Tuesday, October 27, 2009

PROGRAM NOTES WEEK 2

Week 2 was a tough one as we moved from drills to plays and concepts while working towards 4 on 4 and 5 on 5 action. The players responded well and are beginning to accelerate their knowledge of the system and playing the style of basketball Birmingham Southern fans have come to enjoy:94 feet of intensity on defense while displaying skill and unselfishness on offense.

After a solid intrasquad scrimmage, Week 3 has begun and the process of building toughness, unity and team chemistry continues. Our staff is anxious to see which guys can push through the mental and physical tests of the first 3-4 weeks of practice on the court and in the weightroom. With a few scrimmages coming up, we will soon see if we can carry good habits from the practice floor to game situations! Our preparation for the season is with the following quote in mind:
"Everyone has the will to win, but few have the will to PREPARE to win."

Coach Cole

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Practice Notes WEEK 1 BSC BASKETBALL

Coaches and players around the country are finishing up their first few sessions of fall basketball practice this week. Its an exciting time of year as the weather turns cool and gyms are filled with players and coaches with high expectations for 2009-2010. Each coach has a new "canvas", hoping to create a masterpiece on the court as they bring different talents, personalities, skills and ideas together. When it all comes together, watching a team work as a unit and flow with precision is a beatiful thing!
For us, the challenge of working out 19 players (11 returning and 8 newcomers) has been a unique experience. So besides the typical fundamental teaching on offense and defense, we have started with drills that feed the competitive nature of our team. Our strategy has been to teach the concept, drill it, then compete and see who can execute the best. The goal is for our team to recognize that technique, effort, and skill are all important to becoming a successful basketball team. Our staff has been pleased with the effort so far. After 7 straight practices, WEEK 2 starts tomorrow as we continue to build a championship caliber team!

Coach Cole

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES TRAINING CAMP @ BSC

I'd like to thank the Grizzlies Organization for selecting Birmingham Southern College as the location for their 2009 Training Camp. Last week, the BSC staff and players were able to see first hand the inner workings of an NBA team on the rise. Everyone from the owners and management, to the coaches, players and support staff worked hard to make this a week to remember.
After visiting with players and coaches, we quickly realized that life in the NBA is a marathon. Training camp alone involved 2 practices a day, treatment for injuries, weights, film, meetings, media and many other demands that make it a tough week. The team had 6 days to get ready for its first preseason game (not much time). In addition, they held an intrasquad scrimmage Sunday night (see footage below) which gave Birmingham a glance at the 2009-2010 Grizzlies!
The player who I was most excited to see was Birmingham's own DeMare Carrol. Demare grew up coming to our Basketball Camp here at BSC! He proved he belongs in the NBA all week drawing praise from the coaches and players! Good luck to Demare and the entire Memphis Grizzly Team in 2009-2010!

Coach Mitch Cole