Randy Lambert Profile
Randy Lambert

@RandyLambertMC

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Followers
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274
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Maryville College Head Basketball Coach for 39 years. Retired and volunteering at Maryville High School with my son, Wes

Maryville, TN
Joined September 2013
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
I am so tired of “cool.” I cannot deal with the attempt to be cool while playing. Give me the guys that like to get down and dirty, who are fundamental,and take pride in defense and rebounding. I want players who are coachable and love to compete. It is cool to be uncool!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
If you only get in the gym during required practices, you need to find you another passion because it ain’t basketball! Invest in your passion to be the best you can be. Know you have given it your all!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
Optional workouts are quite revealing. Invest in those that want to invest. Time in the gym and weight room needs to be a priority for those that want to excel. Success is a grind. You get out of it, what you put into it.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
6 months
An observation after working with HS athletes for 2 years. We don’t stress the importance of maturity for an athlete’s level of success. You can be a clown and have a great time, but you will never reach your potential without a mature approach and you are hurting your team.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
6 years
Never forget the impact you can have on a child because you are their coach.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
Now that I’m back coaching again, expect to hear the reflections of a coach from the asst position after 39 years as a head coach and 3 years off retirement. Going to enjoy working with my son at MHS.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
After my first summer with the kids. First skill to teach…how to hear. Most kids today don’t listen to understand, they listen to reply. It’s one thing to listen, it’s another to hear.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
The lost art of basketball:post entry passing. Should be practiced daily under different scenarios. It is not emphasized nor taught anymore. Whether you have a true center or an occasional post up in your 5 out offense, the post entry pass needs to be drilled.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
6 months
Here’s what I love about the game of basketball: 1) The team that wants to win the most, usually does. 2) It is a team sport, the team that embraces their roles and puts the team before themselves, usually wins. There has to be a brotherhood and everyone has to buy-in.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
Sometimes it just boils down to want to….How bad do you want to rebound, defend, excel, involve your teammates, lead, win???
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
As a coach,don’t ever forget,you are what you emphasize (or tolerate) A few of my non negotiables: not valuing practice,selfishness,lack of effort,lack of commitment to defense,casual ball security,not listening,not being coachable,not being a good teammate,entitlement attitude.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
Just attended a pregame meal with our team. Simple to do with low costs, sponsors, or parents. The greatest team bonding activity you can have. No cell phones, just conversation. Old school thought: Families are strengthened at the dinner table!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
For every player as you move through the pre-season: 1) Develop your weaknesses, 2) Build on your strengths, 3) Focus on your off hand, especially in finishing at the basket, 4) Determine your shooting range, 5) Shoot lots of free throws, 6) Lead vocally and by example.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
1 year
Two basketball junkies at the Final 4!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
8 months
As a HS asst, I find myself saying this more and more:”Just play basketball.” Players need to cut to openings and gaps, present yourself to the ball on a cut, go to where they ain’t, not where they are, hit a seam by the dribble, but don’t dribble into trouble. Use common sense!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
The greatest life lesson taught in sports is personal accountability. If your dreams and goals are higher than those around you, than your life must look significantly different. You will get out of it, what you put into it! As your coach, you and I will hold you accountable.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
Fifty years ago the two greatest influences on an athlete’s life was faith and family. Today, according to a Gallup Poll, they are media and the culture they are involved with. Incorporate within your program, your culture, the values of faith and family!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
Every player has a role on a team. Figure it out and embrace it. Do what you do while remembering your limitations. It’s OK to not being satisfied with your role. Use your dissatisfaction as a motivator, not a downer.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
It’s a constant battle to make our team realize they are part of something greater than themselves. During these last few weeks, commit to practice and improvement. The chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link! Do your part.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
Well, the season is over. One thing I learned after 44 years of coaching, you never stop learning. Take what you learned and get better next year. Never compromise your principles. Go with your gut cause it’s right about 90% of the time.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
As coaches, we must teach and place great emphasis on team…giving of yourself, and playing your role. Don Meyer called it servant leadership. If we can teach our players to perform for the good of the team and to willfully accept their roles, we are providing them a life skill
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
10 months
Tired of hearing the game announcers comment on Cody Shrader of Missouri being a D2 player but still effective on the D1 level. There are severalathletes on all levels in various sports that can be highly effective on the highest level of D1. Many are just not given the chance.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
6 months
Why is that hs coaches try to gain an advantage by not letting your team warmup with the same type of balls that you will be using as the game ball? Would it not be the “right” thing to insure that both teams get the same type of balls as the game ball. Come on guys!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
7 years
Desiring fair treatment is the mindset of the mediocre! 23 practice days left before our first game.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
1 year
Attention all basketball players: Use the next 6 weeks to: Develop a weakness, develop the off hand, get in better shape, groove the stroke, determine your shooting range, and develop a new move and a counter move. Make a plan and coach yourself for 3 to 5 workouts a week.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
You can tell a lot about a young man in a 6:30am workout. Those that work hard and are enthusiastic, those that pay attention to detail and coach themselves through every drill… those are winners in ball and will be in the game of life.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
Make sure your kids know you care about them, believe in them, and will fight with them til the bitter end. Loyalty is a two way street that begins with you!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
1 year
My parents talked to me a lot about the importance of who I associate with; my selection of friends. Time has taught me that the quality of life will be determined by the quality of people in my life. What’s RIGHT isn’t always popular and what’s popular isn’t always RIGHT.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
Watched 2 of my ex-players work the sidelines last night in the CSS semis, Raul Placeres of Maryville and Kendal Wallace of LaGrange. Also got to see Hunter Norman play for Piedmont, the son of ex-player, Wayne Norman. Great night for the Scots and a very special night for me!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
Holding your players accountable is a job for life. Continue to try to support the right values and be their for them as they move from a child to an adult. You never know when you can push the right button!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
6 months
When you get to basketball tourney time, you are either playing a good team, a team that’s hot, or both. You have to play great energy and effort, value every possession on offense, play sound defensively, rebound, and respond to pressure. That’s all!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
Loved the words of Josh Huepel this week: “This game doesn’t care about what conference you play in or where you’re ranked, the only thing it cares about is what you poured into the week….your competitiveness and preparation are going to show up on game day.”
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
Great advice on coaching with my son from a good coaching buddy: Let him screw it up, just like you did. Sometimes it has to hurt to be remembered. Also sound advice when dealing with your players.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
As you prepare for practice, value every opportunity to get better, be the best possible teammate, compete in every drill, and respond in a positive way to coaching. Always put your team before yourself. Success is a grind, embrace the process!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
The pre-season for basketball is a great time to: a) Get your life in order, work on your off the court habits. b) Focus on grades. b) Get your body right. c) Develop your weaknesses on the floor. d) Dream big, but embrace humility. e) Enjoy life and appreciate what you have.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
5 months
The summer is a time for all basketball players to measure their commitment. Do you have an obsession to the process of self improvement? Do you hold yourself accountable to work at getting better on specific skills? Is there an unwavering dedication to fulfilling your dream?
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
As we prepare for the start of practice, it is important your players get excited about the process and not worry about the results. The process is the ability to value every drill and every practice.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
6 months
Rebels at the State Tourney, great year, established a strong foundation for the future.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
7 months
It can be so rewarding to be a part of a team. Pull your weight, put in the work, do your part, pick up your teammates, hold each other accountable, enjoy the highs and share the suffering of the lows. Invest all you have because it can provide you an experience of a lifetime.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
As we conclude our first week of practice, I hope our players have accomplished three things: 1) Buy-in to system, 2) Finding their role within the system, and 3) Demonstrating their level of commitment through effort, attitude, and willingness to buy-in.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
The assistant’s role as we prepare for the season: Embrace the process, sell the buy-in Set the tone by monitoring pace and effort Attempt to replace all selfish actions with selfless behavior Eliminate negativity with positive enthusiasm Demonstrate confidence with humility
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
The lost art of basketball: playing with two hands-you rebound with two hands, you catch a pass with two hands, you retrieve a loose ball with two hands, you dig or takeaway the ball with two hands. Use tow hands!!!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
Avoid the emotional roller coaster that comes with fixating on results. Fall in love with the pursuit of excellence!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
7 months
If an individual or a team wants to get better; then you must change. Improvement requires change: change in approach, in preparation, in focus, in work habits, in effort, in attention to details, in execution. Figure it out and hold yourself accountable to the changes.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
5 months
As a coach, you must have your core values that are consistent and non-negotiable: respect, trust, competitive spirit, toughness, passion, and energy. Players are different and must be coached and challenged differently without compromising your core values.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
7 months
Your attitude and approach to the game should never be fueled by your ego. Your desire to help your team and its members should drive your attitude. Always ask yourself this question: What kind of team would we have if everyone had my attitude?
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
If you don’t commit to the system, then you are just a bunch of individuals playing a team sport! Duh….
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
9 months
Reminded by one of my old assistants,Sean Jones, this morning: “The game is over coached and under taught.” We must teach our kids how to play basketball. which takes a great deal of energy, focus, and commitment. It’s a grind if you are relentless!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
1 year
Similarities of the teams in the Final 8: Toughness, brotherhood, active man defense, four (positionless) around one big while maintaining an open lane for drives, active rebounders on the offensive glass, penetration reads, players responding to coaching, and all have bought in.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
9 months
Are the days of hard coaching over??? Maybe, but how do you really get your players to places they’ve never been without telling them the truth. All they might have heard up to that point is how good they are. Push em and love em. The process is the best life lesson!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
Playing unselfishly: Share the ball, hit the open man Celebrate team, not me Encourage team play by being a great teammate. Be positive, negative body language screams me Align your individual goals with the team goals Embrace your assigned role as determined by the coaches
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
A great player plays…. Fearlessly but under control With passion but understands precision To make those around him better To please his coaches not his ego Hard every drill, every practice and every game and doesn’t take breaks To find a way to be super effective in every game
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
8 months
The best bball players figure this out early in their career. Use your time in the gym with a disciplined approach. There will only be a return in your investment if you are engaged and focused. You have to bring “it” every day. You will get out of it, what you put into it!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
Defense should be more anticipation than reaction. Each player must coach themself through the possession. Stay in a stance, load to the ball, maintain floor vision, give help when needed and recover,don’t foul, box out and finish. More chopping and less hopping (of feet).
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
The eye test: The team willing to invest the greatest energy will typically win. Each player must OWN YOUR ENERGY. We want energy makers not energy takers on our team. Bring it or stay on the couch.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
Great teams have a continual search for perfection in every aspect of the game. They value practice. They understand the pursuit of perfection takes focus as one balances the mental with the physical. They coach themselves through the process giving their all to the common goal.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
Loved the words Tiger shared about the best advice he received from his father, Earl: You will only get out of it, what you put into it. I have been telling my players that for decades. Simple words with recognizable consequences. You must invest.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
9 months
Watching the UT/Illinois game. Check out the two players on the right side as the ball is reversed. Shot ready, hands ready, and feet ready. That’s the way you do your homework before the ball arrives.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
You can choose to pay the price of discipline now, today, and every day or you can choose to pay later with the price of regret. Just imagine the depth of pain you would feel when you realize it is too late.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
The true character of a good man is demonstrated by his ability to handle adversity. The true test of a great man is how he handles success!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
8 months
For any bball team, mid-January is the deadline to eliminate drama and distractions. Drama on the floor and in the locker room are draining and an energy taker… and it makes your life miserable as the coach. If you tolerate and allow it, then it better be worth it.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
Coaching is not about finding the right or wrong way. It’s about finding the highest percentage way to perform successfully with the players you have.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
8 months
Several reasons why young men play HS basketball: be as good as they can be, play for fun, enjoy the brotherhood of a team, have an”escape”, to provide a college opportunity, for the love of the game and its physical challenges. Coaches need to define each athlete’s intentions.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
How’s 0-2 for a start? We are taking baby steps, but we are gaining on the big picture. The guys are learning the system which was predicated by their strengths. They just need to believe and continue to play within themselves. The finished product will be a thing of beauty!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
9 months
Coaching can be more simple than we think. Know what you do and do it well. Know who you are and make sure the players know who they are as a team and as individuals. Don’t do what they want you to do, do what you do. Easier said than done as we prepare for Fulton today.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
Individual and small group workouts are great for teaching your kids to coach themselves. It develops accountability and you find out who your leaders are.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
7 months
Don’t over complicate things, be good at your base defense, run good positionless motion to get the shots you want. As Jimmy Johnson once said: “ It’s not how many great plays you make, it’s how few bad ones you make.”
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
10 months
No one likes to be relegated to the bench. If you are, be the best teammate you can be, stay involved, cheer, and study the game. Figure out why you are there and do something about it in practice. There is a reason. If you don’t know, ask. Don’t pout, figure it out.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
Discipline (committing to system) is a higher form of basketball IQ. Does a player tend to loose their commitment based on the game condition, fatigue, temper, and/ego? Or do they have it at all? As coaches, invest in those that do!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
9 months
When will young athletes understand that the quality of their practice habits have a strong correlation to their development as a player and their time on the game floor. You are in charge of your focus, your effort, your engagement, and your energy.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
7 months
Do not underestimate the power of a rightly timed text, a positive comment or a pat on the back to a child’s confidence and self image. The best thing about being a coach is the number of lives you can impact and influence in a positive way. They need to know you care.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
8 months
5 Def. Musts for 2024: 1)Pressure the ball w/o giving up penetration 2)Protect the lane, no direct line lay-ups 3)Stay in a stance, constant measure to the ball 4)Communication is critical on any exchanges or screening actions 5)Take up room (form an umbrella) to insure a rebound
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
As the old saying goes: Defense is 10% technique and 90% effort. As coaches we must eliminate the ways we beat ourselves: poor D transition, fouling (especially the shooter), and second chance opportunities (off rebounds and 50/50 balls).
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
1 year
Never be satisfied…there must be a relentless pursuit for improvement. Figure it out…draw up a plan and get to work. If it’s going to be, it’s up to me! I would much rather experience the feeling of disappointment, rather than the feeling of regret.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
1 year
As a coach, you have your core values. As a man, you should never waiver from your core values. For no one…
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
1 year
Today I am reminded of the famous words of Coach Homer Brathwaite: Never second guess yourself on a decision based on integrity (the right thing), intelligence (do your research), and a glance of the heart (show some compassion)!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
6 months
When a parent criticizes a coach in front of their child, what are you teaching the child: disrespect the authoritarian figure, throw blame on someone else, bad mouthing rather than doing something about it, giving in rather than dealing with adversity. Come on, who’s the adult.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
An old locker room sign: If what you did yesterday still looks good today, then, you haven’t done much today. Keep striving for improvement!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
8 months
Our staff learned a lesson yesterday after a butt kicking by Brentwood Academy: Sometimes, you can scheme and overthink your approach to a game. When you make your guys think too much, it slows their feet (John Wooden maxim). It also might take you away from what you do best.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
7 months
Any offensive action involving 2 or more players (screens, ball screens, hand-offs) requires communication by the involved defenders. If you don’t, your quiet ass should be sitting on the bench. How do you think you can play basketball without talking on the floor?
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
1 year
So happy for two former Scots on the bench and contributing to Tennessee state championships this weekend. Wesley Murray at Hampton and a Single A Gold Ball and Jared Laverdiere at Alcoa and a Double A Gold Ball.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
1 year
I don’t like players who think they are better than they really are. Be humble. I don’t like players who think they know more about the game than I do. Be willing to listen and learn. I don’t like players who always makes excuses. Accept your shortcomings, adjust, and move on
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
6 months
Success can cloud one’s vision. Never forget the invested time, the relentless effort, and the unwavering focus. Individually, it’s about preparation and the sacrifices you make. Team wise, it’s about working together and committing to the system, It is always we before me.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
7 months
The #1 concern in offensive basketball should be team efficiency: The number of points averaged per possession. You don’t get pretty points or extra points for plays that look good. Put the ball through the hoop without turning it over. Do the obvious, be fundamental, and score.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
7 years
Change a heart, change them forever!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
8 years
As we conclude our first week of practice: Let me remind you, my band of brothers, desiring fair treatment is the mindset of the mediocre!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
The first question you should ask yourself and your team after a tough loss: Did we deserve to win? Did we have the three E’s: effort, enthusiasm, and execution. Was our defense sound and ball pressure good? Did we run our offense with purpose and an intent to get good looks?
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
1 year
Every one of my past players who made all South region or All American bought into the weight room at some point in their career. Bought in means to make it happen on your own without someone making you do it!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
1 year
Every good player has a little nasty in them. You need to have some “dog” in you. You’re a competitor, a fighter. You do what it takes to gain an advantage.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
I loved the words of Coach Prime talking about his role as the coach of Jackson State: “I’m a Change Agent.”As a coach, we are all Change Agents. It’s up to us to do it in a way that it is embraced by our players, our parents, our school and its administration.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
9 months
If you want to become a better practice player, try this: A) Be the best in execution in every drill B) Be the most talkative in every segment C) Pick a couple of players and coach them the entire practice D) Lead by example in engagement and energy E) Turn it on and keep it on
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
As we head into our season, I reminded our kids about the importance of preparation. It’s time to punch the clock, go to work. They didn’t know what I was talking about!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
1 year
Had lunch yesterday with one of my ex- players, TR Robinson. He told me the best basketball advice I gave him over the summer was: “Play 1 on 1 as much as you can against the best competition you can find.”
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
Left out the best asst in college basketball working the sideline last night too in CSS semis, ex-Scot, Jeff McCord. So proud of the work he has done!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
Spend time on dribble penetration into the lane. Our guys feel like it’s a non-stop destination to the basket while running over 1,2, or 3 defenders. Teach to land on 2 feet and look to kick. Teach the old crow hop/pro hop. Also a good power position to score vs one defender.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
2 years
Coaches teach your players to throw left and right handed ( if age capable). Most passes thrown across your body are a turnover.
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
10 months
Players tend to forget, you make your jump shots with your feet…a solid base without floating to your left or right. You make your lay-ups and close ones with your eyes…See your target don’t just throw it up there without placing the ball on your spot(the backboard or the rim)
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
10 months
Abraham Lincoln once said:”The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.” Make the most of each day…every day should be approached with clear intent and targeted action. Have a plan!
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
10 months
You must breakdown losing before you learn what it takes to win. Losers …don’t value the process, make excuses, are selfish, take shortcuts, play the blame game, lack character, quit, are self-absorbed, are negative, and have zero self awareness (how your actions affect others)
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@RandyLambertMC
Randy Lambert
10 months
2 great coaches on dealing with adversity: Izzo: Unity and teamwork are essential, championships are won in the locker room. Auriemma: If you have bad body language, you will never play, ever! Put selfishness behind you, be a part of something bigger than you.
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