How Much Do You Love the Game?

How Much Do You Love the Game?

This is an interesting and hopefully inspiring article about Jorge Gutierrez and his arduous, sometimes tortuous, mostly profound journey into high-major Division 1 basketball.  It’s never enough to be just talented.  It’s never enough to be lucky or fortunate.  It’s never enough to just out-work everyone.  But put those three things together and mix in perseverance, mental fortitude, and an appreciation and passion for the game, and you can make a place for yourself in the world of basketball.  More to the point, you can make a place for yourself in any field of endeavor. 

Despite discrimination, racism, and social bias, it is so comforting to know that in America, there are still opportunities when the quality of your character and the work that defines you can overcome your station in life or the color of your skin.  This should be a lesson for all players and coaches who may be tempted take the easy route when things get difficult…can you say that your situation is any tougher than this student-athlete?  Something to ponder…

Cal's Jorge Gutierrez Shaped by Life-Changing Voyage from Mexico

The Value of a Good Coach

The Value of a Good Coach…

Randomly scouring the internet for news and stories to occupy my time, I came across this article at Yahoo Sports about Coach Scott Lang from La Roche College, near Pittsburgh, PA.  A small NCAA Division III school with no remarkable history of success, the article outlines the dedication of one coach to a school community and his players that will have a lasting impact far beyond his time on the sidelines.  For coaches who enter the profession with clear and pure intentions, Coach Lang’s story will ring true and I thought it was worth sharing.  It's a fitting tribute to a coach who believed he was making a difference. 

Enjoy the link below…

Big Coach in the Little Gym

Meet in the Middle Parking...

Be advised that the Fresno State University Men’s Basketball Team has a home game this Saturday.  We were just informed.  Parking will probably be free in the morning, but you may have an issue in the afternoon.  So your best choice is to car pool if you can, and try to stay the whole day at the Student Rec Center.  There are restaurants within walking distance or short 1-2 minute drive…

MEET IN THE MIDDLE TOURNAMENT SCHDULE RELEASED!

HERE IS THE TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE...CALL IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS. 



Meet in the Middle UPDATE #7: Team Updates and Last-Minute Tips

Meet in the Middle UPDATE #7: Team Updates and Last-Minute Tips

Before I forget:

·         In the spirit of the Martin Luther King, Jr. national holiday, we are proud that the Meet in the Middle Winter Classic is as inclusive as possible to people of all nationalities and backgrounds who share the Filipino’s love and passion for basketball.   We hope that all the teams and those in stands have fun, cheer for their teams, and have a positive experience. 

·         Please inform your team members to have a Photo ID ready when registering for the tournament.  Names on Official Rosters will be checked with ID’s. 

·         Due to unforeseen circumstances, FASTBREAK #2 was not able to field a team for the tournament, reducing our field to 11 teams.  Teams that have FASTBREAK #2 on their schedule will instead play a modified XO SELECT team so you can get your 3 games in.  According to the posted tournament rules, the game is still considered a forfeit and you will receive 20 points towards your point differential total.  However, an added incentive for winning the game is that if your team wins against XO SELECT, your margin of victory will be added to the 20 points you will already receive.  Since we are playing in modified pool format, points are crucial since teams in a group can have identical records. 

·         Complete tournament schedules are being released to teams who have paid or have been in direct contact with the Tournament Director, Russell Raypon.  Teams who have done so should check their email inboxes this afternoon.  If you have not contacted me directly yet, please do so ASAP.  If you are still in the process putting together your payment, your next best bet is to show up at 7:30 am Saturday morning to register your team and see the posted tournament schedule.

·         We are posting the rules of the 3pt Shooting Contest early:

o   Two divisions: OPEN and FILIPINO Only

o   Contest is open to players and spectators; Tournament spectators are also encouraged to participate

o   $10.00 fee for Filipino Only; $15.00 for Open; $20.00 for both divisions

o   Open Contest will be two rounds; Filipino Only will be 1 round

o   5 Spots, 4 balls (1 pt each) and 1 Money Ball (2 pts each)

o   Most points in 1 minute advances or wins

o   Winner from each division will win a cash prize with remaining proceeds to be used for tournament operating costs

                                                                                  

It should be a great weekend of basketball!

Meet in the Middle UPDATE #6: Tournament Format, Registration Process, and Important Reminders…

Meet in the Middle UPDATE #6: Tournament Format, Registration Process, and Important Reminders…

Hello Blog Visitors:

Once this tournament is in the books, The Coach’s Box will start posting basketball and coaching-relevant material again.  Until then, the countdown to tip-off of the Meet in the Middle Winter Classic basketball tournament continues towards Saturday morning.  If you have received you game times and opponents, your team is in good shape and that you have either paid or have contacted Russell Raypon, Tournament Director, directly to confirm your participation in the tournament.  If you have not received tournament information, please contact the Tournament Director to state your intentions.  If all teams confirm participation within the next 24 hours, a completed tournament schedule will be posted on the blog Friday evening that will include all teams in the tournament. 

Tournament Format:

This year’s tournament format is designed for pool play and single elimination playoff for 12 teams.  There are 4 groups of 3 teams.  You will play each team in your group and one cross-over game with team from another group in what we call our “Featured Match-up” games.  Each team is guaranteed 2 pool play and 1 cross-over game, with all games counted towards the group standings. 

Each team will make it to the playoffs.  All teams will be seeded according to win-loss records, point differential, and strength of opponents.  The team with the best record in each grouping will receive a first-round bye.  The second and third place finishers in each group will play in a play-in game to get to the quarterfinals. 

Please be aware that the semi-final and final will be stop-time games, meaning that time will stop on dead-ball situations and the referee’s whistle.  In addition, a 3-man referee crew will officiate the semi-final and final.

Due to a scheduling quirk, there is open gym time from 10:00 – 11:00 am and 6:00 – 7:00 pm.  The courts will be open if teams want to shoot, warm up, or practice.

In addition, we are also including a dunk exhibition and 3 pt. shooting contest, scheduled between the semi-finals and finals.  We are determining the format and prize for the 3 pt. shooting contest and will announce the rules Saturday. 

Up for grabs are 1^st place, 2^nd place, and Most Outstanding Player trophies.

Playoff Bracket

Registration Process:

All teams are to register at least 1 hour prior to their first game.  The registration process includes turning in the:

1.       Team Registration Form

2.       Official Team Roster/Liability Waiver Form

3.       Registration Fee Payment in FULL

When you arrive at the registration table, a tournament staff member will review your documents and receive your payment.  Then you will be asked to move to the court entrance where tournament staff will measure each of your team members against a piece of butcher paper measured at 6’3”.  You may choose to be measured with or without your shoes.  Once your measurement is verified, you will receive a wristband that is initialed by tournament staff that will allow you to play in games.  Please check tournament rules for penalties if you lose your wristband. 

Forms are available in JPEG format on this blog.  Please make sure to indicate on your Official Team Roster which members of your team are Non-Filipino, using a NF next to their name.  Remember that Filipino heritage can be challenged by an opposing team.  Rosters that are turned in at Registration cannot be altered once Tournament Staff have received it, other than having a late team member sign, not add his name.  Make sure that all possible team members and jersey numbers are on the roster that your turn in.  A player will not be allowed to play that has not signed the liability waiver.  All games are being videotaped, and footage can be used if there are any discrepancies between rosters and actually players on a team. 

Scoresheets:

Each team must complete a scoresheet before their scheduled game.  They will be found at the scorer’s table where you game is scheduled to be played and should already be identified with you and your opponent’s team name.  Scoresheets will be checked against the official team rosters your team turns in at registration. 

Fresno State University Student Recreation Center and Surrounding Area:

The Student Rec Center at Fresno State University is located at:

5010 N. Woodrow Ave

 Fresno, CA 93740

Parking is free and can be easily found around the facility. 

There are plenty of restaurants in the area, east and west on Shaw Avenue, including Dog House Grill (Best Tri-Tip sandwiches in town).

Admission:

Please inform family and fans of your teams who wish to watch you play that there is an admission fee:

·         $5.00 2-day pass

·         $3.00 1 day admission

·         Children 6 & under are FREE

·         Team Reps and Coaches are Free (YOU MUST BE PRESENT WHEN YOUR TEAM REGISTERS IN ORDER TO GET A TEAM Wristband).

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR RUSSELL RAYPON @

(559) 790-1436

Thanks, safe travels, and see you Saturday!



The Art of Constant Motion...

As a coach, you start to look at the game through a different lens.  I remember in my earlier days as a fan, flash, style, and showmanship were the most important aspects of the game.  I was enamored with Allen Iverson and his innate ability to slice through the lane, contort his body, handle the ball, a take contact to finish tough shots.  I would try to get my hands on any video of guys like Skip to My Lou (a.k.a. Rafer Alston) or "Headache", just to see what new and amazing demonstrations of in-you-face basketball mastery would be displayed. 

Not to say that I no longer appreciate a bounce-the-ball-off-your-head-alley-oop pass, but I have found that as I moved from fan to coach, there was a premium on substance rather than style.  Let’s face it, style does not always guarantee you a win or team success, but substance always improves the odds. 

That being said, my time delving into the game and its complexities has been spent looking more at efficiency and ease of motion.  What is more effective than a simple chest pass to a shooter coming off a well-placed and well-set down screen?  I found this article yesterday regarding the “process” of Ray Allen, sharpshooter for the Boston Celtics.  His game, whether or not you are a Celtic fan, is a thing of utter beauty and elegance.  And in a game that often showcases a guard pounding the ball for 10-15 seconds, looking for a gap in the defense to penetrate while his or her teammates just watch, the brilliance of constant player movement makes even more sense.  Just ask the Miami Heat if all that off-ball player movement has made a difference in their last 20 wins in 21 games…

Please use the link below for an in-depth review of the art of constant motion:

http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/basketball/celtics/paul-flannery/2011/01/09/running-man-how-ray-allens-constant-motion

Meet in the Middle Update #5: Hotel Accommodations...

Meet in the Middle Update #5: Hotel Accommodations

X’s & O’s Basketball has made an arrangement with Hampton Suites in Clovis, CA to get a special rate for teams playing in the Meet in the Middle Classic.  See the details posted in the flyer, please contact Roxanne directly to make a reservation …

Meet in the Middle Update #4: Reminders...

Meet in the Middle Update #4:

Just a couple of reminders as we move into the last week of preparation before the tournament:

- In order to lock in the Early Bird registration fee of $275.00, your fee needs to have arrived by January 7, 2011 or you need to have made direct contact with tournament staff to confirm your attendance so they can lock that rate in for your team.  Payment received the day of the tournament before your first game will be at the regular rate of $300.00.  Your team will not be allowed to play until all balances are paid in full.  Thank you for your cooperation.   

- This is not a CASH PRIZE tournament. 

- All players on your team must sign the Official Team Roster/Liability Waiver Form.  Your signature means that each player has read and agreed to play by the rules set up for the tournament.

- The Meet in the Middle Winter Classic will have live entertainment throughout the weekend.  DJ Marc of the SoulFlower Group will be arranging for live DJ’s to spin during tournament games.  He may also get in a set in between games!

- This is a great exposure opportunity for players on your teams who have thoughts of playing basketball at the next level, especially for those who would like to play in the Philippines.  Tournament officials will be taking note of players with potential and games are being filmed for evaluation.  If your team would like to opt out of filming, please inform tournament staff.  Ask the tournament director if you have further inquiries. 

More updates to come, including tournament scheduling…thanks!

Meet in the Middle Update #3

Meet in the Middle UPDATE #3

As we approach the final week before the Meet in the Middle Winter Classic, things are coming into focus.  This includes the tournament field.  As of January 6, 2011, 11 teams have confirmed their participation, including:

-          Killa Bees: Winners of the 3 consecutive tournaments, including Philippine Weekend, the Playhouse Las Vegas/FilCom Labor Day Weekend Tournament, and the latest Dream League event in the Bay Area

-          XO SELECT: Final Four participant at Pomona Sportsfest 2010 and the Playhouse Las Vegas/FilCom Memorial Day Tournament

-          Delano Allies: Experienced team from the South Valley who have participated in countless Filipino Tournaments throughout the West Coast

-          Stockton Ballers: Representing Northern California, the Stockton Ballers have won several Filipino and Asian tournaments.

-          Playhouse Delano: Delano is represented well with another experienced team with a reputation for a frenetic style of basketball.

-          Full Effect (Fresno): A new team from Fresno with a good mix of young athleticism and experienced skill players.

-          PAC Men (Fresno): The most decorated of Filipino players in the Fresno area have pooled their talents to play a very Filipino basketball style.

-          Dynasty (Fresno): High on confidence, this team brings a lot of swagger to the court and will be looking to make a statement. 

-          Shootout (San Jose): Playing from the Bay Area, this team is eager to get on the court against the best in the state. 

-          Fast Break (Lemoore): Lemoore is represented well by this squad who likes to get up and down the court. 

-          Unnamed Team (Lemoore): Jeff Saigan has put together a team of experienced Lemoore players to compete. 

There is room for 1-5 more teams for this field.  You have until Saturday evening to express your team’s interest in playing in the Meet in the Middle Winter Classic.  The group drawing will take place Sunday evening and tournament schedule will be posted on this blog and Facebook Event Page immediately afterward.  Check our Facebook Event Page for a video recording of the drawing.