CIC
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Post by CIC on Sept 29, 2003 9:24:45 GMT -5
First, let me say that I've been to the last three Midwest Explosions put on by Bryan Alexander and, as always, yesterday's event was very well organized from start to finish. I think Bryan does a great job of managing these events. The Indiana state AAU organization should hire Bryan as a consultant on running events that run smoothly.
That said, I did have a couple of minor issues. I didn't like the Pike facilities nearly as well as the U. of Indy. All the gyms were very hot and stuffy. Not exactly a good environment for playing basketball.
In addition, I just thought the quality of the play was way down this year. It didn't have anything to do with the level of talent. There were plenty of talented players out there. I just thought the play was sloppy and out of control. Yes, I understand that showcase events will have some of that. As I said earlier, I've been to several of these. Still, this event seemed particularly bad, in my opinion. So many kids were just running full speed and completely out of control. They were turning the ball over constantly, taking off-balance and low percentage shots and generally playing selfish, me-first basketball. Personally, I don't mind when a kid tries to be aggressive but when that results in playing sloppy and out of control - then it shows me that there's a lack of understanding the game.
There's not really anything Bryan can do to prevent this sort of thing. I think it may just be a reflection of the times. Too many kids watching SportsCenter highlights. Maybe I'm an old fuddy-duddy but I was disappointed by how ugly the play was. At times, it was painful to watch. Based on the comments I heard from some parents, I wasn't alone in my thinking.
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Post by RoyalFan on Sept 29, 2003 9:54:53 GMT -5
I will have to chime in on what you think about the showcase event yesterday.
Bryan does a decent job of running the event. The players show up, they get put on teams, and then are told to go out and show their stuff. What do you expect the players to do? When you don't know anyone on your team, you usually will take things into your own hands.
The biggest problem is that Bryan takes any and all comers to play. That makes the talent very inconsistent. You have freshman team type players, trying to keep up with some Division I type players. Talk about not being able to keep up. I was at the event and saw that the better players didn't have much of a choice during the games, as some players were so far behind the others, that it made it impossible to play with their teammates.
If he wanted to make things better for the players, and more importantly the college coaches, he would limit who comes, or actually put players on teams of equal calibre. Now, that may take some doing, but most of the top players are easy to pick out, and most know who they are, especially someone like Bryan who is supposed to know who the top players are.
He should take a note out of Nick Ray's book, and invite players based on talent that he knows, not any and everybody. But then that would make the money figures drop somewhat wouldn't it?
Overall, you got exactly what you should get when there are 10 kids on a team, and such a diverse group of talent.
As for the comment about Bryan helping AAU out? Come on get real, it is alot more easy to plan one event, and only one event. Try running 32 events many going at the same time in 32 different locations, with 32 different people overseeing them. Once someone figures out how to make that perfect, you let me know. But it is always easy to make comments about something you may not be involved with.
I will say on a very positive note, that there was a huge number of coaches there, that was great for the kids. The coaches were a little disappointed in the level of players that were in attendance.
Overall the event went on time, and the players got to be seen, and everyone got to play an equal amount of time.
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hooops
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Post by hooops on Sept 29, 2003 9:56:58 GMT -5
CIC,
I would agree that the play did seem exactly the way you defined it, and I would agree that there was alot of talent that attented, I like you, have been to the last three of these events, and I also liked the U of I set up much better, but all in all, Bryan and staff did a nice job of running the days events.
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CIC
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Post by CIC on Sept 29, 2003 10:09:38 GMT -5
Seeker,
First of all, I would ask that the tone of this discussion remain civil. Maybe I'm reading into your comments a bit but I think this message board will be much more enjoyable for everyone if we try to have an open exchange of opinions without being hostile.
Secondly, in response to your "What do you expect the players to do" question, here's my response. I would expect them to try and play solid, fundamental, intelligent basketball. In my opinion, that means setting picks for teammates, blocking out, playing defense without slapping and reaching, cutting to the basket rather than standing around, controlling the dribble and making good passes instead of jacking up ridiculous shots. It doesn't matter what level your teammates are, you can do all those things and still stand out to coaches.
I would agree with your opinion that limiting the attendance would increase the level of play but then some players wouldn't get this opportunity. I would prefer to keep it the way it is. From what I've seen the top players (Jodi Howell, Adrienne Squire, etc.) don't show up anyway. It's usually the high to moderate players. In addition, I think this event was a bit unusual. The last two I've attended were much higher quality.
And finally, I would agree that it's easier to put on a single event at a single location but Bryan seems to be very good at orgainzation. I didn't mean to suggest that he could solve all of AAU's problems but, clearly, they could use some assistance.
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Post by RoyalFan on Sept 29, 2003 10:19:01 GMT -5
It seems that you are a little over sensative. I did not make any comment that I felt was harsh or unfair. I only stated what I saw. And it was only my opinion. If you do not agree with me, that is fine.
But you need to understand when you open a thread for discussion not everyone is going to agree with you.
And in response to your comment about the players doing the right things. I saw plenty of players doing the right things, but when you go to set a pick and the player doesn't understand, nor use it, why would you continue to do it? That is what I saw, some players didn't have a clue what they were doing. That only makes the play of everyone around them drop. And not to sound crass, but setting picks and making sure everyone gets to touch the ball does not earn scholarships. I know that sounds harsh, but that is reality.
Again, please don't take my comments the wrong way, I am not trying to hurt anyone, and I am totally in agreement with the civil tone, but don't read anything more into my comments than what they say.
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Post by otis on Sept 29, 2003 10:30:48 GMT -5
Who played well??
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Post by jmd on Sept 29, 2003 10:31:55 GMT -5
There were some very good players at the event, some average players, & then some that had no business being there. I guess, if you open it up to anyone who wants to pay the money, you are going to get some players who are not able to compete with the better players. I also thought that play was sloppy. My biggest complaint is the amount of hacking that went on. I think some of that was fatigue. Maybe they should shorten the length of the games?
Where there any players there that you had not seen paly before who impressed you?
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CIC
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Post by CIC on Sept 29, 2003 12:00:10 GMT -5
Seeker,
Didn't mean to be oversensitive. Just thought your comments were a bit strong. Also, I never expected everyone to agree with me. I actually started the thread for the purpose of finding out if my opinion was in the majority or minority.
I do agree that some of the players were inexperienced. I too saw some players trying to set picks that ended up being unused.
That said, I don't agree with your assessment that setting picks doesn't get you a scholarship. I've spoken with a number of college coaches and I've never heard one say that they only look for kids who want to shoot. In fact, I've heard just the opposite. Personally, I think there's a misconception out there that college coaches only look at the kids who put up big scoring numbers. Scoring is nice but it's only a small part of the game. Finding a kid who has well rounded skills is more valuable to me.
And finally, I don't know which games you were watching but I didn't see "plenty" of players doing the right things. Yes, I saw good things every so often but they were few and far between. I think the vast majority of the play was sloppy and selfish. Again, just my opinion.
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GLC
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Post by GLC on Sept 29, 2003 12:09:22 GMT -5
I took 11 players to a two-day event(team/individual) in Chicago. There were approx. 40 schools(coaches) in attendance,and the "overall" talent level was good. Just like in all shootouts,there are going to be players that don't belong. ![::)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/eyesroll.png) . Some players and parents have to learn the "hard way". ![:o](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/shocked.png) I think that shootout organizers should communicate better,so that the events are held on different weekends. ![;)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png) There is enough talent to go around. ;D I hope everyone had a productive weekend.
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Post by RoyalFan on Sept 29, 2003 12:19:35 GMT -5
I work with many of the college coaches that were in attendance yesterday. I can say that while they say that they are looking for the players that set screens, block out, play defense, and all the intangibles that make the game great, how many of those players, that don't put up big scoring numbers actually get scholarships? Very few.
If you don't put up big scoring numbers, most coaches won't even know who you are.
I am not saying that it should be the way you say CIC, but the facts say differently. And every coach I deal with will tell you what they are looking for, but it doesn't end up that way.
Perfect example is Ashley Johnson from Kokomo. She was a wonderful, athletic, awesome all-around player. She did not put up big scoring numbers, and thusly most schools didn't even give her a second look. End the end, she got a scholarship to a school, but she could have a played at a much bigger school.
And I guess the word, "plenty", could mean different things to different people. I did see plenty of good basketball. Not the majority by any means, but plenty.
And finally, as a person, I love to see a kid that can do everything, I enjoy watching the complete player play, not the one that can run down the floor and jack a 3 with noone in position for a rebound. Or missing the kid cutting to the basket.
Give me someone like Ashley Johnson, give me a team of them, and I will beat just about any team out there, whether they have big time scorers or not.
But when you look in the paper, they rarely mention, that a player played great defense, or blocked out, only scored 30 points, or hit 7 3's.
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TBonz
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Post by TBonz on Sept 29, 2003 12:34:23 GMT -5
In reading these posts, I would like to add some observations. We have been to the Adidas events in Indianpolis in the past. They were run very well. Some of what was described seems to be normal fallout from "exposure" events. Everyone wants their child "seen" by college coaches. This fact alone has a negative effect on the way talent gets watered down at these events. We went to the Blue Star event this past weekend in Chicago. It was run incredibly well!!! Great talent (There were many Indiana players were at the Chicago event, so maybe this watered down the Indianapolis event), good facilities, and excellent organization. My hat is off to the Blue Star organizers! I would like to add some things that made that event so good: 1. They held a "team" event on Saturday. Teams played 3-4 games. It was a great chance to see kids in a more organized setting before the "showcase" event took place. There were a number of college coaches preesent for the Saturday event. The talent at both the Saturday and Sunday events was pretty balanced. The Indiana kids played very well!!! 2. The showcase event on Sunday was run with 24-minute, running clock games. Substitutions were made every 6 minutes. Coaches were assigned to each floor to supervise substitutions and mix up the player combinatiions. The format kept kids fresh, and the officiating which was very adequate for an event like this, kept the hacking and reaching to a bare minimum. Any other thoughts or assessments on kids who played particularly at either event? ![::)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/eyesroll.png)
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Southern Man
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Post by Southern Man on Sept 29, 2003 12:45:03 GMT -5
I was there & I coached a team. I have been to several of these showcase events. I do feel like there were some kids there that were questionable, however, this will happen at any showcase. Folks will find a way to get in. As a coach, I encourage my players to play hard and seek good match-ups. ;D I think Bryan did a great job and I enjoyed the event as did the players that I brought up with me.
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GLC
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Post by GLC on Sept 29, 2003 13:00:44 GMT -5
Like I always say," It's quality,not quantity that counts." ![;)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png) Every player that went with me had a productive two-day exposure; C.Cunningham(PM),K.Pappas(Bb),K.Tate(Tech),T.Bennett(NA),A.Harris(NC),A.Barlow(Pike),B.Marshall(HSE),D.Bell(BR),TJ.Smith(NC),M.Marsh(Ky.),and T.Phillips(Bb). They represented Indiana very well. ;D They were 4-0 against Illinois school and Club teams on Saturday,and stood out individually on Sunday,during the shootout. ![:-*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/kiss.png)
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CIC
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Post by CIC on Sept 29, 2003 13:08:02 GMT -5
Sorry, Seeker, I just don't agree with your belief that kids who don't put up big scoring numbers can't get scholarships. I've seen it happen plenty of times, especially with point guards. Do they get D1 scholarships? Probably not. But - kids getting D1 scholarships are likely solid all around players and/or very high-level athletes anyway so they're scoring may not have been the primary factor in them getting a full ride. Amy Wisser from Marion is a perfect example of what I'm talking about. She didn't put up huge numbers but you would be hard pressed to find a kid who played smarter. She ended up with a full scholarship at the University of Indianapolis (D2) and has had a fantastic career so far for a VERY successful team. I watched her play in some of these showcase events and she did NOT jack up silly shots or play out of control. It CAN be done. Also, I agree that most newspapers showcase the kids who are scoring but most coaches will tell you they're just as likely to check rebounding, assist and turnover stats as they are scoring. If the getting your name in newspapers was the only way to achieve success, Arnold Schwarzenegger would be a govenor. Wait - bad example ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/smiley.png)
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Post by boiler on Sept 29, 2003 13:13:09 GMT -5
Just wondering if ANYONE will answer the question, WHO LOOKED GOOD this weekend at Pike?
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Southern Man
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Post by Southern Man on Sept 29, 2003 13:18:00 GMT -5
I will have to go home and get my list of players so I don't mess up their names and schools. ![???](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/huh.png) I will mention those names tomorrow since my computer at home bit the dust. I was really impressed with several young ladies. ![::)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/eyesroll.png)
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GLC
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Post by GLC on Sept 29, 2003 13:25:34 GMT -5
I heard that the Pike players,that worked the event, "looked good"( go,go,go Jaz & Meek). ![:D](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/grin.png) Just kidding. ![:-*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/kiss.png) If Brea Bass was there,I know she looked good. ![;)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png) She had to be one of the best backcourt players in attendance.
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Post by RoyalFan on Sept 29, 2003 13:51:49 GMT -5
After my debate with CIC, I will turn my attention to what players I saw that were above the rest in attendance.
The top all around player that I saw had to be Ashlee McGee from HSE. She is without doubt the quickest point guard around. She played great defense, scored at will, and made everyone around her look good. That would be one of the players that stood out.
Another is Ms. Bass from North Central. Even though she is about 5-1, she plays huge. Great ball handler, great defender. She can break anyone down one on one. She is only an 8th grader and can play with anyone. Look for her to be one tough customer when she does get to high school.
The next player put on one of the best offensive, and rebounding shows that I saw. Her name Ebony Jackson from HSE. I don't mean to be playing the HSE song, but these two kids can play. Ebony must have scored 20-25 points per contest, running the floor scoring inside and out. She is only a frosh at HSE, but figures to be a big help once she gets used to the pace of the high school game.
The next player that comes to mind is from Southport. I can't remember her name, I think it is Bassler maybe. She was very skilled, scoring, defending, running the floor. She is also only a frosh from what I remember. Got some good reviews from the coaches also.
Those are a few of the players that stood out that I can remember. Guards usually stand out more than post players cause they handle the ball alot more than the posts. I have others, but want to see what everyone else thinks.
Glad to hear, GLC, that your trip to Chicago went well. We need to have an event down here like the one you went to. Maybe next year we can talk the people that be into holding one down this way. What do you think?
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CIC
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Post by CIC on Sept 29, 2003 14:15:22 GMT -5
I thought Morgan Groover from Elwood looked good. She's a post and had to depend on her teammates to get her the ball but once she did get it, she was hard to stop. She must have blocked about 8-10 shots in the game I watched.
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GLC
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Post by GLC on Sept 29, 2003 14:21:01 GMT -5
Not a bad thought,Seeker. ![:o](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/shocked.png) What I've got in mind will not only keep our(IN) kids here,but will also get some of theirs here,too,without disrupting anyone else. ![;)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png) I think I can satisfy all parties. ![8-)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/cool.png) Stay tuned for more info. ![:D](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/grin.png) P.S. I might need a "wittle" help with the "IHSAA". ![:-X](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/lipssealed.png) They think I'm a "baad boy". ![:P](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/tongue.png)
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