Wisdom from Bob Hurley

Coach Hurley, 15 years ago, co-wrote a book called Divided Loyalties: The Diary of a Basketball Father (copies still available on Amazon.com). So much of what he wrote at that time is still applicable today. On the topic of attitudes of winners versus losers, he offered his Ten Commandments (thanks to Coach Chovan for the reminder of the list). A few of those gems follow:

• a winner goes through a problem, a loser goes around it and never past it
• a winner says "I'm good, but not as good as I ought to be", a loser says "I'm not as bad as a lot of other people"
• a winner feels responsible for more than his job, a loser says "I only work here"
• a winner works harder than a loser and has more time, a loser is always too busy to do what is necessary
• a winner shows that he is sorry by making up for it, a loser says "I'm sorry" but does the same thing next time
  

Look Opposite

Sometimes, in order to truly grasp a concept, players need to look at the opposite of what is requested or required. What does that mean? Essentially, they need to BE the type of player that they do NOT like to play against. This theory has been promoted by successful coaches (Knight, Hurley, etc) over the decades. Examples:

• if a guard struggles against an aggressive defender that gives them no space to work then that guard should defend that way when they don't have the ball
• if a post player does not like to take a beating when working in the attack areas close to the rim then they should be a punishing post defender themselves
• if a perimeter defender feels that they play good close-out defense but still manage to be late versus a quick shooter then they need to improve their own quick shot release
• defensively, if a player does not like to defend versus big, quick, strong attackers that are constantly working then they should be that way when they are on offense
• offensively, if a player does not like to be punished by a defender that makes plenty of contact, gives no space, and seems to react properly to every move then they themselves need to defend in that manner
  

New DVD - The Street Stops Here

Much has been written about Coach Bob Hurley Sr. and his teams at St. Anthony High School in Jersey City, New Jersey. Invariably, the stories revolve around the tremendous success achieved on and off the basketball court. Coach Hurley has developed some outstanding teams and players but, more importantly, some incredible young men and citizens. His graduation rate is excellent, his compassion is unquestionable, and his commitment knows no bounds.

Earlier this week, on many PBS affiliates, the new documentary that chronicles St. Anthony and Coach Hurley was shown in prime time. Given the impact of the film, especially considering how well it was done (Teamworks Media), it fits with the philosophy of this blog to share information on how you can see/obtain the movie. Simply click on the active links to:

• go to the St. Anthony School website to find out more about the school
• contact Kathleen Staudt to order copies of the DVD directly from the school
• watch a terrific interview on Chicago Tonight with Coach Hurley
  
• watch (on Expressvu) the documentary on the PBS East affiliate of WGBH Channel 2 on Sat. April 3rd at 6:30pm or Mon. April 5th at 2:30pm
• watch (again on Expressvu) the replay on PBS West (KCTS 9) on April 5th at 3am
• go to Amazon and order a copy online (for a reduced preview price)
• go to the Teamworks Media site to order a copy from the filmmaker
  

Last minute gift suggestions

At this time of year, many people find themselves looking for that perfect gift for a coach, assistant, athlete, volunteer, etc. Consider a book. Learning is indeed a lifelong process. There are plenty of great basketball books (old and new) available in stores and online. Of the many titles, in no particular order, here are a few recommendations:

• The Ultimate Coaches' Career Manual by Pat Williams
• Beyond Basketball by Mike Krzyzewski
• Court Sense by John Giannini
• Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom
• Wins, Losses, and Lessons by Lou Holtz
• Coaching Team Basketball by Tom Crean and Ralph Pim
• Dream Big Dreams (Jack Donohue) by Mike Hickey
• Born to Believe by Butch and Cris Carter
• The Carolina Way by Dean Smith
• Sacred Hoops by Phil Jackson
• Roger's World (Roger Neilson) by Wayne Scanlan
• Beyond Winning by Gary Walton
• My Story by Bob Knight
• Basketball Basics - How to Play Like The Pros by Jay Triano
• A Coach's Life by Dean Smith
• The Miracle of St. Anthony (Bob Hurley Sr.) by Adrian Wojnarowski
• A March to Madness by John Feinstein
• You Haven't Taught Until They Have Learned (John Wooden) by Swen Nater and Ronald Gallimore

The holidays are a wonderful time to catch up on some reading. Encourage it. Share it.