Loved reading this!! Extraordinary. Of course you are extraordinary Bill! And you could tell how much air is in a basketball just by touching it. I don't know what a box out is,(#7), but here is the one you really put yourself in.
Thanks Bill! I too like to see how players warm up. I think it says much about their state of mind going into the game. But I was especially pleased to see that you point out the work and play of a center who can pass the ball. I tried to fulfill that very role under some of the same tutelage as you—VBK and Pete Carril. I found it to be a great thrill to have the ball and try to get it to one of my teammates, swirling around the floor. Always a dynamic moment! Chris Thomforde
Those are all fantastic tips. I like to look for off ball screens and what play develops; for cuts on the weak side; how rim protectors position themselves to alter shots; so much more. When played unselfishly basketball is a beautiful game.
That was the most perfect college game I ever played in. Everyone was operating on full throttle, and it showed in the result. Now I’m rooting for the next generation to do it! Thank you so much for writing this beautiful piece.
Love this list! I also look at players’ body language when they are losing. Does communication breakdown? Anyone putting the blame elsewhere? If they are poised then I trust they will bounce back. Thank you, Senator!
I try to get to the parking lot of the arena as the players arrive. If either team has a player driving an old Buick, I’m betting on them.
(Love this piece!)
Are you referring to MY beat-up old Buick, Chris? If so, thanks ;)
Absolutely!! Favorite car I ever drove a US Senate candidate in.
So many lessons in here beyond the court!🙌🏽
Loved reading this!! Extraordinary. Of course you are extraordinary Bill! And you could tell how much air is in a basketball just by touching it. I don't know what a box out is,(#7), but here is the one you really put yourself in.
I loved this. Thank you for writing it and sharing.
Thanks Bill! I too like to see how players warm up. I think it says much about their state of mind going into the game. But I was especially pleased to see that you point out the work and play of a center who can pass the ball. I tried to fulfill that very role under some of the same tutelage as you—VBK and Pete Carril. I found it to be a great thrill to have the ball and try to get it to one of my teammates, swirling around the floor. Always a dynamic moment! Chris Thomforde
And you were a great passer. The rest of the team was lucky to have you there.
Those are all fantastic tips. I like to look for off ball screens and what play develops; for cuts on the weak side; how rim protectors position themselves to alter shots; so much more. When played unselfishly basketball is a beautiful game.
A terrific primer relevant to successful team play at all levels of organized basketball, including high school teams.
Your approach to the game was well expressed in a 1965 game: https://richschwartz14102.substack.com/p/common-sentences-ae2
PS: The coda of the linked article suggests the need for young Americans to watch 'Rolling Along.' I look forward to seeing it.
That was the most perfect college game I ever played in. Everyone was operating on full throttle, and it showed in the result. Now I’m rooting for the next generation to do it! Thank you so much for writing this beautiful piece.
Love this! Bill Bradley is an unselfish star -- played like that in the 70s, clearly still in that game.
Bill, I’m not getting your posts on my
email. I do get others. Is that on me?
Terry
Love this list! I also look at players’ body language when they are losing. Does communication breakdown? Anyone putting the blame elsewhere? If they are poised then I trust they will bounce back. Thank you, Senator!