Moving Along…
We are in full swing now and I am very pleased with our work. Tomorrow (Wednesday), we will have the day off. I told our players to be sure that they stretch and eat right. I also emphasized the importance of the classroom. We do not want any 6 am’s for screwing up in the classroom. We told them to make sure that they get some sleep and strongly advised that they do not go out and party.
As mentioned, our practices have been very good. I am most impressed with the intensity of our guys. From a personal standpoint, I cannot believe how much I have grown. In particular, my approach to practice as well as my communication with our personnel (players and coaches) has worked to our benefit. It wasn’t so much that I wasn’t communicating, but I was not firm and thorough.
We still have work to do and our guys know that. On the defensive end, we just do not communicate the way we need to. Last season, we really stuggled with dribble penetration, so we went out and found a shot blocker in case we have trouble with penetration this season. I have seen much improvement stopping the basketball, but because of a difficult early schedule, we have to be that much more prepared.
On November 6th, we will see where we are when we play an exhibition game against Huntington College, an NAIA powerhouse. We were defeated last season on our home floor by this very good basketball program. I have been criticized for playing them again this year, but I want my kids to improve and this team will definitely make them better.
More to come…
Coach Fife
