love to see him in the BIG APPLE personally.

DD

Help Wanted

If you are watching the Cavs/Magic series you're getting chance to see the best player in the NBA "go to work". LeBron James has done everything possible to keep this team alive. They have struggled in two areas: transition defense and second chance points. Alot of this is due to stagnant offense. The Cavs staff is minimizing turnovers by running stationary ball screen action ... but are sacrificing transition d and offensive rebounding...

Everyone in sports commentary is hammering Mo Williams for not stepping up. Two factors contribute to that: the Cavs are not putting him an offensive position to do so and he is not good enough to be a #2 scorer to LeBron.

Danny Ferry just got named NBA executive of the year-- I hope there is a master plan to overhaul this roster to give James a supporting cast to lead to a championship run and to keep him here. James has a power forwards body and point guard skills. How about surrounding him with other players that are long and athletic so you can bump him around the offense and make use of his multi-demensional skills. High ball screen after high ball screen ... I think Orlando has figured it out by now. James is possibly the most dynamic open court player in the game-- get him some horses to run with and provide him with other people that can make plays.

Here is a trade thought for you Danny Ferry:
CAVS GET- Devin Harris, Brooke Lopez from NJ for Gibson, Williams, and Pavolivic
CAVS GET- Rudy Gay and OJ MAYO from Memphis ...
Memphis GETS- Yi, Najera, and Williams (not Mo) from NJ
CAVS GET- Tyson Chandler from New Orleans for Ben Wallace.

Do the numbers ... it works for everyone. Here's who you get to run with next year LeBron:
Devin Harris
OJ Mayo
Rudy Gay
Lebron James
Tyson Chandler

Delonte West
Trevor Ariza (Unrestricted Free agent)
Anderson Verejo
Brooke Lopez
Zydrenas Ilgauskas

Get Omri Casspi late in the first round on that gives you a way to move Verejo for a shooter-- maybe not so often usen JJ Redick. Casspi is one of the most dynamic international signees in the draft- 6-8 pure athlete.

Another thought ... Use Ilgauskas and Verejo as trade bait to move up and take Ty Lawson--

DD


Love to here some other trade idea

Climbing the Coaching Ladder

I hope all of you have enjoyed following the NBA Lottery, the private workouts, and the NBA playoffs. I have a ton of updates for the readers involving those events. It's been a whirlwind keeping up with it all. I am currently following the events in Teviso which showcases the top foreign talent for the draft. I may even tap into some needed roster moves for LeBron and Cavs... with Clevelands new partner from China, James could be the first billion dollar player.

Today, however, I want to hit the college ranks. In reviewing the college openings and the emails from college coaching friends, this is the time of year where there is alot of job jumping. The question I received was; If I think I have a good shot to get a job should I begin recruiting and strategizing for the potential future job so I am ready for it?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! My advice to this young coach is to appreciate the job you have. Be as good as you can be at it and that will prepare you for the next job. A major problem with coaching today is that as soon as a person gets a job they seem to be looking for the next job.

I think the biggest struggle I have with this particular email is not the young coach ... but the fact that it was advice given to him him by a 14 year veteran. Operating in this manner prevents people from trusting you: coaches, players, administrators, and recruits.

I would advise appreciating your current job and doing well at it. If the next job presents itself at some point and time ... handle it then.

Don't be so concerned with finding your next job that you forget to perform at your current one.
DD

Orlando Magic

If anyone is following the Celtics-Magic series, you have been treated to great number of special situations that should test your own theories. If you have TEBO start it with 5 minutes to go and you have a 30 possesion classroom session on the do's and don't in crunch time basketball. Look back on my checklist of special situations as a guide. One thing I did not include in the special situations was post game interviews.

Specifically, Dwight Howard had an obviously emotional interview after the game. Howard has developed into one of the elite players in the NBA. Looking into the past-Magic-Paul Westphal; Michael Jordan-Doug Collins; ... Dwight Howard-Stan Van Gundy ???
Do these relationships have anything in common-- I hope not. Magic and Jordan got their coaches fired.

3 Turnovers, 3 missed 3's; 3 airballs ... these 9 misscues represent 9 possessions over the last 5 minutes of the game last night for Orlando. Howard did not touch the ball ... Orlando had to score 1 time to secure victory ...AGAIN HOWARD DID NOT TOUCH THE BALL.

The question posed by every talk show in the sports world is who's fault is it?! I was amazed at how easily Howard turned on Van Gundy in public. The message was clear-- he wanted the ball ... WHY DIDN'T HE DEMAND IT!? Yes, VanGundy calls the plays ... but in the NBA the superstar calls the shots. Would LeBron, Kobe, DWade, Jordan, Bird, Magic ... ever allow a 5 minute stretch to happen where he didn't touch the ball... especially during crunchtime. They certainly wouldn't save their aggressive behavior for the press conference. It would have manifested in a time out or during a dead ball or in a confrontation with their point guard. Maybe Howard has been elevated to an "A" list superstar too early.

Here is a basketball point to consider-- checkout Howard's free throw percentage overall and in the last 4 minutes of a game. Do your own homework on this one and you tell me why the offense does not go through him during crunchtime.

Van Gundy may be emotional ... but he makes sound basketball decisions. Howard asks "why not give the ball to the star" ... if Orlando had one they would.
DD

Chuck Daly

As most of us know, Chuck Daly, former Detroit Piston Head Coach, succumb to pancreatic cancer this past weekend. In reviewing the accomplishments of Coach Daly, one very small, but important coaching point gave me an "AHAA ..." moment.

Before the first practice Coach Daly had with the DreamTeam, he held a private meeting with Michael Jordan and asked one simple question: "Does this team want to be coached?" Daly understood that with or without coaching this collection of the greatest talent of all-time would probably win easily. The point that holds true for any team is this:
You need to be able to coach your best player if your team truly has a chance to be special. In getting Jordan to verbalize that this team wants to be coached he now became accountable for himself and the group. A genius move.

As we can probably guess, Jordan and the group wanted to be special ... they wanted coaching.
His voice will be sorely missed but his teachings will not be forgotten.
DD

Understanding the Game of Basketball- Knight/Newell

Sherlock Holmes once told Dr. Watson that everyone sees but few perceive. In basketball, I believe that all players look but few actually see what is going on. The primary responsibility of a coach is to teach his players to see the game.

The average player who has been taught to see the game is a far greater asset to the team than a player with superior ability who does not see the game as it develops. Seeing the game involves three things:

1. Recognition
2. Anticipation
3. Execution

This is a passage from the book Basketball According to Knight and Newell Volume II. Two of the greatest teachers of all time break down offensive basketball to bare bones. It should be a staple in your library.

DD

Rules for the offensively challenged

I received a politically correct email from a coaching friend in Senegal. He has a player in his main 5 that just can't function on offense. As I researched this topic in my collection of emails over the last 4 months, I realized that this topic has been overlooked by me.

Regardless of the level, we all have experienced that one player that has to play for one reason or another (great defender, outstanding rebounder, principal's son) ... but they just can't score.
How do we exist with them in a 5 man offensive setting? Here are some ideas:

• Pass and go away
• Pass and screen away
• Pass and replace yourself
• Pass and basketcut
• Ball screen
• As the ball comes to your side ... move away to the weakside (keep the weakside active with flare screens and pindowns)
• As the ball comes to your side ... move away to weakside (look to pin down for weakside rebound.
• GET A SUBSTITUTE IN FOR HIM!

I hope this helps in making a limited player functional in your offensive framework.

DD

Offensive Rebounding

Most skills you can do too much (i.e. dribble, shoot, over pass) ... YOU CAN NEVER REBOUND TOO MUCH! Here are some thoughts for offensive rebounders to consider.

• Every shot is a pass to you.
• 90% of second shots are better than the first
• You have to anticipate that every shot is a miss
• You must go to the boards EVERY SINGLE TIME.
• There is approximately a 20% success rate-- can be discouraging.
• On the shot get to the weakside at half the distance of the original shot
• Be at the same angle on the weakside as the shot taken.
• Don't get caught between the shoulder blades of the defender blocking you out
• At least work your way beside the defender-- ideally you want to get inside him.
• Fake one way and go the other--
• Get your momentum going toward the the rim on the rebound - get an AND 1
• If you cannot rebound it at least get a hand on it and keep it alive.

Great offensive rebounders are at a premium these days. Shot selection has become lost in offensive design. It is no longer emphasized ... unfortunately. Until it swings back around, lock in on these offensive rebounding tips and make yourself a valuable resource for your team. Check out the Bird Man for the Denver Nuggets ... he does a good job of making himself a relevant figure on offense through rebounding. Check out how many offensive possessions he keeps alive.

DD

Do your work before you catch

Sorry for the lapse between posts ... My wife and I were welcoming our second child into the world. He can't dribble yet ... give me a few weeks.
While I was away, I had a chance to breakdown some footage on Dirk Nowitzki-- he has not been as celebrated as he should regarding his impact on the game. He is a 7ft tall small forward-- WITH GUARD SKILLS.
Watch him over the course of this next playoff series. He does a few things very well before he catches the ball.

1. He surveys the court before he catches-- this is why his is such a good passer. He knows where everone is before the catch is made.
2. When he starts to get open, he closes the gap between him and the defender. He keeps them from getting foot free.
3. He catches at an angle which allows for a more secure pass (his toes are to the passer) and forces the defense to commit to taking something away.
4. He sees the rim immediately...
5. He changes speeds well
6. He economizes motion-- Dirk understands that for every nano second he wastes jabbing and surveying once he catches, he allows the ball defender to gather himself and allows the help defense to get back into place and be more aware of him.

Pop a tape in the VCR and lock in on some of the ways the better scorers get themselves open and in position to attack offensively. Remove athleticism from the equation and watch the feet ... not the ball. Remember, even the best players only have the ball in their hands 10% of the time at most ... but all ten players are on their feet for 100% of the game.

WATCH THE FEET.

DD

Playoff Time

I had a chance to speak with several NBA asst during this playoff time to discuss how playoff basketball offense changes from the regular season. Here are some key points I picked up:

1. Get your best post up player ballside- hold him on reversal and bring it back to him on the second reversal. DO NOT MOVE HIM ACROSS THE LANE.
2. Score in the first third of the shot clock or the last third of the shot clock.
3. Screen for your best post feeder to get him on the posts side or get him middle third of the court (great post feed spot)
4. Set double screens (staggered or flat) for three point shooters instead of spotting up when occupying weakside.
5. Do not work station to station -- flow right into a secondary (switch up the secondary each quarter). The secondary should be shown in the side out of bounds 1 quarter before you use it.
6. Ball screen action will triple in use-- less passes by bad passers = less turnovers and more possessions. Put the ball in your playermakers hands and vary the ball screen action.

Thanks to those that divulged "top secret" playoff secrets in the NBA -- the concepts are great for any level at any time of the year. Watch and see if you can pick out which teams contributed to each point.

DD

Complacency

I was asked a great question regarding building a program vs. sustaining success: Which is tougher to do?

Both offer challenges, but we see turnarounds everyday ... back to back titles are few and far between. Reaching an energy level high enough to win a championship takes a great effort... but sustaining that level takes another gear that only a few great teams have ever achieved. The great ones can keep that motor running for longer periods of time. Complacency does not enter the equation. Consider this ...

In warfare, more planes are lost coming back after a successful mission then during battle... because they relax!

DD

High Post

I received a great question from a young low post player who is being taught to move away from the basket. As he put it: " It's like learning a foreign language. I have spent 17 years with my back to the basket and now I catch and there is the action."

Anytime an athlete has to think he is going to get slower. Think and survey before you catch. Here are some helpful hints.

1. When you first catch ... that is the most open you will be. So look at the rim.
2. Look low for a buddy posting
3. Kick opposite
4. Drive back from whence you came (if you flashed from the left side then drive back that way)
5. Pass fake opposite, pass back to the area you received rom and follow with a ball screen.

I hope this helps you transition from low post to high post smoothly.

DD

Tax Season

Here are some tips you need to think about next year regarding your finanaces: especially those low budget programs that may be pulling their usual perks.

• claim mileage on your personal car when you use it for work related activities.
• meals- keep receipts
• books/tapes/DVD are all deductible
• offices supplies are deductible
• coaching clothes, shoes, whistle are all deductible
• "vacation"- trip that includes a clinic or job interview.
• get disability and life insurance.
• get a credit card that gives you perks (mileage= free ticket)
• invest in your home (it has equity)/ remember that cars depreciate
• Give your child or spouse a one time gift of 10,000 ... it is tax free.

These are a few tips outside of the court that I thought may benefit those young coaches making "peanuts"right now.

DD

Advice to Young Coaches

Now that the viewing weekend is over for college basketball recruits, my young coaches are back in full force reading and presenting questions. I thought I give you guys some food for thought.

1. Coaches must understand that at times they are going to have to Suck Scum ...this means pay your dues. Coach Wooden had to sweep his own floor at UCLA. Coach Hurley at St. Anthony's in jersey city went decades without a gym... they still had success.

2. Keep your mind alert. Pick a topic every season and compile as much info on it as possible. In May spend time writing it up and see if it fits into your program philosophy.

3. Spend time knowing your team. Who is your best screener, scorer, finisher, post feeder (if you don't have a post feeder ... why post?)

4. In a survey of the richest people in America one common trait they shared was they took prolific notes. Have your players take notes at team meetings-- live with a legal pad... label the topic of each page in the bottom right corner so you can flip it like a rolodex to retrieve info.

5. At camp have your workers take notes to set a good example-- campers need to be taught to listen with their eyes and ears. They say please and thank you.

6. Ask yourself why you are coaching. Your coaching philosophy should be a foundation for life. How do you treat the people you work with?

7. Be a PhD-- Stole from Pete Carril-- he wants coaches that are poor (want more knowledge), hungry, and driven.

8. Listen to older coaches-- get mentors.

9. Keep a coaching notebook. Write other programs for basketball info- tape their games on tv-- always keep a tape in the VCR-- get end of game situations.

10. Here are four topics that you will need in creating a philosophy (X's and O's)... transition defense, Zone Offense, Press Offense, Rebounding.
(Could you write your philosophy on these topics today?)

I hope this helps you get a kick start on having a productive May.
DD

" Now introducing Isiah Thompson ...."

Growing up in the 80's as a huge hoop fan, I had the good fortune of watching the Bad Boys come to life and transition us from Bird vs Magic to the Jordan years. For those of you who remember, Chuck Daly put together a collection of team oriented guys who basically made you battle on every pass, cut, shot ... it was a war on every possession. The leader of the pack was possibly the greatest little man of all-time, Isiah Thomas.

Zeke (as he became known) walked on the court with that angelic smile and that baby face ... but deep down there wasn't a tougher more cold blooded competitor in the business. As the leader of the Bad Boy Pistons, I liken his role to that of Michael Coreleone in the Godfather-- nothing moved without his orders. His college (Indiana) and pro career as a player placed him forever in the Hall of Fame and as one of the top 3 point guards of all-time.

Post playing was another story ... without going into detail (you can look it up) we go from the CBA to the Pacers to the Knicks to the tabloid dibacle that followed. Shift the cameras to yesterday ...

"On behalf of our president I would like to introduce Isiah Thompson as our new head basketball coach at Florida International University". I felt for him during that announcement. It was embarrassing for everone involved. But like the Isiah Thomas I grew up watching, he took the microphone and didn't flinch. Despite his fall from grace in the professional coaching/GM realm, I truly admire his desire to rebuild his repuation along with the FIU basketball program.

Isiah made enough money in basketball to fade into obscurity ... but the competitve nature he has keeps him moving forward. Failure is not an option. As a basketball coach, a fan, an a human being I am rooting for him. As we all know, life hits harder than anyone. It's not always how hard you can hit but how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. That's how winning takes place.

Good luck Zeke.
DD

Veteran Coaching Commentary

I received an email from a veteran coaching friend. He has been retired for 12-14 years now and is settling in nicely to retirement. He works with basketball when it suits him and couldn't be happier. In my opinion, he gave a ton to the game ... a ton me. He has asked to remain nameless in this particular blog message ... and I will respect his wishes. He made a statement to me "With all of the positives I experienced in coaching, if I were coming up in the profession today ... I couldn't and wouldn't be able to deal with the culture. It is the hardest profession to find contentment in in the world with all the encompasses coaching in todays world."

WOW! This is from a 35 year coaching veteran with lives, breathes, and sleeps coaching. As we sifted through topics like media, recruiting, boosters, AAU coaches, salaries and contracts, expectations, NBA influence, international influence, impatient athletic directors ... I came to the topic the basically ran through all topics. Parents today raise their kids differently and as a coach we are receiving a kid after 18 years of conditioning by parents (and all of the other topics mentioned above). How can we compete?

I feel compelled to hit a topic that parallels the issue mentioned by my mentor. Kids today do not understand the difference between coaching and criticism. This barrier prevents growth. As a player, I was caught between two generations ... those that needed to be told "why" at all times and those that followed orders because "coach said so". I fell into the later category. In exploring why, I look back to parenting. I was raised to follow orders when my parents said so- this was seen as a sign of respect.

In reflecting on the email that prompted this message and looking back on how I was raised ... I may have to agree with my mentor in that coaching in todays world is a daunting task. Life has become a negotiation between parent and child ... and as a result carries over to a coach-kid relationship. Parents that are reading, take notice. If you do not like the culture of sport ... you have to the power to change it 1 kid at a time.

Until then, any orphanages hiring?
DD

Losing Streaks

To a reader who suffered through a rebuilding year: I made a career out of rebuilding situations ... here's my advice.

When you get into a situation where you drop a few close games in a row ... you forget what it feels like to win. You may even start forgetting how to win. You lose so many close games you begin to queston yourself ...This is not bad to do!
It is quite common to question yourself as a coach and even become depressed. In basketball you may feel like you just can't seem to get your kids the shots they can make. You beat yourself up and take it out on yourself. Am I talking about you yet?

You can finesse anyone you want ... the players, the media, family, coaches, and so on ... but when you put your head on the pillow at night, you cannot finesse yourself. So when you are losing close games, you must ask yourself what you can do to change things. If you don't think proactively, you will begin to question your philosophies (offense and defense), your work habits, and every facet of the game. It really gets to you. If you stay in the business long enough it will happen to you. How are you going to deal with it?

The worst thing you can do is start to victimize yourself--
"I am getting all of the bad breaks" is the phrase that starts it all. Stay positive but realistic ... go back to an earlier post ... YOU NEED PLAYERS TO COMPETE WITH THE BEST TEAMS.

DD

Defending the Star

I had a chance to watch Dwayne Wade drop 55 on the Knicks last night. The effort forced me to look at a few questions from readers pertaining to defending the other teams superstar. Here are some thoughts:

1. Everyone on your team be aware of that one star player.
2. Give the star his points and shut out the other four.
3. Shut down the star . Keep the star out of rhythm . Shut off the pg or selectively trap the star, switch out on the star on all screens, etc
4. Intimidate the star. Talk to him ... foul him hard ... Hard Not Dirty ... turn your shot blocker loose to get every shot in the early going.
5. Never foul a jump shooter. They shoot 50%-60% range... every great scorer is usually a great FT shooter. That puts them in the 75%-80% range. It's better to take your chances with a contested jumper than the FT. Run shooting drills where you put the defense 3ft away from the shooter. Have him work on contesting without fouling... Do not leave your feet until the shooter leaves his feet.
6. Take away the pass. Double the great passer to force someone else try to feed the scorer. Get him in the backcourt and don't let himhave it back.
7. Take away the stars favorite spot-- make him operate one step away from his comfort zone.
8. Run combination defenses Do it by quarters. Change at time-outs ... change by substitutions, after makes, after misses, etc. Even the brightest player can get confused.
9. Play topside of the star and make him go backdoor

I hope this helps you build your philosophy the next time you face a team dominated by a star player.

DD

Shot Selection

This year, did you sit down with each player and tell them the shot you will allow for them in regards to range? Did you do that or did you jump out of your seat when an errant shot went up ... and either call a timeout or sub that player?
"Why did you take that shot?" ... the answer ... "I was open!!"

He took the shot because YOU did not sit down with him and explain his limitations. You did not tell him he couldn't. You know what it cost you. How can you yell at the kid ... he thought he was open.

Get ahead of the problem. It may be uncomfortable, but that kid will probably always be open -- there's a reason for it. He cannot make that shot. Remember also, hard working players with limited abilities will try to do more than their talent warrants. Redirect their energies and you will have less headaches with shot selection.

The question I received in a private email was "Aren't you worried about their confidence?" My answer is NO! I am worried about my confidence when the shot goes up. A player needs to get confident in private before practice ... not in a game when it goes on my record.

DD

Locker Room

I received a few emails as a result of last nights NCAA Championship game. Congrats to both teams on fine seasons-- UNC has emerged in college basketball as a program on its own planet.
The questions I received pertained to a coach's approach in the locker room before a game. CBS gave us insight into the pre-game talks of both coaches-- it has now become envogue for networks to get into the locker room for "reality tv". I like it in some ways because it brings coaches and players that are viewing into a very special place. I hate it for the same reason.

Anyone who has been in the locker room knows how special that place is for a coach and a team. The tempo for the night is dictated by the players' first impression of the coach. They can read fear. The can read positiveness. They can read lies. They can read read "this is the big game". Your face and body language say it all. I have always been an advocate of the concept that practices are dictated by the aprroach of the coach. Do you dress out? Do you come out relaxed? Do you come in unprofessional? It's no different than the game.

This first look at you is paramount- they are a wreck--When you come through that door and have an air of conviction and organization ... it sets the tone.

The question posed was "how important is the pregame talk for the overall success or failure of a team." The talk and the visuals that accompany it help narrow the focus for the group and directs their energies toward a common goal. The coach ... well, the team takes on the personality of its leader.

DD

Overachievers Vs. Underachievers

I was asked a great question by a coach from Barbados. In observing the NCAA tournament he was curious if I had insight to those teams that just didn't reach expectations this year. The guilty will remain nameless, but we can all pick up a Street and Smith from October to see those that were predicted high and washed out.

Her are some things to look for in teams that achieve:
1. They have enthusiasm
2. They have intensity- mental and physical
3. They improve
4. They have small successes
5. Their confidence grows and they blast off.

The teams that fail have one or more of the following issues-
1. Low pain threshold
2. Athletically dumb- low IQ
3. They do not create for one another -- selfish
4. SOFT-- won't take the charge, won't rebound in traffic, won't get on the floor, won't finish a 3pt play

When you watch the national championship games measure the four points I mentioned as the games progress (watch the men and the women)... the team that falls victim to the four failures that I mentioned will ultimately reduce their ceiling for success.
DD

Offseason

I have received a number of emails pertaining to offseason programs for players. Of course, the emails have come from coaches. I want this blog to serve as a reminder to coaches ... you need to work harder than your players! As a coach, attend clinics, call coaches, obtain as much information as possible. Attend clinics and take only what fits your philosophy and personality.
If you add something to your system, remove it. Give your players a notebook of motivation, academics, offense, defense, special situations, scouting, and strength and conditioning ... this way they have the foundation in the off season. They should travel everywhere with this notebook ... utilizing something like this could give you the stuff you need to emphasize a collective effort for off season growth. They now can take the two skills they need to improve upon an put them to music (getting shots out of the offense for example). They can also look at the scouting forms from the past season and prepare for conference opponents.

I hope this helps. Be careful what you wish for ... if you want better efforts in the offseason from players ... start with yourself.
DD

Does your team overachieve?

As a follow up to yesterdays email, I pose the question ... does your team overachieve? I am not talking about the number of games you say you won. If you have the best talent in the league, did you win the league? In pro sports if you have the highest payroll, it is expected that you win the championship.

Contrast this situation with the coach at the bottom of the league who does not have talent. He takes what he has and overachieves. They may only win a few games, but the organization knows that the team overachieved. You owe your players the opportunity to win every game. You must practice and gameplan to enable the team to have a chance to win every game. Further, do you enter practice everyday with a plan to give the team knowledge, techinique, and methodology to integrate both? If you don't, regardless of talent you are a poor coach and a poor human being. Players are there each day looking to their leader. They will eventually take on your personality ... for better or worse.

At the conclusion of the season ask these questions to yourself:
1. Did your team overachieve?
2. Was your team able to dictate the tempo of the game? (when you have less talent, the game must be played on your terms.

I hope this completes yesterdays blog for the readers- much like we ask our players ... come prepared to win everyday and concentrate the entire time you are there.
DD

Style

With the final four looming, most questions I am receiving revolve around the particular styles each coach possesses. You have the smash mouth defense of MI State; the transition of UNC; the spread dribble penetration of Nova; and the inside out approach of UCONN. Watch what happens in your league or at the clinics following the final four-- everybody will be enthrolled with the style of the team that wins... don't be that guy. My advice is to learn that system and figure out how to beat it! No doubt that you'll see it a half dozen times next season.

To quote Don Meyer at Northern State: "Be who you is ... because if you be who you ain't then you ain't what you is". Grammatically incorrect, but true. Understand who you are as a coach and what you can sell. Understand the players you have ... you must have players to be successful! When you are young and successful you believe you are winning because of all the great knowledge you possess. It usually takes several disastrous seasons before you become a better coach.

You can have a great philosophy and be able to breakdown the game, but without players you are not going to win. Make sure your style of play matches your players' abilities and your abilities to teach.

Go back and read my article on winning with less talent ... also tomorrow I will elaborate on getting teams to overachieve.
DD

Concentration

Part of what I do in addition to this blog is identify and develop talent. I received inquiries from several coaches and parents that revolve around the same question:
"What is the single most important skill a player can have? What do you look for first in determining the success or failure of a player?

I have spent my short lifetime examining these questions in one form or another and I am convinced that the skill a player needs to have is the ability to concentrate. Todays kids have so many distractions in their world of instant gratification- MP3, PSP, you tube, etc-- what ever they want they can have in a moment. The ability to concentrate and focus for long periods of time (or short periods for that matter) is not a part of our lives anymore. If you do not believe me, pay attention to commercials today ... count how many times a commercial is repeated back to back (it is not by accident). I recently asked an ad executive why this has become a stretegy?

His reply was that the attention level of todays viewers is so low that a commercial has to be 9-13 seconds in length for comprehension and repeated 3 times in order to have a viewer pay attention.

This is a great question about sports and a commentary on our times. I know what the reader wanted but I would be remiss if I didn't hit you with this answer. Without concentration, the skill level will not be consistent. If a kid can learn to concentrate ... skill level becomes relevant. We cannot put the cart before the horse.

DD

Specialization

I am back. I took a little time away from the blog to allow the new readers to catch-up and ask questions. Here is an interesting question posed from my hometown of Schenectady, NY.

A father asked whether or not he should allow his son to play multiple sports at the age of 8. His basketball coach is pushing him to specialize in hoop if he wants to make it. Make it where?

It has always been my opinion that kids should play two to three sports at a young age. Too many coaches are pulling these young kids and their parents in one direction. How can you shut down the potential of a kid by limiting what he can or can't do? Who knows how good he can be in the sport he is being deprived of?

In my opinion, a coach should always have the best interest of the players in mind. A coach should be working with his team to be sure that not only are they developing with him, but are also growing to their fullest extent in the classroom and in life. Coaches owe that to the kid.

I would be willing to bet that if a study were conducted, most kids earn scholarships in the sport that is not their preference... Message to this dad and the coach ... the kid is 8 years old. Who knows what he can become in and out of sports. Use sports as a vehicle for this kid to grow up. Do not forget that socialization is a major part of growing as a person, an athlete, and a student. Give him as much exposure to other kids and coaches as you can.

I hope that helps.
Dad and coach ... read my bio. I played two college sports for 4 years and played professional baseball ... I still coach both sports. I did OK.

DD

2009 Draft- Paulo Prestes

Paulo Prestes
6-10 275 PF/C
21 years old
Team- Unicaja Melaga
Brazil

This guy is my sleeper. He is undersized to play center, but can be servicable in the NBA because he is a beast. Prestes is extremely strong (especially upper body) and long like a player 7-1 ... length is more important than height. He has proven the ability to finish around the hoop with either hand. The kid posts extremely hard and has great hands- he knows how to bury a guy down in the paint. Defensively he can guard both the PF and C ... on offense he has to figure out who he is.

He would not be a guy that you would isolate in the post. He is a great second cutter - pick and roll or screen and pin. That would be the way he can score for an NBA team. He has limited range right now (15 ft) and is does not put it to the floor well enough to create his own shot.

If you were to compare him to some NBA guys--- Nene, Cedric Perkins, and Al Horford. With a 17-18 foot jump shot he could be a Charles Oakley type in a few years. I think he is worth a second round pick for a team that needs a bully in the front court.

Tomorrow ... a center will be profiled.
DD

2009 Draft Artem Zabelin

Artem Zabelin
21 years old
CSKA Moscow
7-1 210 lbs

Zabelin is an intriguing big man. He falls into line with the throw back pivot players like Walton and Sabonis. He has great timing on blocking shots. He has the foot speed, the balance, and the precison footwork to have success at the next level. He truly is a great athlete. His court vision and IQ are off the charts. And if that weren't enough, he is a good face up jump shooter from the block, mid range, and the Euro three!!!

With all of that being said, Zabelin is physically weak and needs to hit the weight room. He lacks a true goto move and a counter. Based on observation I just don't think he understands who he is when his back is to the basket. Good bigs understand what their favorite block is and what there favorite shoulder is ... I don't think he does ... which makes him adequate at both.

My solution is to look at him as a power forward-- he is much more comfortable facing the basket. This will help minimize his weaknesses and adjust to the NBA more easliy. I liken him to YI who is the 7 foot forward from China (Nets).

His size, smarts, and athleticism makes him a major prospect-- he is an early second rounder.
DD

2009 Draft- Jan Vesely

Jan Vesely
6-11 240
Belgrade

This 18 year old is the latest stud to come of this particular region. He has all of the physical tools to make it in the NBA- he has great physical size for an 18 yr old kid. He is filled out ... and could filled out more as he matures. If you take a look at his feet and hands, he has already been schooled. He displays an ability to get open ... and stay open. He shows paitience in the post and is a good passer. This young man is strong around the rim ... he attacks. I am curious to see him vs a more athletic player where he will be forces to exhibit a sharp goto move and a counter move.

He is Brooke Lopez in the making. Watch him on youtube ... he runs the court very well, has great ups, and blocks shots. I think his upside is huge ... the only question is that can a young kid come across waters and survive in the NBA lifestyle. Outside of that, some NBA team needs to make him a lottery pick. With the loss of Tyson Chandler in the late season trade mishap, maybe OK City adds Vesely to their exciting mix and shoot for an NBA title in 2013. Hook him up with an exciting young team like Miami and DWade ... this kid will flourish with court time.

One thing to watch in his development is his perimeter shot. He hasn't had to display it ... he is too athletic for his current competition. In the NBA, he will be put in alot of ball screen action and will have to show he can stick the spot up in order to utilize his ability to go by people.

See you tomorrow.
DD

2009 Draft- Sergio Llull

Sergio Llull
6-3 190 lbs
22 years old from Spain
Real Madrid (Pro Team)

Sergio Llull has developed quietly in what is becoming a hotbed for NBA scouts- Spain. He is outstanding at changing speeds. What makes him special is tht he can change speeds mulitple times within the same move (watch him on utube). If you do not follow Real Madrid, their offensive style ressembles that of an NBA team- 60% ball screens. He is in his element when he has the ball in his hands with a ball screen to use. Llull is also a tremendous spot up shooter ... he shoots 43% from behind the arc. Defensively, he is long and has a knack for getting his hands on the ball ... very active.

Ironically, as good as he is on offense using the ball screen, he is equally bad on the defensive end against the ball screen. He is increasingly predictable with how he negotiates the screen. This is something this cerebral player can overcome. Factor in that he has 2 years remaining on his contract ... a NBA team is going to have to invest to get him because Real Madrid will undoubtedly try to keep him.

If you are looking at comparisons ... dare I say Steve Nash. It is a possibility if he gets in the right system. I think Jose Calderone is more realistic- averages 8 + assists for Toronto.

I have been getting alot of emails regarding Pat Mills of St. Marys (Aussie born)- I may have to interrupt Europe for an Aussie.
DD

2009 Draft- Emir Preldzic

Emir Preldzic 6-8 SF
Team: Fenerbahce Ulker
Slovenia

Preldzic emerged on to the European scene in 2006 by leading Slovenia to the U20 European Championship Bronze- he averaged 20ppg. This kid is a great spot up shooter with very simple fluid mechanics. He has 3pt plus range. The rest of his offensive game is a notch below his ability to shoot. He does have a good first step because he uses ball fakes so well to throw the defense off balance. His mid range game is good and he can shoot out of rhythm. Decent ball handler ... much better in the open court with the ball than in a controlled setting. For a slender kid, he has a nose for the ball.

What concerns me about his game has to do with his size-- he is slender with his upper and lower body. He is a face up player with no real game around the rim. Eventually bigger sronger NBA players will get right into his body and force him to develop an attack game. However, everyone needs a shooter.

To emerge in the NBA like he did in the 2006 Euros, he will have to take his game to the rim on occassion. He shows flashes of it ... but he'll need to do it more often. It looks to be the logical progression in his game--- it's very realistic that it will happen before the June draft. With increased size, I see him as a Matt Harpring... if he continues to work on his game, we could see a Kiki Vandewegh type scorer in a decade. Look for him to get snatched up in the late first round or early second round.

I know I promised a front court player ... but I am a sucker for a shooter. Next week we'll hit on one more pg, a couple of tweeners, and a few elite big men. As the NCAA tourney unfolds I'll hit on a few of the best foreign born players in the NCAA ... as we get closer to the draft I will share some of the players to watch in Asia and Africa.
Have a good weekend.

DD

2009 Draft- Nando De Colo

Nando De Colo has impressed me each time out. At 6-4 190 lbs his body type puts him in the mix with the NBA prototype pgs. On the offensive end this guy combines a knack for scoring with an aptitude for finding the open guy. His exhibits tremendous ball handling and passing skills with a flare for the highlight film type pass. Check him out on youtube ... this 21 year old can fill it up. He has a quick release and superior footwork when coming off screens in a catch and shoot situation. His team (Cholet) puts him in alot of ball screen situations ... and he doesn't disappoint ... he can knock down the jumper, get in the paint and distribute and handle the double team. He exhibits good speed and quicks but his strength is his ability to change speeds.
De Colo understands the importance of separation in all offensive situations.

Like most of the Euro guards, they do not see the speed, quickness and strength of an NBA guard everyday which is a little concerning on the defensive end. He will have to step it up to prove he can handle a quick pg or a big wing at that next level. He also has a 1 million dollar buyout clause in his contract with the French League team ... which ordinarily would not be an issue but you may see the lower budget teams pass on him because of it.

I see De Colo as a mid to late first rounder without the buyout. With the buyout he becomes a second rounder -because the lack of gaurantee money would offset the buyout. Either way, do not sleep on this kid ... I liken him to Steve Blake when he was in the last year of his contract (the year that landed him a huge deal in Denver). Look both guys up and see what you think.

Tomorrow I am going back to the frontcourt- alot of decent bigs out there.
DD

2009 NBA Draft- Brandon Jennings

In order to satisfy alot of bloggers, I have decided to give in and chronicle Brandon Jennings. Although he is not a true European, he has done a fantastic job integrating his game into the euro style ... and was fresh out of high school. Playing for Lotomatica Roma (Italy), Jennings journey has not been without its ups and down (an early season benching due to lack of production; the firing of his head coach 5 games in to the season-- that alone makes him NBA ready). Since then, he has seemed to settle down, taking each bump in the road (including being handled bt Ricky Rubio) as learning experience.

Jennings stands a very generous 6-1 and has a slender long build. He's a smooth lefty with unreal ups and extremely quick feet and hands. His ball skills are straight out of an And 1 video which should prove to be entertaining in the NBA ... but may see another coach get fired in the NBA if he doen't get under control. For such a small guard he has a knack for putting the ball in the hoop. He can get to the rim and finish or dish. He flat out rises on his midrange game. Jumper is decent ... but good enough to keep people honest.

Like alot of young guards he hasn't shown the concentration level and the toughness to get out and lock people down defensively. I question his efficiency with the ball ... dosn't realize that his team gets zero extra points for degree of diificulty involved with his passes. He is still understanding shot selection... send him to Larry Brown and he'll learn it quickly.

He is being compared to Tony Parker by Hoops Hype but I disagree. At the same age Parker had been a pro for three years already. Parker endured the same growing pains when he was 16. I have read other blogs where he is being called the next Zeke. Isiah Thomas played for Knight and Daly during his formative years ... not sure Jennings is the same kind of killer that Thomas was. Watch him for yourself ... I saw his skill set as a young Tiny Archibald. However, if he is unable to develop the essentials of an NBA point guard you may be watching the next Sebastian Telfair. Time will tell. I say stay in Europe one more year and continue to grow... MAKE SURE YOU'RE READY. If he stays, he's the number one pick next year.

He's slated as a top 6 pick. I'd take Ty Lawson before him.
Back to the home grown European crop tomorrow- I'll give you a point guard better than Jennings.
DD

2009 NBA Draft - Victor Claver

Victor Claver
6-10 218 SF/PF
20 years old
Parmesa, Valencia (Spain)

Claver and Ricky Rubio (earlier post) give Spain hope for a strong future after the Gasol brothers are gone. Victor Claver is strong 6-10 combo player and one of my favorites. He has a consistent shooting touch from 22 feet and has tremedous feet and hands. If you watch him on YouTube, you'll see he has a three phase offensive game- he can finish, shoot the mid-range, and connect from long range. He has the ability to beat you with and without the dribble. A missed positive in his game is the ability to get off of his feet quickly-- very good offensive rebounder.

Claver needs to improve his strength- I think that will come with age and an NBA per diem. The strength will allow for him to contend with both forward spots defensively. The biggest thing I see in regards to his skill set, is that he will need to continue to do everything he does now, but in smaller spaces and with contact to have success at the next level.

If he can get out of his contract (1 million dollar buy out) I think he is an early second rounder ... maybe a late first rounder. If he comes out in 2010 he becomes a mid first round pick. When you watch him think Mike Dunleavy (Indiana Pacers) ... I feel he can be as big an impact in the NBA once he gets settled with the speed and physicality of the NBA.

Been getting a lot of questions about Brandon Jennings- I'll move him up to tomorrow.
DD

2009 NBA Draft- Omri Casspi

As promised , this weeks blogs will revolve around giving the readers insight into the top European players available for the NBA draft. Omri Casspi is todays focus-- only 20 years old, this 6-8 220lb small forward has one more year of eligibilty in the euroleague, but undoubtedly will enter the draft this season. Here's the breakdown.

Omri Casspi
6-8 220 lb small forward.
20 years old
Maccabi Tel Aviv

NBA comaprison- Rex Chapman 1987 first round choice of the Charlotte Hornets. Casspi is a taller version of Chapman (6-4). More perimeter oriented Andres Nocioni.

Positives:
Casspi has tremedous leaping ability... he really elevates. He understans how to finish around the hoop and shows a knack for scoring. He is in constant attack mode. Omri is an aggressive, high energy kid with a 6-11 wingspan. He's a tough player who runs the court extremely well.
Nice mid-range game.

Negatives:
Casspi is a streaky jump shoot with OK handles Without these two traits, his abilities to get the rim wil be negated. He has a thin frame and will need to fill out. His abilities (or willingness) to defend are in question. Nothing that a little bench time won't cure.

Projection:
With an improve jumper and extended range (and NBA coaching) he could become a Mike Dunleavy type player. I project him as an early second rounder in the 2009 draft.

Check these guys out on YouTube and let me know what you think.
DD