PantherGam

Shadow, no I haven't heard a word. Can you give me any insight into what is going on? Sure could use some help. Thanks

Well, I haven't heard a thing. I think Gerald Johnson applied also. I don't think I have a chance. I also believe there is someone in Lebanon that they are talking to. I don't expect to get an interview. As you know, things are political, records don't count, ha.

I agree with gbaby on the rankings. I think McGavock has got to be the favorite to win in Nashville. I do not know much about the midstate in general, but I know McGavock has almost everyone back on a team that was the runner-up in the 12AAA tournament last year. Antioch will be very hard to beat , also. Glencliff, hmm, I am unsure of. Whites Creek will always be good, as long as Nollner stays there. I also think that Stratford will be good by tournament time and maybe even Hunters Lane.

Do any of you remember when the Tennessean used to put a little capsule of Nashville teams' games? It is a Nashville paper you know. I just think they are doing the shabbiest job of reporting. I do think the high school kids deserve better, but you know what, I think it will even get worse. We are so hooked up on college and pro that we are our worst enemies.

I have been going to Vandy games for nearly 40 years and I have not seen much change. I just wonder, if Stanford can do it , why can't Vandy do it??? You know I have a real respect for the Vandy situation, but there comes a time when you must put up or get out. I know there are stringent academic requirements, but some schools seem to excel no matter what. Why can't Vandy do this? I will always pull for Vandy, but my season tickets are gone, gone, gone. I like the new coach but I believe it will be the same old Vandy. Sorry, it has come with much agony over the years.

What do you think are the qualities that make a good high school basketball coach? Is it wins? Is it character? Is it influence on the athlete's life? Is it help in getting a scholarship? Just what do you think makes a GOOD coach? :confused:

I may have lost a player or two with my rules, but this is the way I figure it - if the kid really wants to play he will bend to the rules. I know that in high school if my coach wanted something, I would do it. A lot of kids are spoiled and want their way all the time. Kids that come into our program, yes they know the rules. If they do not want to abide by them then I do not want them. It helps to be successful, but it really wouldn't matter. We have to live our lives with some conviction.

I am not one that goes with the flow. The flow in the NBA is that anything goes. Well, in high school at Maplewood anything does not go! My kids will : (1) dress appropriately and not have head bands, (2) no braids, (3) no earrings in the gym,period! and (4) no cussing or bad talk. You know the people that let this go on do not really care for the kids, they are just weak. I am not trying to be a bully, but just trying to get the kids ready for the real world. Also, it is a thing about unity. Do we let a kid be an individual that does not care about the team aspect; I think not. I know I am old school and I am PROUD of it.

Ronald, the job is a college job. Cumberland University. I probably don't have a chance but I thought I would apply because it is what I would like to do at this stage of my career. It is my privilege to coach Bubba and Jermaine. They are wonderful young men and should I happen to leave I will always remember them. The job is a longshot and is probably political as most are, but I would love to have it. If not, then I have a good job - coaching at Maplewood is a great experience and parents like you make it a joy. Good bless.

YES, I DID.

BigTank, Jamont is a great ballplayer, but he must pass in school to play. I have a big concern in whether he is really a team player though. I know he has the talent, but does he have the internal discipline to do what he has to do to get to the next level?? I respect your analysis of Jamont, but I still wonder. I hope he does great, except the Maplewood games, ha. Stay cool, check ya later. :confused:

Perry Wallace's group. Best I have ever seen.

Bob Knight on the surface is a jerk, but underneath that is a man that could have been both... a good guy and a great coach. I , again, think he knows his x's and 0's, but the insults and tirades make me wonder what kind of example is he. He does care about his players, but does not treat them that way in public. When I first got into coaching, I patterned my style after Bob Knight. Later, I have had to change everything except his great coaching ability and his strictness as far as rules go. He does have a problem though - he doesn't know how to get along with people. I like many things that he does , but really deplore some of his antics. He is not a good example for kids. I hope he finally sees the light and straightens up - for the sake of the kids! [Edited by PantherGam on 8-6-02 1:45P]

You are exactly right about Hunters Lane games. Whew, they gave us a fit. By the way, I know who you are; one of my favorite asst. coaches. We had so many tight games that it gave me fits last year, but you know what, our kids finally came through like champions - just like Stratford did. I was very glad to see both of us go to the state- just wish we could have played in the finals!

The Tennessean does a pitiful job of reporting high school basketball. Many years ago, I thought it was head and shoulders above all papers in the state, but now it is really ridiculous. Basketball, for the most part, just gets a boxscore, if you are lucky. I know the Titans, Vandy, Predators, UT and others have eaten the pages up, but young future stars like some pub, too. Let's put a little pressure on them this year and see if it helps. Ok?

I was very disappointed in our guys all night with the defense of Oliver. I can tell you, I even thought about going zone at the last, but the Cruze boy had just nailed a 3-pointer. It is probably the toughest loss I have had in 32 years of coaching. Sorry, but life goes on.

TnBall and Dominique, I respect the posts that you guys put on here. I think both of you are very knowlegeable of the game. I think TnBall has hit it on the head. I do not allow my guys to wear all the fads that kids have because of three basic reasons: (1) it does take away from unity on the team, (2) it portrays, whether we want to admit to it or not, a negative assertion of the player, and (3) the kid's future is on the line with all the college coaches looking at how they look and behave on the court. I would be the first to admit that any kind of hairdo, tatoo, headband, etc. does not affect the playing ability of a player, but it does affect his overall look to society as a whole. I really care about my players and I want them to have every chance in the world to make it in life and in college and on the court; that is why I do what I do and that is the only reason. As a coach, you have to look out for more than just wins; you have to look out for a young human being that is depending upon you to lead them in the right direction. This is and always will be my philosophy of high school sports; the kid always comes first.

Cobrafan, it would be great with me but last year we checked into it and TSU charges $2000 plus they get the concessions. Unreasonable! It appears that we have lost our ally in TSU. By the way, thanks CoachT.

CoachF, what about Chili's? ha ha ha

Hey, I know I have done all of the things mentioned. Also, after getting home after a game, putting our score in and looking at all the other scores. Yeah, I am "CoachT hooked". But you know what, it is all GOOD! Thanks CoachT!

Izzy, Centennial has always played us tough. You guys always play hard and are well coached. I hope you have a good year. Thanks

I forgot about Franklin. Does anyone know what they may have this coming season??

Thanks Gomab, and if you let me know I will get you in free. This next year will be very sentimental to me since it will be my last year. I look forward to seeing you. Thanks again.