Yesterday was the last of two (Back to Back nights) Pro-level workouts held by Sojo’s Foundation at Shintokorozawa Gym. We had 3 players show up for the Tuesday session and another 6 show up the following day. I would say they were pretty successful, and the feedback I received from the participants was very positive indeed. Now the workouts differ from my clinics in that there are less people, therefore enabling me to be able to focus more on building upon that of a certain person’s skill set. Also the workouts are more intense and of course at a higher level of difficulty. This is a major key for improving that player , and therefore, making it easier down the road for that person to maybe one day take their games to another level, or that of a professional athlete. If nothing else at least giving them the confidence to try to do so in the future. I would like to thank the players who came out, I’m sure the work you all put in will pay dividends at a later date for you.
You have to admire just a bit, the growth and on-going development of this certain youth I have had under my wing for some time now. A kid by the name of Yuki Sato. In a short time, I have seen a huge change in the young blood’s game. On a mental level first (which is key for such a young player as himself…16 yrs old mind you) Second in his physical transformation and lastly in his game. I told him that he couldn’t play as a member of Sunday Crew two Allday before because I didn’t think he was ready. However I did tell him to work with his game. Use the drills I was showing him to improve on his skills first then come out and apply those new found skills on the court during pick-up games. He worked really hard during the month before the last Allday so much to the point that it would have been foolish of myself and Russ to deny the boy an opportunity to get valuable experiences that he wouldn’t get by sitting on the sidelines. Now here is the point of me writing this blog; Yuki didn’t play much in the last Allday, but he did chip in when he did get time, and he got time on our squad from his work ethic. Now he is a champion. Something that no one can take away from him, and knowing him he shall run with that and continue growing…that was all I was asking of him from the start. I’ll enjoy watching his progress throughout his basketball life.
Once again it was good to be a part of T's Gymrats Clinic at...A lot of kids took part in this clinic and they looked like they were having fun and learning all they could from the staff. it was also very nice to actually have a chance to teach the kids basic moves for post play (i just wonder where all the truely tall Japanese BIG MEN are in this country?) All in all it was another good day. Was able to hang with my old pal Sumi and see first hand that he can still play B-ball at high level, just wish I could see him play Pro ball (perfect basketball body) just don't understand why no team thinks they could use this man on their team. it was also good to see Kohei outside of a BJ League setting and see how he interacts with kids (he gave my boys some of his T-shirts which they love!) After the clinic I took part in the pick-up games they were playing, and had fun doing this...noticed that I still got it. Man I love this sport so...
Visited the mini basketball team called Mates this past Saturday and I had a blast with them. Of course with them as with other groups I go visit. They were lacking in certain skills. However they were receptive to all of the teachings I laid out for them, so that was a plus. Not only do they have more tools to work with now (which will make them a much stronger team in the near future) but they also have coaches who want to get better at what they do…teach ( and that only benefits all involved) After the practice the team treated myself and my family to lunch and we continued talking about basketball, and I was able to learn more about what the coaches thought and where their mind set might lead their players. I really do believe they have a bright future ahead of them. All in all it was another good experience for me as a future head coach. Looking forward to future encounters and experiences in the field.
1st I`d like to take the time to thank the folks at the re-hap center for hosting the Sojo`s foundation basketball clinics, it means a great deal to me, and if the kids took home all the info from the clinics and put it to good use in their everyday basketball lives, it shall mean a great deal to them as well! It really is amazing what the people of Kagawa have done for me over the years and continue to do for myself and my family all the time.
2nd I`d like to thank the kids we partook in the clinics because without them I can`t spread my basketball philosophy nor can I convince future kids to join my clinics (future schools) if I never start this part of the foundation up. This was my first time to run my own clinics (and though I have not gotten much feedback yet) I felt deep down that they were a success overall! Had 36 kids show up to the first 2 ever Sojo`s clinics….and I thought that with the time allotted (a little over 2 hours) we as a group were able to teach many aspects of the game, maybe not all new to most of the kids, but informative and above all else helpful to them in their own quest to become better basketball players!
3rd I`d like to thank the parents who sat in on my very first lecture of the basketball culture, and what I believe that should change in this country for the youth to be more successful than the current program is at this point in time. I really hope most, if not all my points struck home with you all, for it is you folks who in the end will help shape the new landscape of the basketball culture as well as Japan team sports in general. Without your influence and voice I know the current system shall never change, but it must, and it shall with your input.
Well yet again it’s been a long time writing, but it can`t be helped. I have been overwhelmed just a bit.
The family and I traveled to Takamatsu by boat for a week of fun, and relaxation time. It was a lot of fun seeing old friends, running clinics, and eating Udon and whatnot…..but there was not much time to relax, that`s for damn sure. I just wonder why it just had to rain on my day of the year this time around. I was looking so forward to partying on the beach in the hot sun, drinking beer, and throwing myself into the ocean when it got too hot. Bummer!!
However, I can honestly say it turned out a whole lot better than I would have guessed considering the way the Gods were peeing on us! Most of my Takamatsu fans(all friends now) ex-neighbors, and just other people that just happened to having their own parties made the day more than enjoyable…..it was downright awesome!! The food was good, and the presents even better, yet I think the two moments that stuck out to me the most were when I was sitting in my chair just watching everybody talking and eating and just having a great time with each other, and the other would be when I has half-naked a bit drunk, and dancing in the rain with all the children. Not too much on this planet feels better than when you don`t actually mind getting rained on, and/or kids are throwing water on you! Well at least for me that is! Call me an oddball…..but cut me some slack…..after all it was my b-day!