Nothing screams “offer me” like going half speed in warm-ups with your air pods in, while tying your jersey around your neck like a scarf with your shoes untied.
PLAYERS: Don’t worry about looking cool. Worry about doing right! Be noticed for positive reasons.
Duncan Robinson epitomizes the blurred lines of level in college basketball.
He might have played D3, but he certainly was not a “D3” player. NCAA D2 is loaded with guys who are D1 players. The same goes for NAIA. You can’t get caught up in level.
Bloom where you are planted.
Abilene Christian defense... 👀👀👀
*Hips down, active hands, early help
*The timing and talk on their switches are impressive.
*Extra effort on scrambles. Constantly flying around. They embrace defensive rotations.
*Ready and willing to take charges
*Elite grit
PLAYERS: Don’t get caught up in the recruitment of others. There are kids touted as “D1 players” that don’t hold a single offer from any level. The recruiting landscape is as interesting as it has ever been.
Run your race, trust the process, and your time will come.
You can play man. You can play zone. You can play pack line. You can play in the passing lane.
If you can’t 1) contain the drive, 2) communicate, 3) show some want-to each possession, and 4) finish with rebounds, your identity and principles do not mean much.
PLAYERS: Skipping reps and sets in the weight room this spring is like taking plays off in a game. It is selfish, it is lazy, and it says that you just don’t care about your team. Cant cheat the hustle!
You can nap in class or you can take detailed notes...
You can slack in practice or you can treat each rep as a game-winning play...
You can be inward with your energy or you can lift someone up...
Each day, we all have choices. What you choose to do is solely on you!
My input...
*Elite NCAA D3’s and NAIA’s can beat NCAA D1’s
*There is tons of NCAA D1 talent playing NCAA D2 and NAIA
*Big time JUCO’s are loaded with MM-HM NCAA D1 guys
This is not “one size fits all”. Big time programs in every level of college basketball.
PLAYERS: Study hall isn't the only time for academics like practice isn't the only time for athletics. You find growth when you put in time when it is not required of you.
Sifting through multiple AAU tournament books today. There are countless PG’s from 5’10”-6’1” across the nation.
*Lead vocally
*Don’t turn the ball over
*Control tempo
*Get to the paint
*Bury open shots
*Defend
What separates you from the rest? Why should a staff recruit you?
Off to Houston this week for the NABC Convention. Been practicing my coach talk all weekend… 🗣️🗣️🗣️
“Where you staying?”
“My man! What’s up big time?!?”
“When you touch down?”
“How many ya’ll need?”
“So I talked to Coach at (insert school here)”
“Man... I’m just trying to
FRESHMEN: The preseason is coming. No one expects you to have the college game figured out. No one expects you to be the open gym MVP.
You are expected to buy in, challenge yourself daily, and get up each time you get knocked down. It is not easy, but it is worth it
#Development
Watching the
@NAIA
DII National Tournament right now... HIGH LEVEL basketball!
PLAYERS: Before you are “slept on”, “overlooked”, and “too good” for a “low level”, I hope you have an understanding for the levels you are too good for. There is great basketball at all levels.
We all want more wins, and there is no question about that...
... but when you see our guys interact with kids, and act on something bigger than themselves, it is special. Ethan is one tough customer, and Emporia is behind him. It’s bigger than basketball!
Coaches “grinding” during a pandemic, please save the “look at me” act. We all work.
To players feeling “slept on”, it is rarely the case. It is 2020, nearly anyone can create a highlight, and the coaching network is connected at a high level.
Don’t over-value yourself!
Off to NOLA this week for the
#FinalFour
. Look forward to some top-notch coach talk…
“My man! What’s up big time?!?”
“How many ya’ll need?”
“Man... Im just trying to get like you!”
“Where’s your boss at?”
“You know who’s getting that job?”
PLAYERS: July is here. Coaches will determine if they will offer you or not. How to help your stock...
Make the extra pass... Knocking down shots is great. You know what else gets you noticed? Refusing to give up the good shot for the great shot. Be unselfish.
🚨🚨🚨CLASS OF 2022🚨🚨🚨
June 15th = We can talk to YOU!
The April live period didn’t go down and NCAA D1’s and D2’s cannot recruit off campus in July. Lets still work 👀... Send me:
*Name, height, weight
*HS & hometown
*AAU team
*Cell phone #
*Highlights
DM me!
#StingersUp
BIG TIME
@CoachDoty
! Absolutely earned. Every step of the way.
Just as you don’t take for granted the opportunity to lead a NCAA Division I program, I don’t take for granted an opportunity to be on your staff once again. Excited to get to work.
Houston… Let’s get it
#DawgsUp
There are 362 NCAA Division I head men’s basketball coaching positions in the country. I don’t take for granted how fortunate I am to be offered the opportunity to lead one of these programs, specifically, Houston Christian University (HCU).
First, I want to thank the Lord for
PLAYERS: If you allow your teammates to go half speed in spring workouts, you are condoning mediocrity! You forfeit any right to be frustrated come winter because you didn’t force accountability within your family.
You won’t win any games this spring, but you can lose some.
PLAYERS: You determine how much opportunity you get. Going to class, buying into the program, and putting in extra work is on you. Your CHOICES will dictate your PLAYING TIME.
PLAYERS: If a coach can’t count on you to show up to class on time, not cut reps in the weight room, and fail to go 💯% in practice... How can they trust you come game time?
You can tell a lot about a player (and people in general) by how they respond to adversity. Some cry about it, some point their finger at someone else, some shell up and hide, and others roll up their sleeves and work. Which one are YOU?
It’s that time of year once again! Off to Phoenix this week for the NABC Convention and
#FinalFour
. Time for ELITE coach talk phrases. Got some help this year from a few of the good guys… 🗣️🗣️🗣️
“My GUY! What’s up big time?!?”
“When you touch down?”
“Where you staying?”
Many opinions on the transfer portal. Here lies a fact…
Once you commit to a school, and the Twitter party passes, you will find there will be tough days and challenges at your new school too. If you don’t attack them, the challenges will attack you. Grit is required everywhere
Before being a starter, dominate being a back up.
Before being a head coach, be the best assistant possible.
Before managing the restaurant, be the best server, bartender, or cook you can be.
Want something more? Start with where you’re at.
Two things that never go out of style when evaluating players...
1) Someone who loves to compete regardless of the score
2) Someone who loves their teammates regardless of the score
It’s either unconditional or it’s not. You cannot fake it!
Thinking out loud… Ever so important skills…
*Knocking down open 3PT shots… Spacers are valuable.
*Containing the drive… Can you guard your yard?
*Getting to the paint… Can you create for others?
*Playing off two feet… BALANCE
Get these in your bag ASAP
For any aspiring college basketball players watching Baylor/Villanova, here are two takeaways for you…
1) Weight room/diet… The next level is big boy/big girl basketball.
2) Playing hard isn’t enough. You must COMPETE.
Back to school! 4 S's for academic success to better your GPA:
1) Show up… Don’t show, dont learn. If you are late, what message are you sending to your professor?
2) Stay locked… Phone down, mouth closed, listen up. Be engaged in class.
3) STAY AWAKE… Nap on your own time.
You can bring your jumper to practice.
You can bring your handle to practice.
You can bring everything in your 🎒 to practice...
... but if you don’t bring your brain, your motor, and your heart, you’ll get whooped. That translates when game time comes too.
PLAYERS: If you have an excuse as to why you cannot work on your game, do not be surprised when your coach has an excuse as to why you do not have the opportunities you want.
Year 11 in the books.
Most wins in the 32-year NCAA DII era at ESU, first NCAA Tournament win in program history, and many more memories made.
Thank you Emporia. Thank you to our administration. Thank you
@CoachDoty
. Thank you to our players.
Grateful for it all
#StingersUp
PROSPECTIVE STUDENT-ATHLETES... Concerned about your recruiting during the global pandemic?
*Use your first and last name on social media accounts
*Have your highlight “pinned” or in your bio
*Have full game film and transcripts ready
Attention to detail shows you care!
Public service announcement…
… not everything needs to be announced. You can work without telling everyone. You can work in the shadows. It will be ok! Everyone doesn’t need to look at you.
What is done in the dark will come to light.
New week of opportunity on the horizon! Challenge yourself daily:
1) Academically... Get ahead of the syllabus, seek help from a tutor
2) Athletically... Get individual reps in, motivate a teammate
3) Socially... Hold open a door for someone, greet a stranger
To the players committing JUCO... No matter where you sign, coaches and program prestige alone cannot get your academics right, nor can they get your game right.
JUCO only works if you do!
Botch a lob for a dunk... Duke with a 3PTM on the other end... 5-point swing... Then, UCF blows a FT box out. The margin for error to knock off a
#1
seed is so small.
Fundamental plays don’t make the highlight, but if you don’t make those plays, they will be highlighted.
Year 10 is officially in the books
Most wins at ESU in the last 15 years
Tons of talent returning
More work to do
Too lucky to get to do what I do
#StingersUp
Being mad over failing at a skill you don’t practice is blasphemy. It is the same concept of getting mad over the test you failed, but didn’t study for... Get with it! Life humbles us all. Especially the ones who don’t put the time in!
Toughness...
*Maintaining a stance defensively
*Cutting full speed
*Taking a charge
*Holding a box out
*Sprinting the floor each possession
*Communicating
*Fighting through screens
It is a qualitative measure that fosters winning. Either you have it or you don’t.
Holding someone to a higher standard is one of the strongest kinds of love. Why wouldn’t you want someone in your circle expecting you to be better?
Chase after those expectations. They could change your life.
Basketball and life were emphasized in today’s post workout:
*Get your work done early so you can enjoy yourself
*You can have a big bag, but you don’t need a bunch of garbage in it
*Not all situations require the same energy. No need for a hacksaw when the steak knife works
COLLEGE COACHES...‼️‼️‼️
We have a student assistant,
@Coach_Tucek
, who graduates this May. He is looking for a GA or stipend position if available. His resumé is ready!
Contact him if you have something. If you have nothing, RT this! Trying to help a hard working dude!
Offense...
*Poise
*Timing
*Spacing
*Pace
*Paint touches
*Extra passes
Defense...
*Fire
*Moving with the ball
*Eliminating flow/rhythm
*Stance and hands
*Containing the drive
*Extra efforts
Different mindsets, but same focus. Maximize efficiency versus eliminating efficiency.
Practice complete before tomorrow’s exhibition. First scouts of the year since getting in the game:
2012: Grinnell (IA)
2013: Oakton (IL)
2014: Lincoln (IL)
2015: Vincennes (IN)
2016: Cedar Valley (TX)
2017: Kishwaukee (IL)
2018: Kansas
Coaching is a privilege. Im a lucky dude!
Texas Tech vs Arkansas... A game to remind everyone of how tough, strong, and competitive you need to be to play college basketball.
No room for soft, weak, or scared!
“Casual” won’t win you games.
“Casual” won’t earn your degree.
“Casual” won’t get you where you want to be in life.
Casual is good enough to get you beat.
Random thought... There are too many coaches “grinding”, “always working”, and complaining about a job that they “love” doing, but at the same time, has overtime hours...
Roll up the sleeves, work in silence, and appreciate you have a CAREER you can impact so many with
#BigFacts
🚨🚨COLLEGE COACHES🚨🚨
Are you looking for camp opportunities this summer?
Are you passionate about making an impact on the game?
Do you want to travel the country while expanding your network?
@MidwestEliteBB
is looking to add coaches for Summer 2020. DM me for details!
PLAYERS: July is here. Coaches will determine if they will offer you or not. How to help your stock...
Take warm-ups serious... Go full speed, have your uniform on appropriately, and show that you are fully engaged to what your team is doing. Some coaches will stat warm-ups.
One week left of the regular season. Year 1 in Emporia has gone by FAST. Thankful for a good group of guys, as well as being able to work alongside friends.
Lets finish strong!
#StingersUp
Woke up today.
Got to coach basketball.
Got to work with great people, both players and coaches alike.
Yes, it is July, everything is new, we are 0-0, and have a long ways to go…
… Blessings always need to be counted
As of today, 1,172 names in the transfer portal for men’s basketball. There are also junior college transfers looking for homes, along with international prospects.
Fit > Everything! Go where you are valued. Go where there is a vision for you. Go where you can make an impact.
I know that guy in the middle... I know the guys on the outside too, but man... Thrilled for
@TylerBredehoeft
!
Hired at the beginning of July, first collegiate head coaching job, and is one win away from a national tournament appearance. Stay fresh, my man!
Year 11 in college coaching… 🔜
Thankful for the challenges.
Thankful for the players, despite the toll they take on my hairline.
Thankful for the opportunity to do what I love on a daily basis.
Thankful that I didn’t break the camera.
#StingersUp
Got some coffee this morning...
Barista: “Name for the order?”
Me: “Evan”
Barista: “Hector?”
Me again: “Evan”
Barista: “Edgar?”
Me once again: “Evan”
Barista: “Ohhhh!”
Close enough...
I am excited that
@CoachLavery
is joining me at Houston Christian University as our Associate Head Coach.
This will be Coach Lavery’s 10th year and third college working alongside me. All three programs we took over have been re-builds. It’s what we do as we embrace the
“The greatest respect you can give a great player is to coach them... And coach them hard.” - Doug Collins
Some people claim they want to be great, but only on their terms. If you want greatness, you truly want all the smoke! Point. Blank. Period...!!!
#TheLastDance
Like so many, I reflected in light of the Kobe Bryant tragedy. You don’t have enough time...
So show someone you care, battle through that adversity, take that trip, make a difference in someone’s life...
Make life happen because you never know when it’s your time
#RIPMamba
Hudl...
Appreciate you showing me highlights on a daily basis.
Also appreciate you reminding me each time I watch a highlight that vaping is bad for my health.
Including his year at
@RVC_Athletics
,
@Coach_Tucek
has 3 years under his belt. He is...
*Loyal
*Not afraid of long hours
*High energy
*Eager to learn
He cares about the players, understands the process of a college basketball program, and is a top notch guy. Someone hire him!
We have no seniors on our roster but we honored senior student-assistant
@Coach_Tucek
tonight.
Coach Tucek will be on the market this offseason. Grand slam hire for GA & stipend college jobs. He recruits, develops players & makes your job easier!
Story:
😂😂😂😂... Wanted to dress up like Marv from “Home Alone” for the day.
Being an assistant has exposed me to a plethora of secondary career options:
*Tour guide
*Travel agent
*Graphic designer
*Academic coordinator
*Mover
*Psychologist
*Garbage man
*Pizza delivery connoisseur
A great assistant coach often times doubles as a great friend.
@CoachLavery
once worked for a moving company in college. Today he and many others are helping my family move into our new home in Emporia. Thanks Coach, or as you want to be called today, “Mover McGee.”
Man…
#HornetNation
was crackin’ tonight!
Know we appreciate it! We play Saturday afternoon as well so if you want to come and bring a friend, we’re cool with it!
#StingersUp
📸 cred:
@austin_klesath2