Today I got a phone call from the guy that runs the same aau team I tried out for the last night and I got that second chance and made the team.

Congratulations Ben! I'm sure that made you happy.

Now go out and have some fun, I know you work hard at your game... so keep up the good work.

Let us know how its going for you. How are things with the other teams?

I have the championship game for NJB tomorrow and Ill tell you how it goes.

Good luck Ben, have fun and play well.

I was wondering what made the difference this time with that AAU coach? I know you don't care because you just want to be on the team... but I am curious.

I was definitely making more shots. He said I was persistent and he liked that. Plus they had 2 spots and there were four guys there.

Funny how knocking down a few shots will open someones eyes. You can be doing a lot of other things right...... and all of a sudden you hit a few and they say, " hey, look at that kid, he can really play. " Keep up the good work and good luck in today's game.

Well done, glad you've got what you wanted. Leave it all on the court.

Coaches, would you agree or disagree that just making or missing a few shots should not have been a decieding factor? If a player works hard, has good skills, good shot mechanics that should be highly considered in making the cut or not - not just whether dropping the shots in.

There are many factors why the shots didnt drop, Nerves - we can overcome that; Confidence - we can work on that too. Teaching proper shot mechanics takes a bit longer and would then be a strong negative in chosing a player. Your thoughts?

Id,

Whether we agree with that premise or not its just the way it is with some coaches.....IF we see some kid knocking down threes from the ozone we are going to notice him... and we are going to say, there's a zone buster. I know I would, everyone needs shooters. I also look for the kids that can play good defense, will dive on the floor or take a charge... kids that can handle the ball well... find the open man.

There are some kids that are great practice players... but when they get into games... forget it. I've had them too. When my assistant and I were at tryouts - we looked for all those things - we also looked for kids that were coachable and hard workers - kids we wanted on the squad. It all depends on numbers too.... how many can you keep and have a good practice?

Do we make mistakes? Of course, everyone does... but believe me, the kid that is a great shooter will open anybodies eyes and I LOVED a hard nosed kid on defense.

I agree, that there is more to it than just dropping shots things like defence, intensity, coachability and also as you mentioned is he a practice player or game player. All should be evaluated. You may have a returning roster of starters need to back fill 6-7-8 man spot and are looking for a specific style of player.

But sticking to shooting to say a kid shouldnt be looked at because he misses his shot (but has good mechanics, just had an off day) I think is wrong and I think that is what started this.

OK, let me clarify my last post....

I am saying that IF a kid is out there knocking down shots from all over the court... he IS going to get my attention and probably most other coaches..... NOW ..... IF a kid is doing all the other things we like to see out of a player - and his form is spot on and is missing that day.... thats a different story. Most tryouts last a few days... so he does have a chance to redeem himself.

What did one coach say.... his first two players are this..... 1- a great rebounder 2- a shut down defender..... after that you fill in the rest of the blanks... I want a great point guard and 2 great shooters.