Saturday, April 06, 2024

Take It to the Bank

Larry McKenzie's teams won six state titles in Minnesota. He won multiple state titles at two different schools and has been Minnesota Coach of the Year twice. He is in the Minnesota Coaching Hall of Fame. 


Every coach gets criticized. No matter who's on the bench, you can only play six at a time.

Every player, family, and friend develops expectations about:
  • Minutes (court time)
  • Role 
  • Recognition
Examine the difference between expectations and reality and find a spectrum between disappointment and anger. 

A highly regarded coach told me about the end of game where the team needed a hoop to win. The coach set up a play, the team got an open shot and missed. A parent came out of the stands to scream at him about how HIS son should have been taking the shot. The coach explained that their philosophy is to get the best available shot. 

Players are not entitled to anything. At the end-of-season breakup, Coach Scott Celli clarifies that all positions are open. That doesn't mean that displacing an All-League player will happen. 

Arrive early, focus, work hard and good things can happen. 


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