BasketBlog: Basketball Soul (SL)

Welcome to my BasketBlog, Basketball Soul.

This will be a chronological listing of entries of different basketball related commentary; From state of the game to events to simply conversation starters. Find short and informative blog entries throughout my travels and study of the game of basketball here. 






October 12, 2022: The Recruiting Environment is Changing

The July recruiting calendar for Women’s Basketball has once again been altered. For a handful of years regarding non-scholastic (club) events, July was a one-week evaluation period followed by a 10-day evaluation period (17 days). Then it changed to two one-week periods (14 days) followed by another cut to a one-week period followed by a five-day period (12 days). It has now been changed again to two four-day periods in July.

Next year, the non-scholastic viewing periods will be April (three days), May (three days), July (8 days). Also dramatically changing will be the immediate decrease in recruiting person days college coaches can utilize during the scholastic year, from 112 to 65.

Here are some college coaches’ comments when asked about the recruiting calendar changes (anonymous):
 
To say this is a dramatic change is an understatement. The transfer portal has transformed the environment coupled with the extra covid year of eligibility for the high school graduating classes of 2018-2021 (those that were already on college rosters). That extra year of eligibility for those classes directly affected the high school graduating classes of 2021-2024 because there are less scholarships available due to the extra year of eligibility.

This next adjustment will affect opportunities for prospective student-athletes as well. Coaches have fewer opportunities to evaluate prospects in all aspects for the first time in quite a while.

There is an underlying question about a June three-day scholastic period on the women’s side. These events must be run by the state federations or coaches’ associations of any respective state. This is a new opportunity, but there are logistics questions. In most states high school coaches cannot coach their teams in the summer. These state federations are not accustomed to running NCAA sanctioned events. There is an opportunity window there, but the operations of these events wait to be seen.

Do coaches follow players? Absolutely. But, clearly the opportunities are shrinking. This is not to judge it one way or another, but just stating the undeniable view that things are not what they used to be.

Club programs and prospects will have to make an adjustment to their schedules and strategy in regards to maximizing opportunities. The influence and success of the shoe circuits and the development of the newly created independent circuit (Select 40) has also changed the game. The high concentration of top-level players on these circuits demands a high percentage of the college coaches’ attention. The minimization of days greatly affects their ability and availability to observe players outside of these circuits. It’s just a numbers game…

Maximizing quality matchups during the July evaluation period is vital. Playing at the appropriate level in terms of competition is also paramount. Teams and clubs can do this by playing in events that schedule responsibly and have a feel for the quality of the teams and the appropriate competition level. Teams on the shoe circuits and the coalition of teams on the independent circuit essentially have this ready made into their schedule. If a club is not on one of these circuits, they need to scrutinize their options and choose wisely.

We will see the influence and value of the truly trusted evaluation services increase. There are countless social media accounts and highlight and attention-driven accounts that have a lot of followers. These are not trusted evaluation services. There are a handful of experienced recruiting and evaluation services out there that properly identify players for their respective next level of college basketball – some of them even have college coaching experience themselves. With the decrease in scholastic evaluation as well as non-scholastic evaluation days, expect the reliance by college programs on these elite evaluation services to increase.

The other tool for exposure and evaluation will be quality camps. Let me be clear: NOT ALL CAMPS WERE CREATED EQUAL. Much like the social media accounts and attention driven highlight reel accounts, many are out there to show some clips, tag a couple players, and keep it moving for clicks .. to each his own. However, some are out there that actually provide quality instruction, feedback, competition, and follow up – they have a ton of credibility from their staff to their experience to their connection to college coaches. They can provide some social media love as well – but it goes much deeper. Choose wisely..

Film and live streaming of these games will also grow in importance and value. The ability to go back and review film or for a prospect to send clips that showcase skills enough to warrant some interest is very valuable. Currently, Synergy provides this service to the major shoe circuits. The statistics and archived film are a valuable resource and expect college coaches to utilize this tool as well as the evaluators that have the resources and the access. Another trend to expect to see in the near future is the statistical and data aggregation for analytics analysis. Being able to compare those details across the board over a few years will help coaches fill roles on their rosters as well. As was mentioned before, the game is changing…
 
The stages and opportunities have changed and evolved. The NCAA and its member institutions and programs make the rules, and it is up to the participants and hopeful next-level student-athletes and their club programs to adapt, learn, and make wise decisions for their opportunities. There are a lot of high-quality platforms. Those operators will need to evolve and adjust as well so they are providing what their customer needs.



December 15, 2021: Players.. Levels.. Caution.. Learn.. 

You know, I think it’s no secret that I do not always like the way certain things are presented or portrayed on social media in terms of players and what is celebrated as to what is important or what leads to success whether individually or as a team. A lot of it has become quite repetitive and not much of it is original or even real content anymore because there is no context with many of the posts. The antics for the cameras are getting a bit old and the “so and so is a bucket!” caption has now run its course, no? This certainly does not apply to ALL of the outlets out there, as a few do a really good job. Look, seeing hoops highlights on the timeline is great, but how the players are valuing it and how they process it is an important differentiation. Ok, that’s off my chest (for now). There are a lot of resources out there for players. 

College Player Study

Here are a few players at the college level that I think developing players could benefit from being aware of or even studying not just what they do, but how they do it:

Aijha Blackwell | Junior | Missouri | Wing/Forward

Blackwell is one of the most well rounded and versatile players in the country. As I write this, she is averaging 16.6 points and 12.5 rebounds per game. Recently she had a 20-point, 15-rebound effort vs Baylor and a 20 & 20 game vs Alabama A&M. She is often tasked with matching up with bigger players defensively. She can put the ball on the deck, create her own shot, battles on the glass, and is a good facilitator for teammates.

Ayoka Lee | Junior | Kansas State | Post

It’s ok to be a true post player! Lee is averaging 24.2 points and 11 rebounds and is shooting 72.1% from the FT line. She does a great job of timing her duck-ins and has a nice jump hook with either hand over either shoulder. What really stands out is her soft touch with a nice high release. She doesn’t use unnecessary dribbles and she challenges or blocks shots defensively without fouling.

Makenna Marisa | Junior | Penn State | Guard

Marissa is about as tough, consistent, and resilient as they come.. and has been that way for a long time. She is currently averaging 20 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and shooting right at 35% from the three-point line. She can play the lead guard or she can play off the ball where Penn State Head Coach Carolyn Kieger can put her in iso situations or bring her off a series of screens. She is a good one-on-one player because she can keep the defense honest with her mid-range catch and shoot or pull up. She even sneaks in an advantageous post-up occasionally.

High School Player Study (Seniors)

For a bit of context maybe closer to home, here are a few players that I think young players should get acquainted with before they head to college next year:

Shayla Gillmer | Ontario Christian (CA) | Forward | BYU signee

Ultimate competitor and blue-collar versatility.. Simply gets the job done. She is a bouncy and strong athlete which allows her to guard multiple positions on the floor. She can knock down the mid-range jumper and the three-ball is coming along nicely. She is a relentless rebounder with a team-first attitude. I think BYU got a steal with this one .. which should surprise no one as they have become a program consistently in the Top 25 discussion.  

Kyla Abraham | Smithfield HS (VA) | Forward/Post | Baylor signee

She has a great frame and does all the things you'd ask for a rugged forward to do. She had a couple monster blocks this spring and summer that really got people’s attention. She is an elite athlete and a low maintenance competitor. Abraham does all the things a coach could ask for from a big: be a physical presence, run the rim, finish the dump offs, be a presence on the glass, set screens, and have the mobility to be active in pick and roll offence and defense. I think she’s a sneaky good get for first year Head Coach Nicki Collen at Baylor.

Savannah White | De LaSalle HS (MN) | Guard/Wing | Wisconsin signee

White is a player that gradually turned herself from a face up forward into a big guard. She just kept refining her skills that eventually allowed her to become a full-time perimeter player. She has smoothness and poise to her game that make her comfortable all over the floor. She is long with a strong frame and goes to the glass well.. She knocks down the three with an easy stroke and knows how to create her own off the dribble as well as facilitate for others. She is a great example of player development. Great get for Wisconsin first year Head Coach Marisa Moseley.

Emily La Chappell | Appleton East (WI) | Guard | Marquette signee

All around really good player.. Utility guard that can do a little of everything – lead the offense or be the aggressive scorer. Over time she simplified her shooting stroke and I think it allows her to get her shot off faster. She is strong and confident off the dribble and finds ways to get to the FT line. Defensively, she is smart and knows how to play within her strengths. She has a poise and confidence to her that makes her ready for the big shot or the big moment. That approach and maturity will have her ready to contribute right away at the next level.


Emily La Chappell

Marya Hudgins | Grandview (CO) | Guard/Wing | Santa Clara signee

Marya’s player development during her HS career is an example that I will point to for quite some time. She has always been a gifted shooter and early on, that is what she was at the forward spot. She has a strong and athletic frame and she spaced the floor, rebounded, and brought toughness to the floor. Over time, she improved her ability to put the ball on the floor and attack the paint.. as she continually worked, she earned the skill of the pull up jumper and now with footwork and handle improvement, she even dances with it a little bit and utilizes step backs to create her shot or drives to the rim. She just added piece by piece. The other thing that was clear is she spent focused effort on her conditioning, athleticism, and mobility. She is as strong a wing as you’ll find right now at the HS level and it is obvious she has spent time in the weight room and working on agility. That focused effort and goal setting will serve her well at the next level.


Marya Hudgins

Run Down of the Last Couple of Weeks

Jade Clack | 2023 | Austin HS | SHE GOT GAME – Dallas

Fully healthy and the time in the gym has really helped.. Really good athlete with slasher skills and developing perimeter shot.. almost ambidextrous around the rim and in the paint.. Can be an elite defender.. Stock Riser!

Young John Curtis (LA) team | SHE GOT GAME – Dallas

Chickae Desdunes – 2026 | Terren Coffil – 2024 | Ke’Sonja Nelson – 2026 | Heaven Jordan – 2024

This very young squad will be fun to watch in the coming years. They are getting very valuable experiences right now

Putnam City West (OK) | SHE GOT GAME – Dallas

Taliyah Parker – 2024: Extremely elite athlete who can play at a pace many cannot.. Great instincts and skills.. She makes plays that many cannot because of her intensity and body control.. Stock Riser!

Caya Smith – 2024: Long, athletic, and skilled.. Steady improvements in her player development.. Poised on the floor and is always ready to make a play.. Really good player.. Stock Riser!


Caya Smith

Shamar Bert – 2024: Shot maker! Simply cannot leave her open.. Knows her role and brings a veteran’s maturity to the floor.. Get her on your recruiting list!

Adhel Tac | 2024 | South Grand Prairie (TX) | SHE GOT GAME – Dallas

Serious big with major improvements to every aspect of her game.. Brion Raven does such an amazing job with his players and teams’ development and it is evident here.. Fundamentally, Tac does so much right and that is enlightening to watch.. She talks, gets down in stance, chins the ball after rebounds, is patient in the post, and plays defensively without fouling unnecessarily.. She is going to be a MAJOR recruit.. Stock Riser! Arguably the top 2024 prospect in the state of Texas.


Adhel Tac

Kendall Dudley | 2024 | Sidwell Friends (DC) | SHE GOT GAME – DC

Dudley had a fantastic weekend between the Capital Invitational and SHE GOT GAME – DC. It is no secret that Sidwell Friends is loaded (they are the current #1 team in the ESPN Top 25). Dudley does such a good job at fulfilling her role alongside Kiki Rice and Jadyn Donovan without overdoing it simply because she has the talent to force the issue. Does that make sense? In other words, she doesn’t just try to “get hers” because she is talented enough to do so. That mentality allowed her to really step up and deliver on Saturday vs DeSoto when Donovan got in early foul trouble. She did not have to play outside herself because she always was doing things within the flow of the game and the team concept, so she was prepared and confident to deliver.. and she was HUGE! She battled on the glass vs a bigger DeSoto team and made timely threes and put back finishes. I had a handful of people question why I held her in such high regard before this weekend .. How’s that looking for ya now?

Tristen Taylor | 2023 | Duncanville (TX) | SHE GOT GAME – DC

Being that she is so close to home, we have been able to watch Tristen literally grow up. Over the last 6 months, her game has grown as well. She always was the toughest small guard within a 1000 miles (maybe more) and brought a defensive intensity and strength to the floor that was hard to match, but now she is growing in her voice on the floor and leadership. As a small guard, she had a propensity to pound the rock a bit too much .. when in doubt, keep the ball alive with the dribble. What she has learned is how to get off the ball quicker and allow it to come back to her to make plays.. the timely drive (she is hard to keep in front of with her quickness) or the three-point shot – which has really developed in the last calendar year. In a big win vs Bishop McNamara (MD) on Saturday she was the exclamation point on the Duncanville consistency and toughness in a win. Against IMG on Friday night, she was all around excellent. Stock Riser!


Tristen Taylor

Maya Linton | 2022 | Duncanville (TX) | UTSA signee | SHE GOT GAME – DC

I highlight Linton because “role player” is such a bad phrase for some… Listen, this girl earned a D1 scholarship because she values her role as a rebounding forward. She was AMAZING on the glass on Saturday vs a bigger Bishop McNamara team. She pursues the ball so well and that takes serious focus and basketball IQ. Those of us who truly know the game know how valuable that is. According to the book, she didn’t score one point, but was as valuable as any bucket in the entire game. Well done, Maya!!

Ka’Shya Hawkins | 2024 | Christ the King (NY) | Capital Invitational

Activity level! That is what caught my eye about Hawkins. I watched CTK’s game vs Sierra Canyon last week and I saw it on film. Then, I watched it vs Sidwell Friends live on Thursday. She cuts hard, crashes the glass, and just has a “get the job done” quality to her play. I am told she has not even been playing very long, which is impressive. Her skills are getting refined day by day, but it’s the way in which she competes that will get her on college coach radars early. Keep up the good work, Ka’Shya.

Jordan Lee | 2024 | St. Mary’s Stockton (CA) | SHE GOT GAME – DC

Overall, there are not too many holes in Lee’s game. She is as fundamentally sound as they come. She plays the game with a maturity beyond her years. She is long and versatile .. she can both shoot it from range and get to the cup.. She brings a toughness to the defensive end and the glass that leads to winning.. She is very well coached my Alle Moreno, who expects a lot out of her players. St. Mary’s plays a team first style – the ball moves, they defend, and they make adjustments throughout the game. Very bright future here…


Jordan Lee


Alle Moreno of St. Mary's Stockton also coaches in the Jason Kidd Select organization. 

Ciera Toomey | 2023 | Dunmore HS (PA) | SHE GOT GAME - DC

Well.. What else is there to say? Toomey is as skilled as it comes in the entire country in any class or any level. She is starting to show a little bit of a competitive edge that I really like… Her footwork is A1.. the stroke is pure… she can put it on the deck with a little bit of shake even.. She is a great passer .. come on!! The duo of her and Drexel-bound PG Mariah Murray is as fun to watch as any in the country. Some were late to the party… not us!!


Ciera Toomey 

Next Up

Ok, I know that was long-winded, but I thought the comparison from college to signed seniors to current recruits was important for the point I was making: be careful who your sources are for learning and inspiration for THE GAME. The attention is fun – but that’s it. Want success? Study to REAL parts of the game. Hint: they probably aren’t on your “go-to” social media accounts.

On to the Nike TOC in Phoenix … which is LOADED!!




December 10, 2021: The Major Matchups Have Begun!

Typically, in comparison with most of the rest of the country, we start basketball season a little early in Texas. It’s great. With the majority of the rest of the states now playing games, we are able to see some cross-country matchups.

Last weekend, we hosted SHE GOT GAME – Dallas. Last night, it was the Capital Invitational (hosted by Sidwell Friends and sponsored by The Jordan Brand). Tonight, SHE GOT GAME – DC will tip off once again, and for the first time, we have Texas teams (DeSoto and Duncanville) participating in the DC event. A couple quick points:

Afiba Fairnot (one of the founders of SHE GOT GAME) has changed the landscape in terms of seeking out these matchups and making them possible. He has worked tirelessly to make the logistics work and to negotiate the when/where/how so that these team feel like they are getting a fair shake when they compete. MAJOR S/O to Frank Oliver and Bishop McNamara and Kesha Walton of Bishop Ireton for making that Texas trip from the DMV in 2019. They made these future matchups possible – some of which we will see (or saw last night) here this weekend. Let’s not forget that Shell Dailey brought her Florida power program IMG through as well. That particular weekend changed the game in how teams, coaches, and programs viewed possibilities in their matchups. Some states have travel rules, some programs had never travelled East or West before, and now that thinking has evolved a bit. Check out everything that the SHE GOT GAME brand has on the schedule this year… Want to be part of it? Get in touch with Afiba Fairnot…

Basketball Thoughts

Right now (as I write this Friday morning) DeSoto is the #1 HS team in the country. They have done a great job in finding their style this season. Having dealt with a string of injuries there for a bit that hit them like a dominoes toppling one after the other, they have been consistent performers this season. There is a saying in sports: “Defense Travels”. DeSoto has proven that thus far. They have become more patient on the offensive end – and when they cannot score quickly in transition, disciplined enough to find a good shot in the half court. This severely limits their opponents’ ability to get transition scoring opportunities – and that’s the trap, because scoring against DeSoto’s huge zone in the half court is a very tough task. They used to force the pressure a bit more in terms of full court pressing the majority of the game, but they are using that less now. They’ll apply pressure to the ball, but not to where the game gets choppy and it leads to unnecessary fouls. This keeps them in a good space and they just build leads by getting stops and taking good shots. Texas bound SR Amina Muhammad has been particularly good. LSU bound SR Sa’Myah Smith is a smooth facilitator and lengthy inside presence. Kansas State bound Jamia Harris is knocking down shots from the perimeter. Kentucky bound Tionna Herron is gradually working herself back into form (she was as good last night as she has been this year) after rehabbing an injury up until the beginning of the season.

DeSoto (#1 on ESPN HS Ranks) vs Sidwell Friends (#4 on ESPN HS Ranks) on Saturday at SHE GOT GAME – DC. How fitting!! 

Sidwell Friends is as high profile as it gets and not just in terms of the basketball obviously. The school itself is an impressive campus and the children of some pretty significant public figures and government officials – both home and abroad – have attended school there. Last night, there were brand representatives from The Jordan Brand in the gym to view the action, never to be taken lightly as WBB is gaining traction in notoriety.

Tamika Dudley has built a powerhouse. UCLA bound SR Kiki Rice sets the tone, to the shock of no one. High flying JR wing Jadyn Donovan impacts every facet of the game. Soph Kendall Dudley brings a steady and tough supporting role, no surprise as the daughter of a coach. JR Khia Miller stretches the floor and uses her length well defensively. Soph Leah Harmon is a good catch and shooter which spreads the floor for the others.

I think the biggest thing Sidwell must improve is shot selection. They have several weapons, but occasionally they can get caught watching each other make plays, and the ball doesn’t move. This can lead to tough spots and it forces a player to make a one-on-one play attempt that is not there. It does not come from a selfishness, so it will get corrected as they play more minutes together.

Saturday, Sidwell will have to hit perimeter shots against DeSoto, plain and simple. When or if that happens, it will open up the lanes for Sidwell’s athletes to attack the rim. DeSoto has a lineup of major bigs, but they cannot get in foul trouble. What a matchup!!

We love it.


December 3, 2021: Early Season Thoughts and Observations

I have been out and about to several games and events across the basketball world – both HS and College and it’s time to bet back to the semi-regular quick-thought-style updates about the unique things I see and think about during the season.

Getting to watch so many more live games in real action this year has been absolutely fantastic. Also, the fact that there are so many more quality live streams via HS programs and the FloHoops and ESPN+ platforms has been tremendous as well.

Quick player run downs:

Rylan Buschell | 2025 | Belleviell HS (MI) - Bouncy young guard.. skinny but fearless with good skills.. Can shoot it and showed variety of finishes in the paint.. Could be a good one..

Toby Fournier | 2024 | Crestwood Prep (CAN) – The sky is the limit.. MAJOR MOTOR.. When I watched her play at the Michigan Mega Scrimmage she blocked and rebounded everything in sight.. Runs the floor effortlessly and is now dunking the ball with ease with two hands.

Gisella Maul | 2023 | Cedar Park (TX) – She has taken it to another level in terms of her leadership and efficiency.. She has left her mark all over her program. It is always enjoyable to see players improve – and even more so when the realize how to play to their strengths while they improve the details.. Maul’s improvement from the three-point line has made a huge difference in her game. The bottom line… her teams win! Stock Riser, period.

Ashlynn Shade | 2023 | Noblesville (IN) – I watched Noblesville vs Homestead (Ayanna Patterson) and it was such an enjoyable style .. both teams share the ball and really let it fly. Shade is obviously no secret, but it’s notable that she continues to improve. She has a super quick trigger from the three and always plays with a tough-as-nails intensity. They came away with the W and recently had a close one, but Shade made a nice dime to a teammate to score at the buzzer for the W.

Katy Eidle | 2023 | Hersey HS (IL) | Michigan Commit – This was also on film.. PG/Combo guard game.. quick release and sharp handle; Shoots an easy three ball an can create space for her J.. Crafty and draws fouls.. Finishes LT/RT .. Hooper.

College Games

We have been really gifted some early season major college matchups. From the opener between NC State and South Carolina to the Thanksgiving Week Top 10 matchups (including #1 South Carolina vs #2 UConn), these have all been MUST SEE. Even last night as the Big10/ACC and Big12/SEC Challenges start, we’ve seen close ones and even “upsets”.

What I am seeing right now is the teams with depth and commitment to the defensive end are being the most successful. What I read from that is they have a roster and a locker room dedicated to TEAM first as having depth and buying into the defensive end require a certain higher level of commitment above self-interests.

I have been fortunate to be able to spend some time with a few staffs so far this season and watch practices, talk game plans, watch games, and then debrief after the games with some current and future Hall of Famers. Unreal experiences!!

Watch the games.. see for yourself. You will learn something about the game.



February 11, 2021: My Day with Pat Summitt

This was a memorable experience from the summer of 2011. I was an Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at UT-Arlington at the time. (I blogged about it then, but this is a revision.)

We had a local event that had one of the top players in the 2012 class as one of its participants (I can now say that it was Alexis Jones of Irving MacArthur HS). I received a call asking if I could do a favor for one of my favorites in the world of Women’s Basketball, Kathy Harston, who was the Director of Basketball Operations at Tennessee at the time. I had the pleasure of working for Kathy during my time at the University of Texas under coach Jody Conradt. Kathy is now the University of Texas Senior Associate Athletics Director for Sports Programs and is on the NCAA Division 1 Women’s Basketball Competition Committee.

Anyway… that favor was none other than to pick up the legendary Pat Summitt from the airport and take her to a local event. She had just returned from France for the U17 World Championships and was on the summer grind just like the rest of us. Well, of course I said, “Absolutely! I can do it.” It was my pleasure. What an opportunity, right!?

** Note: In typical boss move fashion, Coach Summitt came in to the local private airport in Arlington on her small private jet. PJ’s on the runway indeed!
           
We were able to sit down and have a nice dinner at a local place in Arlington that was a staff favorite, Olenjack’s. They always took care of us just right on recruiting weekends and things like that. We sat and visited for hours. She shared with me so much wisdom, experience, knowledge, and a couple of priceless stories too – including one about the recruitment of Candace Parker and how she sealed the deal in the home visit. I could go on and on…  She was truly an incredible individual and to actually take the time to share some of her insights with me was something that I didn’t expect, but greatly appreciated and will cherish forever.

It goes to show her love for the game and her respect of young coaches in the profession. Again, I could go on and on… It was a great night! A LEGEND and the winningest basketball coach of all time (at that time) … Can I stress that enough!?

This was a surreal experience. We sat down about 5:30pm and before I knew it, it was after midnight. It was like time stood still. It sure didn’t feel like seven hours. We talked and she allowed me to ask so many questions .. and the conversation just went from one thing to another because she had a story or a teaching moment for every question that I asked. I sure did appreciate Olenjack’s for allowing us to be in a private corner in their restaurant where we were given the privacy to visit.

Coach Summitt even momentarily took a call from her Tennessee WBB office to get some news about a player who had been consistently late to a summer school class. She was NOT having it.. And explained her policy and reasons behind her strict discipline in such areas.

One thing that was glaringly clear to me that night and as I reflected on that valuable time: hard work and tireless dedication will result in a positive outcome. You must have patience and a vision. There are many steps along the way, but the foundation must be built out of hard work. Period. It is not a cliché. Work hard and do not get discouraged along the way. The path is not perfect for anyone. The bottom line is: MAKE IT HAPPEN. It wasn’t easy for Coach Summitt, nor should it have been. She had to earn it just like anybody else. I don’t think she would have had it any other way.

Coach Summitt took her job at Tennessee and did not just redefine that particular position, but she helped define what WBB was, what a WBB coach could be, and became one of the marquee coaches at the forefront of the growth of the game. In true leadership fashion, she grew the players and staff under her, but never lost her hands-on approach to every aspect of her program, and consequently, the game.

Sometimes this is easier said than done, but that’s why the cream rises to the top. It’s not easy, but it is a simple concept. It is not simple to execute, but the path has been proven and the trails blazed.

It should also be noted that, again in true Coach Summitt fashion, she continued to pour into me the next day while we attended the event. Baylor’s Kim Mulkey was there to recruit Alexis (who originally went to Duke, but transferred back to Baylor) and they decided to go to lunch together. Coach Summitt invited me to join and so we all jumped in Kim’s Cadillac Escalade and went to Mac’s Bar & Grille, another longstanding Arlington restaurant. So here I was, sitting with two Hall of Fame WBB Coaches .. listening and observing excellence as they discussed Head Coach experiences and concerns, many of which will stay right there at that table. They were both every inclusive and encouraging to me. Wow.. that meant a lot.

Do you ever sit back and just think “Man, I’m blessed.” ? I sure do.

Set the bar high and proceed, just as Coach Summitt exemplified to all of us.

SL





January 20, 2021: Journey to the Tourney | Classic in the Country (OH)

First, let me take a figurative moment of silence for the late John Rhodes  ....................  My heart goes out to John's family and close friends. We are thinking of all of you, Terri (John's wife). 

I had really started getting to know John well over the last year. The former Mayor of Myrtle Beach, he loved his city and had done so much for the people there. He had run the Beach Ball Classic (boys) and United Bank Holiday Invitational (girls) for many years. There have been many historical matchups, coaches, and players there throughout its time. I have a feeling there will continue to be. He was now particularly focused on taking his girls event to the next level as he worked closely with his dear friend, Hall of Fame Coach Sylvia Hatchell. 

John was passionate about the game and for serving those participants in his event. He had made it from a tournament into an all encompassing event as the city of Myrtle Beach really opened its arms to these teams. John Rhodes gave his heart to his civic duties and he did the same with the people he encountered. He was encouraging and was always willing to lend some of his experience to you so you could learn and be better in your own ventures. 

We will miss you, Dr. John Rhodes.
(Doctor of Public Service recently received from Coastal Carolina University on December 11, 2020). 




January 5, 2021: SHE GOT GAME – Atlanta | Various College Games | Upcoming College Games

The 2021 New Year tipped off with the January 1-3 SHE GOT GAME Classic – ATLANTA hosted by scholastic event extraordinaire, Afiba Fairnot. 54 teams [primarily from GA (39), but also from Arizona (1), Florida (6), North Carolina (1), South Carolina (1), Tennessee (1), Texas (1), Virginia (1)]. Matchups are the specialty at SHE GOT GAME events.
 

• A few of the memorable games from the weekend:

Mount Paran (GA) 66, Lovejoy (GA) 63

St Francis (GA) 60, Kell (GA) 47

Montverde Academy (FL) 53, Compass Prep (AZ) 44

Montverde Academy (FL) 62, Forest Park (GA) 53 (OT)  **Game of the Event**

Winston Salem Christian (Rudd) 58, American Heritage (FL) 47

Winston Salem Christian (Rudd) 54, Compass Prep (AZ) 39
 

• A few player names to remember (underclassmen/unsigned players):

Elle Blatchford – 2023 – Sequoyah (GA): Skilled, poised, all-around game

Sydney Bowles – 2022 – Woodward Academy (GA): Great size for guard, one of the best in the country .. has added rise to J

Kara Dunn – 2022 – Mt. Paran (GA): Do it all type of player .. Made a killing in the mid-range and on the glass

Jamiah Gregory – 2023 – Kell (GA): Potential here .. fast and smooth with nice instincts

Crystal Henderson – 2023 – Kell (GA): Nice handle and change of direction .. showed 3 ball; Skilled!

Fernanda Ovalle – 2022 – Montverde Academy: Skilled and smart .. knows how to pick her spots .. steady presence for her team

Bryana Preston – 2024 – Lovejoy (GA): Caught my eye with overall skills.. runners, 3 ball, and competitive defensively

Kam’Ren Rhodes – 2022 – Compass Prep (AZ): Has proven time and again she is willing to compete and mix it up .. Impressive competitive effort every time out. Small guard that makes plays.

Sydney Shaw – 2022 – American Heritage (FL): Really solid guard in the ’22 class .. Her game has matured and she is shooting the three ball well.

Mjracle Sheppard – 2023 – Montverde Academy: Very impressive weekend .. Was good in PnR reads and lived in the paint; She’s looking very comfortable at the helm of a team that is staking a claim as the best in the country.
 
UCLA - 73 vs Oregon - 71
            This was an exciting Pac-12 Sunday afternoon matchup. UCLA used a 20-15 first quarter to get a bit of separation and held on to the two point win. Oregon actually won the last three quarters, all by one point. Studying the box score, the numbers were pretty even – shooting percentages (UCLA shot the three ball better), rebounds, turnovers, and assist-FG ratio.

            UCLA Junior Michaela Onyenwere was outstanding with 33 points and 10 rebounds (12-20 from the field and 8-8 from the FT line). She has been an incredible example of player development. I remember seeing her at the Nike TOC in Phoenix during December of her freshman year with Grandview HS (CO) and the elite athleticism was evident. Her skill development up to this point is one to be studied. She is consistently improving her pro draft stock.

Kentucky 92 – vs Mississippi State – 86
            This game had my full attention for its entirety. First things first, let’s remember the Pat Summitt presence here, and therefore how much history of the game was represented by these women while guiding their programs into the future. Both Head Coaches (Kyra Elzy – Kentucky, Nikki McCray-Penson – Mississippi State) played for Pat Summitt at Tennessee and the lead TV analyst for the game was Tamika Catchings who also played for Coach Summitt. Elzy won two National Championships while in college and Catchings won one in 1998 as a freshman (undefeated season).

            Secondly, we must take a minute to recognize the fantastic shooting and scoring display in this game. Kentucky shot 49.2% from the field overall, 50% from the 3FG (14-28), and 81.8% from the FT line. Mississippi State shot 49.3% from the field overall, 41.2% from the 3FG (7-17), and 90% from the FT line.

            The matchup of Kentucky JR Rhyne Howard and Mississippi State SO Rickea Jackson was intriguing in and of itself, and then the product these two teams put on the floor in this competitive SEC battle was enough to put this on the list as one of the games of the year. Is there a better player in the NCAA right now than Howard? She ended the game with 33 points (10-19 FG, 4-6 from 3FG, 9-10 FT), 10 rebounds, and six assists .. how about that for efficiency? There is a reason that there is talk that if she indeed were to graduate early, she would be high on the WNBA draft boards.

            Rickea Jackson ended the game with 23 points (10-22 FG), 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. These two teams are not scheduled to play again in the regular season, unfortunately.

            Major learning moment for young players in this game: The game was tied at 84 with 1:25 left in OT with a 61.5% FT shooter at the line for Kentucky. She missed and the Mississippi State player in the bottom (defensive/inside) position made no effort to block out Rhyne Howard who then got the offensive rebound and the And-1 put back. Habits and details!  

• Wednesday:

Villanova at Seton Hall : The pace of this game should be really fun to watch.

Tulane at Houston : Two teams averaging 70+ PPG going at it in an afternoon game.

Minnesota at Iowa : Anytime Iowa is playing is a reason to tune in; They are young and can score!
 

• Thursday:

Maryland at Michigan State : Two of the tops in the B1G Conference. Popcorn!

Arkansas at Tennessee : Tennessee coming off of covid pause; Arkansas coming off of close one vs Mizzou

[POSTPONED] Georgia at South Carolina : Regional SEC battle. South Carolina is must see always.

Notre Dame at Boston College : Two teams fighting for position in ACC

Kentucky at Texas A&M : Top 10 matchup in SEC!! Must see!!

UPDATE: *Louisville at Virginia Tech : An adjustment to ACC scheudle due to covid protocols.
 

• Friday

           
Oregon at Stanford : #1 vs #11 in a major Pac-12 Matchup. Afternoon game (230p ET). Will Sedona Prince and Cameron Brink be back in their respective lineups?

Arizona State at Washington State : Kamie Ethridge has opened eyes thus far in the Pac-12! New Zealand twins Charlisse Leger-Walker (19 points / 5.6 rebounds) and Krystal Leger-Walker (10 points / 3.9 rebounds) have come on strong. Australian Ula Motuga is contributing 11.6 points and 6.7 rebounds. International recruiting impacts for sure. Watch for the game plan from Charli Turner-Thorne who always gets the most out of her players. Canadian guard Taya Hansen has been on fire lately from the three-point land (9 for her last 15; 32% overall). Freshman Jaddan Simmons has had two of her highest scoring outings in Pac-12 play (20 vs USC and 16 vs Stanford).  *** EDIT: This game has now been postponed. 



December 22, 2020: Day 3 at the United Bank Holiday Invitational (Myrtle Beach, SC)


December 21, 2020: Day 2 at the United Bank Holiday Invitational (Myrtle Beach, SC)
Today I was focused on checking out some players that caught my eye on Day 1 and further zeroing in on the depth of their evaluations and measuring their consistency.  

Northwood (SC) has a couple of players that are "Under the Radar" types of players: '23 G Amiyah Ferguson and '24 G Alayah Birch, who both showed again today that they are the ones who make their team go. 

SLEEPER! First Baptist School (SC) had to come in and fill in for a team today and they have '22 Alexia Grant on their roster. She is a smooth player with serious skills and tremendous bounce! She has a savviness to her game and plays with some flair, especially in her passing. Get a look! Something players need to realize is important as they not only develop skillwise as a player, but mature as a player: There is no excuse for fatigue or frustration fouls! You can be tired and still be in the right position and frustration fouls are just selfish; These are things that lose close games!

Overall, consistent transition defense is a problem among club teams and it bleeds into undisciplined HS teams. Simple effort correction and "want to" gets the job done. I see far too much attitude expressed in the lackadasical effort to get back on defense. It is a huge red flag for me because it is a choice!

I will never understand coaches who try to micro-manage players' every action; this causes tentative play as these coaches justify it as teaching or in an attempt to keep a mistake from happening .. Newsflash: it generally just leads to more mistakes. Teaching belongs in practice; Coaches should expect what they see in practice to show in the games .. if you allow repetitive mistakes or lack of focus and improvement, then please do not be shocked when it rears its ugly head in the games .. no matter how "hard" you are coaching during the game. I'm a big believer that the "coaching hard" is in the planning and teaching that goes on in practice on a daily basis. The discipline and consistency falls on the shoulders of the leaders. That's a topic for another day. Also, parents doing this from the stands helps NONE. In fact, it's a major distraction and causes unnecesary emotional responses out of the young players. Again, probably a topic for another day. 

Today's (personal and for Premier Basketball) TV debut on the Stadium Network was fun! It is definitely harder than it looks/sounds as there is a lot that goes into the production and having producers in your ear for the first time is intereting in and of itself. I want to thank Tournament Director, John Rhodes, for the opportunity and the play-by-play expert, Allen Smothers, for a wonderful experience. If I am to do it again in the future, I definitely have some things on which to improve. Sometimes, it is fun just to be thrown into something and have to just get it done. Good life lesson... 


December 19, 2020: Day 1 at the United Bank Holiday Invitational (Myrtle Beach, SC)
I focused today on the eight teams and four games of the "United Bank Division" bracket.