Today
Planned Event
Coach Doug's Page
3/23/09
A Unique Team
Well, 12+ years since we started, the Minnesota Royals ended
their run as a team with a 13th place finish at Varsity Nationals.
It may not sound good on the surface, but when you start to think about it,
the Minnesota Royals was a truly remarkable team. I would bet that very few
teams have had as many players stay on the same team for 12 years. We had
many! I bet most teams did not only have players from a 30 mile radius.
We did! We were truly a neighborhood team.
One thing I am very proud of is that we never took the easy road. A lot
of teams stay JV way too long. Some teams had to be forced to move
up with rule changes made this year. We never felt right playing down.
We always looked for the best competition, and always took our lumps with
great sportsmanship and humility. I think it is FAR better to be a 13th
place varsity team than a first place junior varsity team. It is not always
about winning. It's about being the best team you can be, and I think
we were the best team we could be in Chicago a couple of weekends ago.
Taking the easy road of JV competition does little to teach you, as players,
that life is not easy. You have to work hard, or your peers will pass you up.
That's life!
I really hope you all continue to play. It is a great game, and you have all learned
so much. I really think it would be a shame to never compete again.
It has been an honor to watch you grow up. I have seen many of you reach adulthood.
I am proud of what you have become, and I am excited to see how far you can go
in your next stage of life, basketball, college, or whatever you decide to do.
Thanks Royals. Mom's and Dad's, too!
Coach Doug
3/16/09
Time to Celebrate!
Tonight is the last practice for the Minnesota Royals.
Sad, but think about what you, as players, have accomplished.
There are only a handful of players that are your age who
are better than you. You are truly in the elite group when it
comes to wheelchair basketball players. This week will be a blast.
I want you to enjoy it. Make it a time to show off all you have learned,
as well as what you can do. Play hard, but have fun. If things
don't go our way this weekend, you should still have a great time.
You deserve it. You are a special group of young men. I have been
fortunate to get to know all of you.
I will miss Royals' practices a lot. I think I saw you all at your best
during practice. We really have spent a lot of time together over the
years. It's sad, but when I think of how far you have all come,
and how far ALL of you can go, if you set your minds to it,
I am happy and proud. It will be a great week - win or lose.
We will celebrate. Go Royals!
2/16/09
Bad Weekend!
Well, we followed a great weekend in Chicago
with a terrible one in Golden Valley.
I can't find any excuses for you guys this time.
I would suggest you bring some tape to practice
for you hands, and get ready to push.
The time for talk is over! It's time to learn that
if you don't do your job on the court - a job
I know you are capable of doing - you are going
to push. You will push until you realize that this is NOT acceptable!
Leaving your man on defense, throwing away the ball,
missing easy shots over and over again...
You are big guys, some of you are men. You have been doing this
a long time. No Excuses!!! You are too good to embarrass
yourselves like that out on the court. We are going to take a new
approach. Work may sharpen your minds. We'll find out.
Be ready!
Doug
2/10/09
Great Weekend!
OK, throw out the Wolves game, and we had, maybe, our best tournament
ever. At least playing-wise. It would have been great to win that OT game,
but I think I was happiest with your play during that game. We were really clicking.
I think we made a positive step, and are getting better just in time for Nationals.
Joe D, you played awesome. Jon S, that was the hardest I've ever seen you
work on defense. Robert, great play making, and you shot is starting to fall.
Austin, wow, you made two of the biggest baskets of the year on the same day!
Brian, you are really getting to be a fine defensive player, and you really did a good
job of making your lay-ups when you got a chance. Joe E, nice job playing aggressively,
and really getting into the play. Jon B, keep playing tough. We need your tough physical
presence!
Let's build on last weekend, and play really hard this weekend. We need to
get it in our heads that we can hang with the big dogs. We play so differently
against the Wolves and the Wizards. We gotta believe that we can be
competitive against those guys. Don't be intimidated!
See you tonight at practice.
Coach Doug
1/23/09
We've had a few good practices in a row.
I want to thank you for your effort and your
dedication over the past couple of weeks.
Just remember, just because we have a practice canceled
at the last minute, doesn't mean you are off the hook.
Get out and shoot! You can take a couple hours out of your
weekend and work on your basketball skills.
Guys, if we can learn how to finish plays on offense,
we are a great team. We can run with the big dogs.
I really want to show the rest of the NWBA what I see
in practice every week. You guys are good ball players.
The only way to prove it to the world is by beating all
the teams we are supposed to beat. We will do that easily if we
finish our plays. Make the lay-up. Drain the easy wide open shot!
I see you do it in practice. Take it to the games!
Let's play the best we've ever played in Chicago.
It's our time!
1/6/09
Playing with heart and great enthusiasm can do wonders.
I feel like we played to our potential for the first time
in a long time, this weekend. I am pleased, as your coach,
to see that the work we did all last month on shooting
seemed to help a great deal. And, those of you who practice
on your own, showed the most improvement. (I know who
you are). The Grand Rapids game was my favorite.
You guys did not freeze up at the end, like we've done in the past.
We calmly executed our game plan and we won. Even with
players in foul trouble, we did great. Everyone contributed.
Some teams are not great match ups for some players, so I
hope you understand that you may get a ton of playing time
in one game, and then just a little in the next. It is NOT because
you did anything wrong, or are playing bad. It is because your
particular skills don't match up as well against some teams.
For example, if we are playing a small speedy team, and you
have trouble keeping up, you may not get a lot of playing time in
that game. Or if we are playing a very physical, tough team, you
may not play if you are a little intimidated by the size of the opponents.
I think you get the idea.
I am proud of the way you played and acted this weekend. You
make the fans, parents and the NWBA proud. Good job.
We will start working hard again on Thursday to prepare for Chicago.
Go Royals!
Coach Doug
12/31/2008
Enough excuses already! Let's just go out there and win.
We are good enough. We just seem to not have that killer instinct.
If you miss an easy shot, don't make an excuse, make sure you drain
the next one! If you blow a defensive assignment, get over it, make no
excuses, and make sure you don't let it happen next time.
Commitment levels will always vary from player to player, but this
year, it seems to be the biggest difference in years. Some of you are
doing everything you can to make the Royals as good as they can be.
Some players dedication has dropped right off the map. Being part of a team
that is successful takes some sacrifice. It takes giving up a little of your
personal interests to make sure you get out and practice. It means showing
up on time, paying attention and trying to get better. I had a wise friend of
mine tell me that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing, the same way
and expecting a different result. I feel that is what is happening to several
members of the team. If you are not willing to try anything you can to improve,
you are doing an injustice to the team. For many of you, this is your last year to play
on a competitive team. I think it's a shame to not do everything you can to make it
the best possible. Attitude counts big with me, and I think the energy and commitment
I see in practice is going to start effecting playing time more than it ever has in the past.
There will be NO guarantee of playing time for the rest of the season. Next time you
are loafing up and down the court, either in practice or at a game, remember that
your family, friends and peers who come to watch will, mostly, get to watch you sit on the bench.
Seniors! We are counting on you to step it up. I think you can do a lot more. Where's
the leadership? Work hard. Commit to you last year. I think we can improve in every game we have left,
but we won't do it unless we get all seven players to care enough to actually work on their game.
I have always tried to give seniors a lot of playing time, but things might be changing if I don't
see more. The Midwest Regional in Whitewater this weekend will be a great place to show me
that you are serious. It's in your hands, literally.
Coach Doug
12/12/08
Watch and Learn
Hi guys,
I know it's tough to execute under pressure. I know it's easy to
fall into old habits. What am I talking about? I'll bet you know.
We tend to just "wing it" a lot, instead of running our offense.
Our offense really requires that everyone is on the same page, all the time.
Our opponents this weekend are the best team in the country
for many reasons, but the one thing that stands out the most to me
is that they are always working together. All five players on the court
know what the other is doing. We haven't got to that point, yet.
There are a few of players who work well together, but we rarely
have all five in synch. Let's work on that.
Watch the Wolves in practice, and in the game. Notice how they all
seem to know what they are supposed to do, but also, what every
other player is supposed to do. The Wolves seniors really help
the younger players, and having three of them on the floor, makes
them a really tough, organized group. Again, watch and learn.
We will have fun on Saturday, no doubt, but let's try to learn from
this unique opportunity to practice with the national champs.
How many teams, in any sport, get to do that?
Coach Doug
11/10/08
Reality Check
What a weekend! We had a mix of great plays and letdowns.
I was really happy after the Wolves game. Our new defense really
kept their big guys in check. Our new offensive scheme really gave
us a lot of easy opportunities to score. But unfortunately, we were
plagued by the same old problem. We can't shoot! OK, we can shoot
sometimes, but when the pressure is on, most of the team has a problem
even making a simple lay-up. The lay-up is the most basic offensive
skill in basketball. Kids who are 6 years old can make a lay-up.
I am baffled as to why we can't. Is it mental? Is it technique?
I think it is mental. The only way to work through a mental block
like most of us are having is to shoot over and over and over
and over again. You have to do it on your own. Commitment!
Come on guys, it's our last year. Let's see how good we can be.
It's frustrating to see you execute perfectly all the way down the court,
only to miss an easy lay-up. I know you are trying to make them, but
your not. The only way to improve is to take it upon yourself to get
better at lay-ups. I challenge you!
10/31/08
Happy Halloween Royals!
Does anyone read this? I wonder sometimes.
If you read this and tell me before tomorrows practice, there
will be a surprise for you. Don't tell the other guys. I want to
have this be a fair test. Anyway, only 8 days until the big
tournament. We are going to get quite technical Saturday.
I am going to be really on you about your technique.
Proper axle to caster position on defense, spacing on offense,
you know the drill. We will not start winning consistently until
we ALL do these things - all the time. Make it my personal
challenge to you. Every one of you can improve your technique.
EVERY ONE! Please don't think you already know everything.
If you do, you will not go very far in, not only this sport,
but life. We can all do more, get better, and push harder.
See you Saturday!
Coach Doug
10/22/08
Hi Royals,
Just want to say that I am really happy with how much you
have learned this year, so far. I know I am throwing a lot
of stuff at you, but it is all stuff you need to know to compete
at the next level. One of my goals, as a coach, is to try to
teach you things you will need to get to play in college, or
on an adult team.
We are getting it. But, if you are struggling with any aspect of
what we are learning, please, feel free to ask me. I will be
glad to help. I don't expect everyone to get everything right away,
but by the end of the year, I hope we all really know everything we
need to know to compete for a National Championship.
We may not be there today, but with hard work - who knows?
March is still a long way off. We still have time. Keep working hard.
Coach Doug
10/15/08
Great game against the Wolves, guys!
Really, it was more than I hoped for, especially
considering it was our first test of the new offense.
I think we executed pretty well, considering we had
to try it out against the defending national champs.
We were pretty cold shooting, otherwise, I think we
might have made it a pretty close game. Obviously, we
have a lot to work on, but I think we are on the right track.
See you Saturday!
10/7/08
We're getting it! I am very happy with
the way we're picking up the new offense.
If everyone continues to play their role, we
are going to surprise a lot of teams this year.
Keep working. I'm looking forward to our scrimmage on
Tuesday, October 14th. It will be good to see our progress,
and to see what works, and what we still need to work on.
Play with your head in the game. Stay mentally tough!
(I already know you are physically tough.)
Coach Doug
10/3/08
Announcing our newly elected captain.....
Robert! In a landslide, Robert was elected
to the job he had at the end of last season.
He and Jon S. will lead our team to our best season, ever.
Congratulations Robert.
10/01/08
I'm very excited about basketball, right now. You guys
are really starting to get it! We are playing like a team.
Keep it up. In the past, the things we learned in practice
didn't really get used in our scrimmages, but last night
everyone was trying to incorporate the new offense
into the scrimmage. It was, to me, a major breakthrough.
Wags and I really believe that this is going to make us a
tougher team to stop. See you Saturday!
Coach Doug
9/26/08
Good practice last night! We had the "iron four".
Everyone had fun and worked hard. Our centers are really
starting to understand their new positions in the post. We
have a lot of work, and a lot of learning yet to do, but
I am really pleased. See you Saturday.
9/24/08
A Promising Start
It's a crazy time for basketball. I know you guys have a lot going on this fall.
School adapted sports, homecoming, social lives, studying, and basketball
all need to find a place. That is why I am so pleased with our first practice, last night.
I don't exactly know why, but I feel more optimistic and confident about this team than
I have ever felt about any other Royals team before. I think I might have an idea why.
Maturity. I think we have a smart team who is ready to take it to the next level.
I was very impressed with the intensity during our 3 on 3's last night. The thing I liked
the most was the CONTROL. You were intense, but under control. Thinking, but not
over thinking. It gave me a great deal to feel good about.
Now, I threw a lot of new things at you last night. We will review them, but I really
thought it was a strong start. I think you guys get it this year, and know that we
have to play team ball to win more consistently. Ball movement, spacing, and a new
offensive philosophy will really make this a Royals team like no other.
Get ready to work! We have a lot to learn and get used to.
See you on the court,
Coach Doug
9/15/08
We'll Miss Him!
Thomas B. has decided not to play basketball this year.
Personally, Thomas has been one of my favorite players, over the years.
His ability to succeed in basketball through all of his health issues was truly
an inspiration. Even when he was clearly not 100%, he gave it his all. It
would have been fun to see what he could do, now that he is at 100%.
Current Royals, remember that if Thomas could push hard, even when he was sick,
you can always push harder.
It will not be the same without Thomas, but we will have the same goals for the year
that we would have had with him - to be top 5 in the nation this year.
If this is truly our last season as the Royals, let's go out with a bang.
Work hard! We are going to be a different team this year, but we can still
be great. See you on Tuesday, the 23rd!
Coach Doug
9/3/08
Here we go...
It's almost that time. It's almost basketball season!!
I hope you have all been staying in shape and
getting in as much shooting as you can. After a summer
filled with basketball, I can tell you that there are some great
players out there. If you aren't practicing, you're getting passed up.
I am excited to start teaching you some of the things I learned at coaches camp.
For those of you who attended open gym regularly, you have a head start
on some of the things we are going to work on. There are going to be roles and
jobs for everyone on the court. The better we fill our roles, the better the team will be.
I will be working on a season plan, and I hope to be a better communicator and
a more organized coach. This is our last year, so I want to make sure we all do
as much as we can to be the best team we can be. Anyone think we can get to the top 5?
I do. We just have to play as a team. But, we can talk more about that at practice.
See you on the 23rd!
Coach Doug
7/29/08
Giving Back
Some things just make you feel good. The Royals players who were able
to make the trip to Camp Friendship last night know that. It was a very
rewarding experience to watch and participate in a great basketball exhibition.
I think it was the most well received demonstration we have ever done. The campers really
got into the games, and really participated, too. They really admired the skills that
you guys have developed, and you could tell they were really impressed by the speed
and athleticism you displayed. Also, your sportsmanship. Good job, Royals!
-Coach Doug
7/9/08
A New Perspective
Watching the vast variety of players who have been showing
up for open gym at the Courage Center (Tuesdays from 6-8:30)
has been really great for me. Seeing my Royals players interact
with current and former Timberwolves players has really shed light
on things we do well, and some things we need to work on.
I think we have really picked up some bad habits, and we are going
to work hard to break as many of them as we can. Open gym time
is a great way to start working things out. And, it's fun! Most
of the time is spent scrimmaging. It has been great to be able to
talk to my players as they are rotated in and out of the games. it is
also great to get feedback from other coaches and players on what
each of you who have been to an open gym session need to work on.
Mike Bauler (the Timberwolves coach) has been particularly generous
in giving me his help, and I hope to be working with him closely all year.
At any particular session you might get advice from people who are either
coaching or playing at the highest levels. How can you pass that up???
I strongly suggest you take advantage of open gym. The Royals who show up
regularly are already showing great improvement. Don't get left behind!
Hope to see you Tuesdays!
-Coach Doug
7/2/08
My head is spinning. I have so much stuff I want to teach you guys,
I can't wait to get in the gym. Illinois coaching camp was an awesome experience.
Working with the best coaches in the world and getting to see the elite juniors
work with the University of Illinois players was amazing. I think I have put my finger on
what has been slowing down our offense - especially against the better teams.
I really believe we can be a better and smarter team this year. I am going to start
working on my season plan soon. (Another thing I learned at the Illinois coaches clinic.)
Clear your mind. We are going to do things a lot different, this year. No more random
play. We will always be moving with a purpose. We need to break a lot of bad habits.
On another note, I highly recommend that everyone get out to the Courage Center on
Tuesday nights (6:00 to 8:30). It is great to work with the Timberwolves players and coaches,
and keep your skills sharp. This team plays ball the right way, and scrimmaging with them
is a great way to get used to the way we are going to play next season.
Let's get serious this season! Keep working. See you most Tuesday's.
-Coach Doug
6/17/08
Be a Star Wherever You Are!
Sorry, I couldn't resist that little poem.
You can be a star at any position. The NBA proves that.
Michael Jordan - Shooting Guard (Jon S)
Larry Bird - Small Forward (Thomas B, Joe E)
Magic Johnson - Point Guard (Joe D)
Kevin Garnett - Power Forward (Robert D, Austin M)
Shaquille O'Neal - Center (Brian L,Jon B)
These positions are NOT set in stone. If you think you should be playing somewhere else,
we will try you there in practice. Obviously most of you play more than the one position I
put you down for, but I am just trying to make the point that it doesn't matter what position you play.
Be a star! Don't wait! Every spot on the floor is capable of scoring, assisting, picking, defense - you get the idea.
No excuses.
Keep practicing. I'm hearing good things from a few of you on the blog. I wish everyone would contribute.
It's a good start to building a positive team chemistry.
-Coach Doug
6/9/08
I have a special announcement!
My coaches pick to be a captain for next year is....
Jon Schmitz!!!!
This senior has everything it takes to be a big time team leader.
Congratulations.
6/2/08
Tom Wagner is added to Royals staff as an assistant coach.
We are happy to have Tom stay with the Royals in this new capacity!
Party 05/31/08
A quick overview of what was discussed at the party 5/31/08
Fundraising – Liepa’s/Papa Murphy’s cards
-Please contact Liepa's with questions
-Cards have no expiration date
-Sales will count toward team fee
-Buy for $1/Sell for $5
-Papa Murphy's will buy them back if we can't sell them
Team commitment – Barely enough players
-Fewer “flying” tournaments. Will try to stay closer for financial reasons.
-Might only have 7 players so please commit if you are sure
-Might be our last year - any new players or ideas?
Web Site – Use it!
-Want players to blog- keep all of us up to date on personal practice
-Will be the place to see schedule
Seniors – Leadership
-Lead by example- on and off court
-New “Senior Captain” role
Captains – Players will vote for their captains this year
Criteria for captains:
-Keep it positive
-Team leader
-Puts team first – on and off the court
Adapted Sports
-Royals games/tournaments come first
-Missed practices w/o excuse equals loss in game time
-Managing another team is not an excuse
Jobs- Sign up sheet
-Balls- still open
-Tournament shirts/passer out person- Julie Dixon
-deputy social director- Dee Liepa
-Team Rep/Communications person – open
Tournament social schedules
-Optional – if you want to do your own thing, it’s OK
-Social dir will set a time/place – go if you want
-I (Coach Doug) don’t want to be involved in organizing social stuff
New Jersey’s – get us legal
-Might only use one year so- Cheap or nice?
-We will be paying for your own
-Jack’s will get a bid from his guy again
5/27/08
Seniors, Are You Ready to Roll?
It is a huge advantage for us, this year, to have 3 seniors.
You guys are older, wiser, and hopefully, more motivated than
ever. This year we are going to have a senior captain. I will
announce the senior who will be named captain before our first game next year.
I will base my decision on how this senior has conducted himself in practice.
I will be looking for leadership by example, and a positive attitude.
Work hard at your camps and try to practice on your own. It will be
obvious who has done their "homework" at our first practice, next season.
Seniors, lets make your last junior season your best. Take it upon yourselves
to lead this team to be as good as it can. Even if you are not named a captain,
play like you are. If you put your hearts into the team, the younger players will follow.
Shoot, shoot, shoot and shoot some more!
-Coach Doug
5/13/08
Better Shots Come from Better Form
The cold wet spring has made it harder to practice shooting outside, but
don't give up. We need to keep working on our shooting if we are going
to become an even better team next year. Even if you can't get to a basket
for practice, find a wall. Before every practice, we did 25 shots with each hand
against the wall. Remember, pick a spot and hit it over and over again, concentrating on
good shooting form. Watch how the ball rolls off your fingers. Note the way the ball spins.
If it is rotating side to side, try to fix it so it rotates backwards. This will keep your
shooting touch intact, and the best way to get better at anything is repetition.
If this is all you are able to do for off-season practice because you can't get to a hoop,
you should do, at least, 100 with each hand, everyday. Keep me updated on the Royals
Blog. Who's working out there? You guys have a lot of talent. Let's develop it!
Work Hard!
-Coach Doug
5/6/08
Actions Speak Louder than Words!
Hi guys,
I know I am always trying to get you to practice and go to camps.
I just wanted to let you know that I am taking my own advice.
I am going to the Illinois coaches camp this year. I hope to learn a lot
and be the best coach I can be. So here's my challenge to you:
Go to camp If possible). Practice shooting. Get in the best shape of your life.
If I can go to camp, there should be no reason you can't find time to
practice, work out, eat right. I hope you can all go to camp. I know it's a huge
commitment, but all the players who went last year showed a huge improvement when
they got back. I really think we have a great chance of being even better next year.
It's up to you. You are the players. To get better, you have to work.
It's not just going to happen because you are older. It will only happen if you
work - every day.
Coach Doug
4/22/08
A Picture (or video) is Worth a Thousand Words
I am still editing video. We should have a lot of good stuff, this year.
I noticed a lot of things I really didn't see before. Some good, some not.
Good things - picking, defense, team play.
Not so good - missing easy shots, not being able to catch easy passes, concentration.
I think we are going to be even better next year, even though we lose very important players.
I think every one improved, and I think we can take it up another level, next year.
To do that, you HAVE TO practice shooting - a lot - this summer.
-Coach Doug
4/10/08
A great way to improve - Basketball Camp
The best advice I can give you, team, is get out of town.
What I mean is, go to a basketball camp this summer.
There are a lot of great camps to choose from, and everyone
who went to camp last year made a substantial improvement.
The Whitewater camp is awesome. Illinois' camp is great, too.
We are lucky to have these two camps, and others, within reasonable driving distance.
The best coaches in the world are teaching at these camps. Take advantage
of this awesome opportunity.
You can get all the information on line.
Whitewater: http://www.uww.edu/conteduc/camps/wheelchair_bball.php
Illinois: http://www.disability.uiuc.edu/page.php?id=154
Oklahoma State is hosting one, too. Call me if you are interested, I have a brochure.
Everyone who went to a camp last year had a blast, and were really sad when it was over.
I hope you will consider attending a camp this summer.
Keep working. We are the 10th best team out of 40 teams that shoot at a 10 foot basket.
That's something to be proud of, but we can do even more!
-Coach Doug
4/7/08
Find the fire!
This summer will be a good time to think about what you want our basketball team to be. Some of you older guys have to decide if basketball is important enough to you to make a bigger commitment than you ever have before. Leadership comes from the older players, and we need our new seniors to step up in 2009.
Basketball at the level we saw at Nationals is something that can not be achieved without dedication, on and off the court. Keep yourself fit this summer. Practice shooting. Watch games on the internet and on DVD. Think about what you can do to help the team. Passion and fire have to come from deep inside you. No one can give it to you. Remember when Becky Cook was little, and she slept with her basketball?
Try to find that old love of the game. The junior division is a special place. It seems like every time we hear a former player speak, no matter how successful they are as players today, they talk about how the junior division was the best time of their lives. Don't miss out. Give it your best shot, so you don't look back and think you could've, or should've done more. Find you passion for basketball. When you do, it will translate to fire on the court.
The Royals could use more fire. You are the one's who need to find it!
Need some motivation? Check this web site out:
http://storybridge.tv/episode/038
Take care,
Coach Doug
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4/2/08
Nationals has come and gone, and I am very proud of the progress you guys made this season. We really improved as a team, and it's really impressive what great players you have become. To think we moved up despite losing Thomas for the season. We also missed having Austin at Nationals. Even without those guys, we moved up!
Basketball is a funny sport. We need all five players to be executing for us to be successful. We will be working on that for next year. This off-season, I really need you to work on your game. We won't get better without hard work.
I'll keep you posted on the year end party and if and when we are going to have a summer camp.
I strongly encourage all of you to attend one of the many great camps offered at the colleges this summer. Whitewater, Illinois, Oklahoma State, Edinborough, Alabama...
Have a great summer guys! I will try to add to this page, from time to time, and feel free to e-mail, or call, me with any questions or concerns you may have for next year.
Coach Doug
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Hi Royals!
It's time to show the nation what you can do. You are a very talented team, and now is the time to show it. I need total commitment from you this weekend. I think we learned a lot from our last two tournaments. (Mostly, what not to do.)
I agree, it's important to have fun, but it is also more fun to play well. We need to play OUR game. The intensity must come from you this weekend. I can only get you started. You have to bring it to the court. We have to execute the plays we have learned in practice. Just rolling around randomly is not going to cut it against the top teams. It may work during our scrimmages, but it is not good enough against teams that play a disciplined style. Let's do what we practiced in the games! It works, if we are all doing it.
I am proud of you guys. You never quit, and you are really getting better. I know we will show the rest of the junior division that we are a force to be reckoned with.
See you in Seattle!
Coach Doug
