1. 1. I am so happy with our family choice. I had a
blast being back on the sideline coaching these Cy Fair kids. With so much
talent on the floor I really got a chance (with the help of the other coaches)
to strategize and really learn as we went. I forgot how much fun grassroots
basketball really is!
2. 2. There is no way to make everyone happy. In
general no matter what you do someone won’t like it. And in most situations
even the “right” thing won’t make everyone happy. Making people happy can’t be
your number one goal in life…. If it is you will almost always fail. Another
one of those lessons basketball teaches us.
3. 3. Players make coaches look smart. I have always
known this, but this month proved it. My theory has always been that coaches
can’t win games they can only set players up to be successful, but coaches can
lose games. (I have sure done that once or twice) With all the talent that we
had this month it sure made this easier. These kids made us look good and took
advantage of every situation.
4. 4. It’s about people. With players it is not just
about talent it’s also about the quality of the people. What a great group of
selfless kids. I am not pretending there were no challenges and everything was
sunshine and roses, but I am thankful for these kids and how they accepted a
variety of roles throughout the summer to help us reach the level we did. I am so thankful for DeMya (yes I spelled it
right if she happens to read this ;)) and Earl. We were also led from the top
by a person who stayed calm no matter what the storm and infused calmness into
the rest of us. While it has taken time for him to get this top prize, it has
only taken that long because he has gone about it the right way. He has stayed
the course and put people first and that made Tuesday even more special. In the
end this great group will always have a special place in my heart. It would not
have been so special if it hadn’t happened with special people!
To go along with this theme thank you to everyone who
reached out to congratulate us. None of the phone calls and texts meant more
then those from former players!
5. 5. Last but not least it is about the team “Buy In”.
Being bought in for the betterment of the team is what pushes you over the top.
We had this summer; buy my calculations, potentially 6 All-Americans spread out
through 4 classes. That’s a lot of talent and a lot of potential go to players.
This group was willing to go with the hot hand, and to play together. Players
scored less then they “could have” to take the smart shot, or focused on “blue
collar” plays to help push us over the top in some tough, tight games. In the
end that’s why we won. Sure we had talent, but the willingness to work together
and focus on the little things and the team goal allowed us to get there. That wasn’t just the players, we had four
people on the bench all-capable of coaching this team and we were able to work
together without egos and with open, honest communication which allowed us to
work together to lead our players. As a coach there are certain years and teams
that just click and get it, and this group did. I am thankful that this type of
attitude and work ethic was rewarded.
Now it is time to turn the page. The
kids go back to school soon, and the coaches return to work. Our 2014 players played their last club game and are all on to bigger and better things including free educations! We are all getting
back to the “real world” but we have some memories that we will carry with us!
Together we will always be National Champions!
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