Random thoughts for this time of year

At this point in the season, more than ever, some components of play are crucial to team success. In no particular order, attention should be paid to the following:

• with a fastbreak emphasis, guards MUST get rebounds - first steps after a missed shot (or a score) are very important
• on a transition wing pass ahead on the break, emphasize an attack to the middle to put basket pressure on the defense
• on penetration, the emphasis must be placed on sprinting cuts, making the proper read, and shooters spaced in positions where the ball can see them (don't get three in a row with ball and defender)
• every practice, an assistant should meet with each point guard and review their checklist - turnovers, rebounds, effectiveness, leadership
• reinforce the use of concentration cues in timeouts in order to gain focus - allow players 15 seconds for water and settling, then cue them for priorities with a "listen up"
• as the late Jim Valvano said, "never give up" - no matter how the quarter or half is going, the next one can always be better (if your team is willing to work and play to it's strengths)