3 examples of unselfishness

Putting others first, ahead of yourself. Truly being unselfish. Recognizing you are a part of a team. Realizing that you will need help from others in order to achieve your goals. These thoughts have appeared in this blog before, but three shining examples came to light this past week.

• The "Tradition" of Windsor Men's Basketball was on display and celebrated by so many people - all of whom, we are fortunate to hold close to the heart of our program. Last Saturday, our program was pleased and proud to host its annual Past, Present, and Future reception. To gather together, celebrate, and be reminded of the ways in which so many have selflessly contributed to a common purpose, was very humbling. We remain grateful to each and every one of our program's many supporters.
• Jerry Sloan, the longtime, successful coach of the Utah Jazz, retired this week. Coach Sloan is an outstanding example of a person being steadfastly committed to doing things the right way. His discipline, his purposeful approach, and unselfish commitment to making other people better are to be commended. He has improved the lives and careers of so many - in basketball, and beyond.
• This is not a political statement - merely an observation. A truly historic event took place in a unique part of the world. The citizens of a region may have indeed changed their future by putting others ahead of themselves, realizing they were one small part of a large team, and knowing that the help of others would be needed in order to achieve their own personal goals.
  

Next steps

First of all, Happy New Year to all of you that read this ongoing blog, attend COBA camps, make an annual trip to the Can-Am coaches clinic, as well as support our team.

At an average of one blog entry every two days, this has certainly been an active year of sharing and growth. As coaches do with their teams, we are focussed on the journey of this blog, not just making it a destination. With that in mind, we welcome your feedback. If you have enjoyed it, let us know (cobacamp@hotmail.com). If you have questions, thoughts, or suggestions then please do share a quick email.

As we look ahead to 2011, this blog will continue to evolve. COBA player development camps will grow to meet new challenges and demands (look for updates very soon). The Can-Am On-Court Basketball Coaching Clinic (June 3-4) will once again provide coaches and players with superior value - announcements confirming speakers will be forthcoming. True learning develops through teaching.

Can-Am Clinic's Dave Odom

This past June, Coach Dave Odom taught with great passion at the most recent Can-Am On-Court Basketball Coaching Clinic. Coach gave the attending coaches plenty to think about, and did so with tremendous energy. We remain grateful for his efforts and sharing. For ongoing teaching as well as early info on next year's clinic, go to the Can-Am clinic's Facebook page.

As the college basketball season heats up, Coach Odom now finds his days full with preparations for the annual EA Sports Maui Invitational. In his second season as Tournament Chairman, Coach Odom is looking forward to this year's strong field - one that includes Michigan State and Kentucky. Next year, the field expands with additions of teams and game locations (see the ESPN article). Just as he did at our clinic in Windsor, Coach Odom has made a positive impact on the annual Maui event.

Can-Am coaching clinic a success

Following in the success and tradition of previous Can-Am coaching clinics, the 2010 clinic has now wrapped up, been enjoyed and appreciated by plenty of coaches. Special thanks to ALL of the attending coaches, especially those that brought friends and traveled great distances! Once again, we are grateful to the many friends and supporters that promoted the clinic and reinforced the values of sharing.

This years guest presenters, coaches Dave Odom, Don Casey, and Greg Kampe, gave all of the coaches tremendous content, shared several stories (illustrating examples of what is required to be a better player at any level), and demonstrated their expertise with wonderful passion. Thanks again to all three of them for their support and willingness to share. When combined with Coach Oliver's session of practice drills and individual workouts, the overall clinic provided a fantastic opportunity for learning. Stay tuned to the blog, Twitter, and Facebook fan pages for continued learning from the clinic.

Final thanks are owed to the University of Windsor Athletic Dept. and staff, valued clinic sponsors, COBA, host hotel (Holiday Inn Select, Windsor), Windsor Lancer coaches and players (the men and women that worked very hard on court both days), drivers of the guest coaches, and countless volunteers that helped along the way. Next year's clinic is only 12 months away, and the work has already begun!