Time Management For Coaches

As coaches, we always stress the importance of time management to our players.  We tell them they need to balance their daily schedules of classes, study, homework, meals, weightlifting, practice, individual workouts, rehab, etc....and we expect them to do all of these things to the best of their ability.

But what about the coaches?  How are we doing with time management in our own lives?

I'm not going to lie.  Being a basketball coach is the greatest job in the world.  Not only do we get to wear t-shirts and sweatpants to work, but we are able to watch a lot of basketball and get paid for it!

However, there are a lot of responsibilities that come along with being a coach.  We all want to lead and impact the lives of our players and those around us, but sometimes it feels like there is just too much going on in our lives.  If we do not manage our time well, our obligations as coaches can begin to negatively impact our health and our families at home.  We have a responsibility to lead others, but do not take on so much that you will not be able to give your best at everything you do.

1. Plan your day the night before.  Set goals and establish a vision for the next day.  Give yourself enough time in between tasks to process thoughts and begin preparation for the next task.  Keep a clear schedule of your meetings and allow time to prepare for those meetings.  Make sure not to schedule too much throughout the day so that you leave enough time to build sincere relationships with the people around you.

2. Limit your use of technology.  Our smartphones and tablets are amazing tools that can serve us well, but they are also a hindrance to our ability to manage time.  Be conscious of how often you use various technologies (phone, tablet, computer, TV, etc.) throughout the day so that you can properly commit to your other responsibilities.  If I'm being honest, this is one of my biggest struggles in managing my time.

3. Family always comes first.  Never sacrifice the needs of your family so that you can fulfill the needs of others.  Obviously as coaches we have hectic schedules and are often away from home, but that doesn't mean we should expect our families to be perfectly fine with that.  We need to invest the time we do have with our families and make them a priority in our lives.  Be concerned if your job becomes more important than your family.  If you don't have time for your family then you don't have time to lead effectively.  Sometimes less is more.

Although there is a lot more that goes into effective and efficient time management, I hope these thoughts help you take an honest look at yourself as a coach.  We expect a lot from our players, but we should expect a lot from ourselves as well.  This is humbling as a leader and I'm going to do my best to work on my time management skills so I can give 100% too all of my responsibilities!

  

NITE - Keys to Great Communication

A few years ago I attended a clinic and heard PGC Basketball's, TJ Rosene talk about communication and the acronym NITE.  Ever since then, we have adopted it within our program and use it daily with our players.  It has been a wonderful addition to our success and has helped improve our communication both on and off the court.

N - NAMES
Anytime we communicate with another person we should always include their name.  Not only does it confirm whose attention we are trying to get, but it also gives affirmation to the other person that what we are about to say is meaningful.  Receivers of our communication are much more likely to listen if they hear their name associated within the context of the message.

I - INFORMATION
Words and/or actions should always carry meaning.  It is always easy to convey information over a long period of time, but it takes a special skill to communicate important information with as few words as possible.  Whether it's a timeout or during play on the floor, there is limited time to communicate what needs to be communicated.  We need to work on simplifying our words so that we can give necessary information in the allotted amount of time.  This information should be direct and to the point, allowing the receiver to process what needs to be done quickly.

T - TONE OF VOICE
The way we say something is just as important as the actual words being said.  A monotone or lackadaisical voice conveys negativity and a lack of trust.  Our tone of voice should be enthusiastic and energetic, which allows the person you are talking to to establish trust and a sense of urgency in the situation.  Positive words will encourage a positive tone of voice.  Always keep your attitude upbeat and optimistic, even when adversity is present.

E - EYE CONTACT
On the court during play, eye contact cannot always happen (such as playing defense).  But anytime you have the opportunity to look someone in the eye you must take advantage of that and do it!  The eyes are associated with the ears.  When you establish eye contact you are accomplishing two things. 1. You are letting the person you are talking to know that you care and you mean what you say and 2. You can be confident that the other person is listening and hearing what you say.  People who maintain eye contact are perceived as being confident and trustworthy.

Coaching Up a Championship Culture

As coaches, we are tasked with the responsibility of impacting the lives of our players and everyone around us.  We are expected to have a positive influence on our players and give them the necessary tools to graduate in order to become great at whatever they do in life.  Coaching is not merely about wins and losses, nor is it about how many sprints we can make our players run.  Instead, coaching is a call to disciple and teach young men or women to be the best that they can possibly be.  The culture that we demonstrate through our words and actions will be the example in which our players will learn to live their lives.  There are three areas that are crucial in evolving a championship culture and we need to consider developing our culture each day. 

1. TRUST – This may be the most difficult character trait to cultivate within our programs.  With factors such as playing time, academics, athletic ability, relationships, etc., it almost takes a magician to establish trust among every member of our programs.  I’m sure everyone has heard the saying, “It takes years to build trust, but only seconds to lose it.”  I think that quote is fairly accurate and we need to take our relationships with our players very seriously.  We also need to make sure that our players are doing things that enable their teammates to trust them.  Kevin Eastman, Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Los Angeles Clippers, made a comment on an Entre Leadership podcast about establishing trust with his NBA players or else he would lose them for two weeks.  Trust needs to be a priority in our programs if we want to have a healthy and championship caliber culture.  Everything we do and say is under a microscope and we need to be aware of the affect our actions/words have on others.

2. RESPONSIBILITY – The ability to hold our players accountable is of the utmost importance, but it is even more important that our players hold each other accountable.  All of us have been irresponsible at some point in our lives and we need to communicate the significance that responsibility has on the overall success of our programs.  If we don't, our players will not learn how to be responsible.  So many young players struggle with responsibility not necessarily because they are lazy, but because they have never been taught how to get things done consistently and on time.  When our players fail to act responsibly we need to come alongside them and disciple them through the process and teach them how to do the right things.  Once we demonstrate how to be responsible and communicate expectations, our players begin to collectively hold each other to higher standards and the fruits of our efforts will begin to show.  When everyone takes care of their responsibilities it communicates and establishes trust.

3. SERVANT LEADERSHIP – Being a servant leader requires humility.  Humility is something that is demonstrated by placing the needs of others before my own.  It isn’t natural to be a servant and it isn’t natural to put others first, but when we make an effort to do the unnatural we see positive impact.  Obviously, as coaches we need to serve our players and lead them in a way that will help them become great men.  The hard part is teaching our players how to serve others and put others first.  Our examples of servant leadership may be the only example that they have ever seen in their lives.  We live in a generation where it’s all about “what can I get?”  If we allow that mindset of selfishness to infiltrate our program, we will never be successful.  Servant leaders are people who always care more about the guy next to him and constantly think of ways to help make them better.  When we decide to serve and help others we will begin to see success through our humble service.  Responsibility and trust are more easily cultivated when everyone in the group has the other person’s best interest at heart. 

Although there are many more characteristics and qualities that make up a great culture, I believe these three are a solid foundation.  A championship culture can only be realized when every member of the program decides to be a “Champion Today.”  They decide to do what they are supposed to be doing and be where they are supposed to be on a daily basis.  Once we start living these habits, we will see positive change within our culture that will eventually lead to success.  When we SERVE – we inspire others to take RESPONSIBILITY.  When we are RESPONSIBLE – we enable others TRUST.  When we TRUST – we desire to SERVE others.  The circle is endless and is a great foundation in coaching up a championship culture!

Champions Today

In our program at Bob Jones University, we have focused our attention on becoming #ChampionsToday.  This mindset comes from a talk that Adam Bradley of the Hardwood Hustle gave to our team this past January as we were visiting Washington DC.  By focusing on building championship habits in everything we do, we began to see positive change within our team both on and off the court.

Our motto is "Live Christ."  We are a Christian university and our main goal is to glorify Jesus Christ in everything we do.  We want people to see Jesus through our daily actions and words.  The mindset of being #ChampionsToday has given everyone in our program an opportunity to give praise to Jesus by the way we do everything.  The way we workout, pay attention, study, behave in the dorms/hotel room, behave on the bus, practice, take notes, etc. are all indications of us being champions and living the way Christ would live.  As we bring the summer to a close and begin focusing our attention on academics and basketball, we are striving to carry out the mindset of being #ChampionsToday and ultimately bringing glory to Jesus through the way we do everything!

Follow our program on Twitter & Instagram @BJUBruinsMBB

Persistence Is Stronger than Failure

"Abraham Lincoln is acknowledged as one of America's greatest presidents.  Here is a brief summary of his career:

1831 - Failed in business
1832 - Defeated for legislature
1833 - Failed in business again
1834 - Elected to legislature
1835 - Sweetheart died
1836 - Had nervous breakdown
1838 - Defeated for speaker
1840 - Defeated for elector
1843 - Defeated for congressional nomination
1846 - Elected to Congress
1848 - Defeated for Congress
1855 - Defeated for Senate
1856 - Defeated for Vice President
1859 - Defeated for Senate
1860 - Elected President of the United States

The model Mr. Lincoln gave us with his persistence is one we can remember in the face of our own setbacks.  And what is most wondrous of all is that persistence is a quality that we ourselves control.  You, and only you, can decide whether you will stay the course."

Excerpt taken from "Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court" by John Wooden

Northland Changed My Life

I've been away from Northland for 5 years, but I realize that a piece of my heart will always be there.  There have been so many people from that place that God has used in my life to change my heart and help me grow as a follower of Jesus Christ.

I came in as a freshman in 2006  with a bitter heart and a lacking desire to be at a "Bible College."  I had the opportunity to play golf for Coach Dennis Scott and I did everything I could to be the best golfer I could be.  Health issues and a bad attitude kept me from being the best, but Coach Scott was always there to encourage me and point me in the right direction.  He was a great coach and a great adviser throughout my college years.  I'm thankful for Coach Scott.

There was one golf trip that Coach Scott couldn't go on, so  coach Pete Wehry took us instead.  Coach Wehry was the Dean of Students at the time and I was lucky enough to draw the short straw and share a hotel room with him.  The first night I was reading a coaching book called "Wooden" and that was enough to spark a conversation with this Peter guy.  Ever since that trip, Coach Wehry has been one of my best friends and wisest mentors.  I couldn't even count the number of times that he opened his office door to me just to hang out or do homework.  Many of those times turned into discipleship sessions where I was struggling and cried my heart out to him.  He just listened and then would point me in the right direction and pray with me.  He gave me my first coaching "job" and has been there for me ever since.  A group of us basketball guys used to skip "freshman seminar" and go over to Joel Widmer's house and watch TV.  One day we skipped and Coach Wehry was speaking that day.  He talked to us - we never skipped again.  He was the true definition of a coach.  I'm thankful for Coach Wehry.

In 2007 Coach Wehry took over as the head men's basketball coach and athletic director, thus leaving his post as the Dean of Students.  The guy that took over for him was Paul Whitt.  I am the luckiest student alive to have had these two men as Dean of Students because there is no doubt in my mind that I would've been kicked out of Northland about 20x if it wasn't for these two guys believing in me. No one else could have understood why we had to miss curfew...by 7 hours....on our way back to campus from the Sweet 16 in Detroit.  He also had this amazing "man cave" at his house and I'm not sure if there is a person I have watched more sporting events with than this man.  His family took me in and made me feel like their own son.  I can't even express how grateful I am for Coach Whitt and his family.  I'm thankful for Coach Whitt.

At Northland, I built relationships with people who are my lifelong friends.  They grew with me and challenged me in every aspect of my life.  My best friend, Nathan Pettit is getting married in July.  He was the best man in my wedding and now I am honored to be the best man in his.  I still remember the first time I met him, but I'm going to save that story for my best man speech.  He is the true definition of a friend.  I'm thankful for Nathan.

These stories could go on for ever because there were so many amazing people at Northland.  The people there are what made Northland special.  I could go on and on about the countless people that have impacted my life and remain close friends.  All of us were challenged by the word of God every day by people who genuinely cared for us. We were around gospel-centered people constantly and were loved by everyone on that campus.  My life changed because of Northland and the people that were there.  It's hard to hear about the adversity they are facing right now, but I'm thankful that the heart of Northland will never be closed.  That university loved and served me well and in return I was taught how to serve and love others.  I'm thankful for Northland.

3 W's of Relationships

In most cases, players have to walk together and work together before they can win together.

Walking relationship - Initiate a walking relationship with your teammates.

This is generally done off the court. What do you know about your teammates? Their families? Their likes and dislikes? Their struggles? The benefits of walking with your teammates include the biblical admonition of "bearing one another's burdens." For you to know how to encourage your teammates, you need to walk with them. Criticism requires no relationship with the one you are targeting, but if you walk with someone, you will be inclined to encourage him rather than criticize him. In addition, those who walk with someone else will also be inclined to pray for him.

Working relationship - Cultivate a working relationship with your teammates.

A walking relationship with teammates facilitates a working relationship with them. This dynamic generally happens in practices, in the weight room, on the track, and wherever else you work together. How much more inclined are we to work hard with our teammates when we first walk with them? Working together builds unity, establishes trust, and defers our own interests to those of the successes of our team. Do you like to go to work? If you say "yes," you like the players around you and are willing to be patient with their weaknesses and embrace their strengths for the benefit of team success.

Winning relationship - establish a winning relationship with your teammates.

Contrary to "bottom line" enthusiasts, the scoreboard is not the end-all in athletics. We are obligated in obedience to "run, that we may obtain"[the prize]; however, many "wins" exist apart from the final score.

Team goals that preclude a winning score are often "small wins" that, in time, accumulate and ultimately translate into wins on the scoreboard. These "small wins" share a common characteristic: teammates. A winning relationship with fellow teammates happens because the walking and the working relationships have already been established and are continually being enriched.

Now that we are in the off-season (on-season), individual workouts take center stage. As you hone your skills, eliminate weaknesses, and strengthen your body during these months, consider what steps you will take to walk and work with your teammates. Have you thought about initiating those first two w’s – walking and working - with your teammates? Imagine what could happen if a team was already walking and working together going into next season! “Small wins” would undoubtedly produce wins on the scoreboard. More importantly, the team would be able to fulfill its true mission better than ever before: to use the platform of athletics in ministry opportunities all around us. And it would be a true team effort!

This article was written by former BJU Bruins Assistant Coach, Larry Hunt.

5 Things Every Coach Can Give His Kids

One of my favorite parts of the Final Four is the opportunity to learn how to become a better husband and father through various ministries and workshops.  This past weekend, Carey Casey shared with us "5 Things Every Coach Can Give His Kids," which I thought was very good and wanted to share it.  Casey is the CEO of the National Center for Fathering.  Here are the notes that he gave us at the NABC Convention in Indianapolis.





1. He/She Needs a Living Example

• Set the example for expressing emotions responsibly.

         - Show them it's okay to be emotionally vulnerable.  Don't shut down and don't shut them down.
         - Research shows that most men are comfortable showing just one emotion - anger.
         - Learn to regulate anger and other negative emotions.

• Set an example for what it means to respect women.

         - Boys get most of their ideas about women and how to relate to women from their dad and key father figures

          - Words and comments must communicate respect.

• Be the example of the kind of husband a girl should look for.

2. He/She Needs a Plan for the Future

• Vocational training
• Relationship training
• Rights of passage
• Skills, attitudes, and value planning

3. He/She Needs Moral Benchmarks

• Respect for authority
• Young men need to be held accountable
• They need to know the boundaries

4. He/She Needs a Respect and Purity Monitor

• You must be a respect and purity monitor
• Be sure to do everything you can to help him/her protect their innocence and purity
• Having integrity will carry them for a lifetime

5. He/She Needs Words of Comfort

• Allowing them to express their feelings
• Actively listening to them
• Responding with empathy

6. When a father or father figure is engaged, girls do better:

• More secure
• More confident
• Does better in math
• Likely to marry a man who has similar features as her dad

You can learn more about the National Center for Fathering at www.fathers.com

Remaining Content During the Coaching Carousel of March Madness

Be content.  Every year, right around this time, I begin to dream my biggest dreams.  It seems natural for a basketball coach to do a lot of dreaming during March Madness, doesn't it?  I mean, every night there is a game on television that comes down to the buzzer when coaches & players run around like little kids, filled to the brim with excitement.  I can't help but think about what it will be like when I get to experience those emotions someday.  The emotions of winning a conference championship and earning a birth in the NCAA Tournament.  The emotions of celebrating with young men who worked so hard for so long to achieve something together.  The emotions of climbing a ladder and cutting down a small piece of net that symbolizes you are the best.  The emotions of going into the locker room and realizing that we just accomplished something that very few people ever have the chance to do.  I want to experience that someday!  What coach doesn't?

It's no secret that I want to be a division 1 coach someday.  In fact, I often times hold imaginary timeouts and pregame talks in my living room (when my wife isn't home) preparing myself for that moment when the game or our season is on the line.  As seasons are coming to an end there are so many coaches on the move.  Whether it's a promotion to a new job or getting fired from an old job, the coaching carousel at every level of college basketball is spinning fast this month.  Who will get what job?  Who do I know at that school?  Who do I know that knows someone that knows someone?  How can I break into this business?  Be honest coaches - you all ask those questions trying to figure out how you could land a position.  I'm guilty of it, especially this time of year. But I know that having a mindset of "what's next" isn't always the best one to have and I have learned (and continue to learn) how to deal with those emotions of trying to get the next job.

Currently, I am an assistant coach at Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC.  It's a small school that is in only it's 3rd year of intercollegiate athletics.  I have been here all 3 years and have enjoyed my part in building this program.  I make a decent salary.  I work for a great head coach.  Our staff is wonderful.  Our facilities are some of the best (if not the best) in the state of South Carolina.  But I always find myself at this time of year asking, "what's next?" questioning if I truly am content in my current position.  Why is that?

It's a constant battle to remain content.  I have found that reading through Philippians 4 every March helps me understand God's call for me as a coach.  I would highly recommend reading this regardless of your position, level, or circumstance in coaching.  There are so many great things that Paul encourages us with as he writes.  The first verse that always pops out to me is verse 4.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!"

- I'm reminded to find my joy in the Lord, not in my job, salary, or circumstance.

The second verse that always helps me and convicts me as a coach are verses 6-7.  Paul tells us not to worry, but instead to pray and be thankful.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

- I'm reminded that I need to place everything in God's hands.  

Then in verses 8-9 he tells us a list of good things to think on.  If and when we think about these things he encourages us to put them into practice & God's peace will be given to us.  That is so encouraging to me to know that God is on my side.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me - practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."

- I'm reminded that I need to keep my mind focused on things that are going to serve and help others around me.

The next section of the passage (verses 10-20) talk about how God will then provide for us.  I'm always uplifted and rejuvenated after reading this, especially verses 11-13.  The words in these verses make me thankful for a God who cares about me and always has my back.

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.  In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

- I'm reminded that even if I want to be coaching at a higher level - I need to be content where God has me because he is shaping me and growing me to become a great coach in the future.  He gives us strength to be content.

It is so easy as a coach to always be looking for the next best thing, the greener pasture.  My challenge that I place on myself is to focus on God and the list that Paul gave us to think about and let things fall into place.  It is so easy to worry or be anxious about moving up the coaching ladder.  Instead, I have learned to focus on being the best I can be in the current position that God has placed me in.  It's not always easy, but it's necessary.  Embrace the current process and do things daily that will continue to make you better.  I'm confident that if God wants me in another position he will open the door, but until that happens I need to continue to be content where I'm at.  I'm thankful that God has placed me at a great university with great people.  

If you are a young coach looking for a job, a current coach looking to move up, or an old coach that may have just been fired - read Philippians 4 and meditate on the truths and promises that God gives us when it comes to being content.  It's powerful and I truly believe that God blesses us when we find contentment in Him!

Happy March Madness.

Who Can Lead?

"Leadership is the ability to get individuals to work together for the common good and the best possible results while at the same time letting them know they did it themselves.

Some people are automatic leaders.  Some can never be leaders.  But many who don't think of themselves as leaders have the potential to become such if they understand the fundamentals of getting individuals to work together."

An excerpt from "Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court" by John Wooden

Eight Suggestions for Succeeding

If you are wanting to be a great leader and a great coach, the first book you should read is "Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court" by Coach John Wooden.  This was the first book that I read while in middle school that really ignited the passion for me to coach.  In it, there are so many valuable nuggets that represent wisdom and knowledge of not only basketball, but every aspect of life.  One of the lessons in the book is a list of his "Eight Suggestions for Succeeding" and it reads like this:

1. Fear no opponent. Respect every opponent.

2. Remember, it's the perfection of the smallest details that make big things happen.

3. Keep in mind that hustle makes up for many a mistake.

4. Be more interested in character than reputation.

5. Be quick, but don't hurry.

6. Understand that the harder you work, the more luck you will have.

7. Know that valid self-analysis is crucial for improvement.

8. Remember that there is no substitute for hard work and careful planning.  Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.


Buy this book here.

Follow @CoachWingreen on Twitter!

My Shoes, My Game, My Brand

GUEST BLOG

by Larry Hunt

These are all headlines [this past week] in various sports outlets – yahoo, etc.

What do they all have in common?

“Eric Bledsoe's crossover makes Clippers' Jared Cunningham jog off the court, toward the stands”

“Kyrie Irving goes between the legs for sweet assist to Kevin Love”

“Erik Lamela scores absurd rabona goal in Europa League match, invalidates all arguments against him”

“CP3's Sick Fake and Score”

All these headlines glorify an individual; all these headlines sensationalize a professional athlete doing something that is actually not uncommon at all. Why then the headlines?

Maybe words like marketing, branding, and self-centeredness come to mind – or something else that reflects the trend to accentuate self. Many elite players today are more enraptured with themselves and their brand than they are sacrificing individual glory for team success. For them it’s all about fame and fortune, all the while feigning humility and the “us” mentality.

Our players need to guard themselves from these “faux [role] models” who consistently prove over time that it’s really all about “me” rather than “us.” A saturation of this worldly, proud persona, especially through social media channels and online news outlets, will quickly skew a player’s perception toward emulating this behavior on the court. Our Bruins’ games should never be “performances”; rather, games should always be contests that require total team effort.

As a side note - there is room for creative, selfless play. Creativity properly used enhances the action required to deceive the opponent. The basketball court is one place in life where deception is allowed! But let’s not be unnatural or ostentatious in our creativity; the day that “playing to the crowd” supersedes “playing for my team” is the day that we regress to mediocrity at best.

Just some random thoughts . . . thanks for reading!

- Coach Larry Hunt, Assistant Men's Basketball Coach

Remember

It's hard to believe that it's been 13 years since America was attacked on September 11th.  So much has changed within our culture since then.  I still remember where I was, what I was doing, and who I was with on that day.  School was just getting started for the day when my 8th grade teacher, Kurt Rummler, told us that a plane crashed into the World Trade Center.  At first, we all thought it was a little recreational plane and our biggest concern was, "how are we going to trade with the world if our World Trade Center is gone?"  I also had tickets that night to go see the Milwaukee Brewers play the St. Louis Cardinals and I was crushed when I learned that the game was cancelled.  I obviously had no clue what was going on at first, but as the day continued, I would soon learn the magnitude of what happened and how it would effect our everyday lives.  Our country lost 2,977 innocent lives on that day and I don't ever want to forget that.

On Monday, our men's basketball team and students here at Bob Jones University helped set up a 9/11 memorial display on the front of our campus that will remain in place until September 15.  It consists of thousands of flags, 2,977 to be exact.  We placed each flag in the ground and formed the structures of the World Trade Towers and the Pentagon.  As we began there was a lot of laughter and our players were having a fun time helping out.  The more flags we placed in the ground, the more I began to realize that we serve a bigger purpose in doing this.  Each of those flags represented an individual that lost his or her life in the 9/11 attacks.  A father, son, sister, or grandmother.  Every flag now served a significant purpose and created a special connection between a college basketball coach and strangers that mean so much to me.  I hope that all of our players and students that volunteered with that project felt a similar feeling behind what we were doing.  I love my country and I still get emotional when I think about September 11, 2001.  I still get sad thinking about the lives lost.  I still get ticked off thinking about the terrorists behind it all.  I still find myself in disbelief that it all happened.  But the greatest emotion I still feel is pride.  There is no better country in the world that the United States of America. I am grateful to live here.  So I hope that when you drive past the campus of Bob Jones University this week and see thousands of flags in the ground, you remember.

Characteristics of the Right Players

Recruiting season is always fun.  Prospects send countless emails and blow up my inbox, and every other coach's inbox, with proposals and declarations of their extraordinary skills.  It seems as though every time I walk into my office lately, that little red light on my office phone is blinking as if it is trying to tell me something.  When I am at home I can hardly set my phone down without another text or call beckoning for my valuable time.  I am always encouraged by the draw our program has with recruits, but very few of these kids understand what it takes to play at our level.  They don't realize that college basketball is more than media attention and bright lights.  They don't understand that there is a special kind of person that we are looking for and we are not willing to inhibit our culture by making a mistake in recruiting.  

It's not always the recruit's fault, but many of them do not possess the necessary characteristics that we are searching for.  So to make things easier for recruits looking at our program, I wanted to take some time to list some important characteristics that we expect from our players.  I also hope this helps coaches that are trying to build and grow their philosophy when it comes to recruiting.

1. Be Good at Basketball - I know this may seem harsh, but it's true.  I can't tell you how many players send in film and I don't even watch more than two clips because of their obvious lack of skill.   This isn't to say we are looking for perfect players, but we need players who are talented and also have room to grow.  

2. Be Willing to Follow Jesus - I want all of our players to know how important following Jesus is.  It is understandable that not every kid will be at the same place in their journey, however, as a coach I want to help you grow in this area.  All I ask is that you are open minded and willing to change when it comes to Biblical truths.  

3. Be a Man of Integrity - I want players who will look me in the eye and tell me the truth.  I will never judge someone who is willing to admit their mistakes and display that they are willing to fix them.  Forgiveness is the key to lasting relationships.  I expect players to do their best and strive to become godly husbands and fathers someday.  

4. Be a Team Player - I could care less what your stats were in high school.  The only thing I care about is how you treat your teammates and your ability to make each other better.  You must have the ability to stand out while blending in.  We care about our players and expect them to take pride in our TEAM.

5. Be Mentally Tough - If I am watching you play in a game or work out, you need to show me that you can handle adversity.  College basketball provides many opportunities for triumph, but it provides twice as many opportunities for failure.  If you can't show the ability to move on to the "next play" then there is probably not a place for you on our team.  We do not tolerate complainers.

6. Be a Servant-Leader - When I call high school coaches I often ask them several questions about the player.  One of the first things I ask is whether or not their player is a servant leader to others.  If you are willing to help others carry equipment, put basketballs away, sweep the gym floor, etc. then there is a good chance you have a bright future as a college basketball player.

7. Be Responsible - Our head coach always says, "Be where you are supposed to be, doing what you're supposed to be doing."  This seems like an easy task, but young men have a hard time being responsible.  Do the right thing.  If you happen to mess up, go back and read #3.

8. Be a Good Student - If you are responding to texts in class or taking bathroom breaks to call me, do not expect to be signed to play here.  I expect our players to do their best in the classroom and make education a priority in their journey as a student-athlete.  Also, make sure to use good grammar when texting or tweeting a coach.  I won't even finish reading what you have to say if you address me as "Yo bro" or "Wsup homie."

9. Be a Positive Example on Social Media - Twitter, Facebook, & Instagram are the main avenues of communication with today's recruits.  If you are on social media (I recommend that you are) make sure to be positive and mindful with everything you post.  If you are posting pictures of yourself at parties doing something you're not supposed to be doing then you will not play for us.  Make your posts positive and encouraging in nature.  You represent the brand of both yourself and our program.

10. Be a Good Character - Your talent will only take you so far.  You can possess all the talent in the world, but if you don't have good character then you will end up being a failure someday.  Most coaches would rather have extraordinary people with less talent on their team as opposed to poor character people with extraordinary talent.

These are just a few characteristics that usually stand out to coaches, but they are not the only ones.  When it is all said and done, I am looking for kids that want to work hard and do the right thing.  Mistakes are going to happen and everyone will do something stupid at some point in time, but it's how they are willing to respond to those situations that matters.  If you are a player that possesses all the characteristics above, I am happy for the coach that signs you.  I hope that coach is me!

Follow @CoachWingreen on Twitter

The Final Four: More Than Meets The Eye

No person can even argue that March Madness is the most wonderful time of the year.  If you disagree with that statement - stop reading right now.  I'm only joking - KEEP READING!  I promise you that this will be worth your time.

As a basketball coach and someone that is a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), I have the privilege of attending the Final Four every year for their annual convention. Although this convention is intended for professional and personal development, the question that is most often asked to me is, "do you get to go to the games?!"  I understand that it is only natural for people to ask that question when they hear I will be at the Final Four, but I always count it a blessing when I get to inform them that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the Final Four.

Despite the countless clinics, sessions, parties, dinners, and meetings that the NABC provides, there is also an emphasis on ministry with coaches.  Organizations such as Nations of Coaches, Athletes In Action, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes really do an outstanding job of providing coaches with the most important things that fit their needs.  Whether they know it or not, coaches need Jesus in their programs and they need biblical truths pumped through the hearts of their athletes.  These ministry groups spend countless hours mentoring and training people to help equip coaches with the necessary tools that will change their programs forever.  The sessions and panel discussions that are put on by these ministries are valuable resources for developing a biblical worldview in relation to coaching.

If you ever get a chance to come to a Final Four, or if you are a coach and have never heard of any of these events, I urge you to check them out sometime.  There's no greater experience than building relationships with other coaches that share the same heart beat as you.  They love basketball and everything that comes with it, but ultimately they love Jesus more and desire for their players to know Him.  Coaching is more than X's and O's and the time spent learning how to develop men of character will help make your program a TRUE success.

I am so thankful and appreciative of the people that have invested into my life as a young coach.  While some people view the Final Four as an opportunity to network, find a job, and party with their coaching buddies, I view it as an opportunity to grow in my walk with Jesus Christ and help develop me into a better husband and father.  No vocation influences as many lives as coaching does, and I am blessed to be a part of something that will impact lives forever through the game of basketball.

Some upcoming events to check out if you are in Dallas this weekend:

SATURDAY

FCA Coaches' Luncheon - 12:30 pm | Dallas Ballroom

It's Gametime! - 5:00 pm | Dallas Ballroom

SUNDAY

Coaches' Bible Study - 8:30 am | Press Club

Worship Service - 10:00 am | Dallas Ballroom

Cling to the Sword

Eleazar is one of the most inspirational characters in the Bible.  His story is one that is rare and most people have never heard it.  You see, Eleazar was one of David's mighty men.  He was a brave and honorable soldier that fought in David's army and was most recognized for his part in Israel's victory over the Philistines.  To set up this amazing story it is necessary to read two passages first.  2 Samuel 23:9-10 & 1 Chronicles 11:12-14.

"And next to him among the three mighty men was Eleazar the son of Dodo, son of Ahohi.  He was with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel withdrew.  He rose and struck down the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clung to the sword.  And the LORD brought about a great victory that day, and the men returned after him only to strip the slain." - 2 Samuel 23:9-10 (ESV)

And we also get some more insight on this event in 1 Chronicles.

"And next to him among the three mighty men was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite.  He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines were gathered there for battle.  There was a plot of ground full of barley, and the men fled from the Philistines.  But he took his stand in the midst of the plot and defended it and killed the Philistines.  And the LORD saved them by a great victory." - 1 Chronicles 11:12-14 (ESV)

The Philistines obviously posed a massive threat to the men of Israel because they all ran away!  They FLED!  But despite what the rest of the army did, David and Eleazar stood next to each other and defended against the Philistines.  It wasn't until after all the Philistines were dead that the rest of the men returned.  An amazing story for sure, but what was it about Eleazar that allowed him to accomplish this victory?

1. His WEAPON - Verse 10 of 2 Samuel 23 tells us that Eleazar fought with one weapon, a sword.  He was able to defeat an entire army with just one sword!  He was confident and familiar to this weapon and was able to use it to win a battle.  We have to assume that he practiced with this sword daily.  He knew everything about his sword - how much it weighed, how far he could reach with it, and how hard he needed to swing it to do damage.  He cared for his sword and made sure that he knew how to use it when the opportunity presented itself.

2. His GRIP - Eleazar was a man of perseverance!  Verse 10 also says, "He rose and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand CLUNG to the sword."  He clung to it!  Even though his entire army, his brothers, his family, his team, abandoned him...he never gave up.  He gave everything he had and welded his hand to his sword.  He was tired and weak, but even still...he clung to the sword.  His sword became a part of who he was.  Wow.

3. His STRENGTH - I'm sure Eleazar was a strong man, but his strength didn't lie within himself.  Verse 10 finishes by telling us that, "The LORD brought about a great victory that day..."  God was able to take one soldier and use him in a mighty and powerful way.  Sure, Eleazar was trained to use his sword.  He practiced for hours upon hours throughout his life and was confident in his ability to use it.  Of course, he had the mindset to "never give up" and persevere through adversity.  But his true strength and the reason he was able to clinch a victory against the Philistines was because of God's power. 

What a powerful and inspiring story of a man who was confident in his ability and fought to the end.  A man who was abandoned by his team, yet still found the courage to RISE UP and fight the battle.  He gave every ounce of energy he had left and kept swinging his trusty sword.  In today's world, we can directly relate this story to our lives.  Just as Eleazar clung to his sword in the midst of battle, we can cling to the Word of God when we face adverse times.  We grow weary.  We get tired.  But when we read the Scriptures and hold fast to God's promises, He will show us his power and give us strength to overcome.  It's no coincidence that the name, Eleazar means, "God is my Helper."  

The Other Team...

GUEST BLOG 
by Paul Whitt











“But time is short, and the road is long, in the blinking of an eye, ah that moment's gone . And when it's done, win or lose, you always did your best, cuz inside you knew... (that) ONE SHINING MOMENT, YOU REACHED DEEP INSIDE. ONE SHINING MOMENT, YOU KNEW YOU WERE ALIVE…”

Words & Music: David Barrett Hodges Song Supply/ASCAP

For the last 25+ years, college basketball fans have enjoyed this addictive song as it’s attached to the most memorable visual moments from March Madness and the Final Four. It inevitably includes shots of highlight dunks, the raw emotion of the competition, highlights from the year’s “Cinderella,” and typically the most captivating buzzer beaters from the tournament. It helps any fan of the game relive the previous three weeks in about 200 seconds. In the end, you’re left with the images of the winning team in their championship t-shirts and hats, celebrating with the trophy and cutting down the nets.

But what about the team that is on the other bench during the “one shining moment?”

A magical and memorable season for our small rural high school ended last Friday night when the visiting team knocked down a 3-pointer with no time remaining, giving them a 51-50 win and a place in the regional final. Their fans rushed the floor, the hero, a senior guard who hadn't scored in either of the two games I scouted, was on the floor under a pile of teammates and coaches, and the officials frantically signaled the basket was good as they sprinted off of the floor.

And there we stood. My guys looked like the description you hear of survivors of an airline accident – walking around dazed and confused. Then reality hit as some fell to their knees at mid-court and sobbed, while others pulled their jerseys over their faces to try to hide the tears. After congratulating the other team and coaches, our lifeless players staggered to our locker room while I fell into my seat on our bench, just staring at the ground. What now? What do I say to them? I never prepare to lose.

After four or five minutes , I stood to walk in to address our guys, but was met by them returning to the floor. We have had a tradition of saluting and thanking our fans, win or lose, after every game by going to our section of the bleachers and clapping for them, and spending time talking to each one that wants to talk. The players realized that in their state of shock, they had not done that with what was our biggest assembly of fans in years. And they wanted to do the right thing. So they stood, cried, talked, hugged, and even posed for pictures for nearly half an hour.

When we finally made it to the locker room, I had three goals in mind. First, I wanted to keep it short. After millions upon millions of words I had spoken to them through the course of a season, there is not a more distracted audience than a locker room of guys who've just been surprised to find their season, and some their careers, over. Secondly, I wanted to remind them of their accomplishments through the season; accomplishments that could never be taken away. We finished 20-3, a perfect 14-0 in conference and won our conference for the first time in school history. We were ranked as high as fifth in state polls, and enjoyed a 17 –game winning streak. But we also united two communities behind a group of guys that they adopted as their own. You see, our school is so small, three seasons ago we combined with a smaller school in the area to have enough to play sports. The schools that were once bitter rivals, are now joined just to be able to compete, and some in the community weren't  quite ready for it. But that seemed to change this season, and fans from both communities stood side by side to cheer on the one team that represented them both.  And finally, I wanted to communicate my unconditional love and concern for them. A season may have just ended, and ended with a rare loss, but that doesn't change what I think of them or the fact that I love them. They are like sons to me and we all cared a lot, which is a reason it hurt so much. And in the end, I wouldn't trade any of our experiences and relationships for a chance to replay the final play.

So, the next time you see that last-second shot swish through the net, a team chase a hero around the gym before tackling him, an exuberant coach pointing to his family sitting up in the stands, and the crowd rushing the court with unbridled enthusiasm, remember, there’s always a team on the other side of someone’s “one shining moment.”

This was a post from guest blogger, Paul Whitt.  Coach Whitt is the Director of Athletics & Head Boy's Basketball Coach at Goodman/Pembine High School in Wisconsin.  You can follow Coach Whitt on Twitter by clicking HERE.

Building Relationships

Building relationships are crucial in any job, but they are extremely important in the realm of coaching.  Without true relationships between a coach/player, coach/AD, coach/media, or coach/administration, there will not be any trust. Relationships are built on the foundation of trust and that trust can only be built by loving and being committed to serve others.

As a young coach, I am learning more daily how to become a better leader and how to enhance my relationships with the people I surround myself with.  I like to believe that one of my strengths as a coach is my ability to genuinely love others and make them feel comfortable talking to me.  I'm not a talkative person by nature, but God has given me the unique ability to relate to people and gain their trust.  I look forward to the opportunities I am given to impact others simply by showing an interest in something they love.

Although many relationships are developed by servant leadership and displaying love towards someone, more relationships are maintained through tough love.  In my limited experience as a coach I have had to work with people in ways which they do not like.  College athletes, especially basketball players, do not typically like being told that they are wrong.  Many coaches will deal with an issue like this in one of two ways. 1) They will lash out at the player by yelling and insisting that they are right, or 2) They will give in to the player and let him do what he wants, even though the coach knows it will not make him a better person.  In my opinion, neither of those tactics is the wise way to handle players.  If we truly desire to build relationships with our players we must love them first.  We need to tell them things that they don't want to hear and love them enough to show them how they can make themselves a better player and person.

There are three simple acts that we must contribute to if we truly want to build successful relationships.  The three are:

1. Be Available - As a coach this could simply be having an open door policy for a player to come into your office and talk about life.  It could also be something such as offering a helping hand anytime they may need it.  Reach out to others and offer your talent/knowledge to make them better. (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:24; Ephesians 4:12)

2. Listen More - Sometimes as coaches we feel that we need to talk, talk, talk.  There are times when the best thing for our team is to just listen to our players.  Listen for tips to run a play better.  Ask them to give insight on team functions and core values.  Asking questions and listening to your players is such a powerful way to build trust and ultimately build lasting relationships. (James 1:19; Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 18:13)

3. Be Generous - Do something for someone without expecting anything in return.  Coaches and athletes alike tend to be very stubborn and selfish people, well at least if they are like me!  It is human nature to look out for yourself when really we should be looking to do something for another person.  Seek out opportunities to serve and make someone else's life better. (Acts 20:35; Matthew 6:21; 1 Corinthians 9:14)

"The heart of a coach - at least my heart - is the relationship you have with players." - Coach Dale Brown

"The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people." - Theodore Roosevelt

Survive & Advance

Today is the last day of February, which can only mean one thing: March is almost here!  I figured many people will write their March Madness stories beginning tomorrow, so I wanted to get a head start and do one today.  It's the most wonderful time of the year and you will begin to hear many sayings such as, "win or go home" & "do or die."  However, my favorite is "survive and advance."

Many of you know the story of Jim Valvano's 1983 NC State team that won the NCAA National Championship in an unlikely fashion.  They kept surviving game after game after game, winning 9 consecutive to win the title.  The bizarre thing about these wins was that in 7 out of the 9 games - they were losing in the final minute!  They upset teams like Michael Jordan's UNC Tar Heels and Virginia, whom had three-time National POY, Ralph Sampson.  In the National Championship they faced tournament favorite, Houston that featured players like Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler.  Jim Valvano's Wolfpack won the game on the unlikeliest of plays - an air ball that was caught and dunked at the buzzer to finish one of the most amazing tournament runs in college basketball history.

But what was it that kept NC State in every fight?  It surely wasn't the abundance of superstars on their roster, but rather an undying love for each other and their team.  Odds couldn't have been more against the Wolfpack that season as they encountered adversity on several occasions.  At one point in the season they lost 6 of 8 games by large deficits to unranked teams.  They were also down by 6 points in the final 24 seconds of their first round tournament game vs. Pepperdine, but found a way to rally back and win in OT. To really stack the odds against them, the 17-10 Wolfpack knew that no team with 10 losses has ever won the NCAA National Championship.  Great teams find a way.  They survive and advance.

Truly great teams embrace qualities that enable them to work together as a collective group.  Here are four characteristics that I believe make a great team.

1. CULTURE - Jon Gordon writes in his book, Soup, "Culture drives behavior and behavior drives habits." The way that you do things as a team are important and no one should be allowed to come in and destroy your culture.  Setting up a system of core values will enable you to hold your team accountable for their behavior.  As the quote states, behavior will become permanent and eventually create great habits that establish a consistent, winning team.

2. ENGAGED RELATIONSHIPS - This is the foundation.  Without relationships there is no team.  You can't be only halfway committed or luke warm in your relationships.  A true team is fully engaged with each other and feels collectively responsible for the other persons actions.  If one person fails, we all fail.  If one person succeeds, we all succeed.  It's never about myself - I should always be looking out for others and building them up. 

3. OPTIMISM - We stress the power of positivity in our program daily. We truly believe that our positive attitudes will create a competitive advantage in all aspects of life.  We believe in each other.  We love each other.  We do things with energy and effort.  Being optimistic is truly a quality of a great team and we need to be continually filling our voids with positivity. 

4. TRUST - We build trust one day at a time.  Sometimes it takes years to build trust, but there is no doubt that it can only take 2 seconds to destroy it.  What trust does is that it generates commitment and ultimately enables ordinary people to become a great team.  People unite and become one unit working for the betterment of the other person.  There is a love that will never be broken.  True teams understand that anything worth achieving only matters if it is done together with love. 

Our regular season has concluded and our team has turned its attention to our tournament.  Just like NC State did in 1983, we have encountered a significant amount of adversity this season.  We have grown closer through all of it and have become stronger as individuals and as a team.  In our minds there is only one game left this season, and it's the next one.  Every practice leading up to that game will require us to embrace these four qualities of a great team.  Rise up.  Survive & Advance.

Sources:
ESPN - http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/ncaatourney03/story?id=1525209 
Soup by Jon Gordon - www.jongordon.com 

The Five L's

I'm really looking forward to celebrating a Bruins win tonight for Valentine's Day!  In the meantime, I was finishing up a book today for the 3rd time by Gary Mack called "Mind Gym" and I wanted to share some quotes from the closing chapters.  I thought it would be a good read for today about the "Five L's" to success.

The Five L's

Love 

"The most important thing is to love your sport.  Never compete just to please someone else." - Peggy Fleming

"You've got to love what you're doing.  If you love it, you can overcome any handicap or the soreness or all the aches and pains."  - Gordie Howe

"Now that I'm out of the game I know how lucky and blessed I was to play the game that I loved." - Ozzie Smith

"The first thing I did before the start of every spring training was to fall in love with the players and the game all over again." - Jimmy Piersall

Labor

"Success is built upon dedication and hard work.  Take Larry Bird, he doesn't have the speed.  He doesn't have the height.  But he works and works, shoots and shoots...He sets inner goals for everything - for the week, for the month, for the season." - Red Auerbach

Learn

"By the time you learn how to the play the game, you can't play it anymore." - Frank Howard

"The left side of the scales is piled full of talent and the right side is piled with brains.  When you begin your career, it's full of the physical and almost void of the mental.  Then as you get further along...the balance shifts to the mental side as your physical abilities deteriorate and your mental capabilities accelerate.  The frustrating thing is, you can see your body aging right before your eyes, but you know so much more about the game and how to play it.  That's really the way I always felt, especially as I got past the middle of my career.  I felt I can't play forever but I'm learning more every day." - Dan Fouts

"Remember your mistakes and then forget them." - Lou Piniella

Laughter

"What does it take to be a success in business?  A sense of humor and a good bullpen." - Whitey Herzog

"Life is too important to take too seriously.  If you learn to laugh at yourself you will enjoy a lifetime of entertainment." - Gary Mack

Leave, or let go

"I know that I'm never as good or bad as any single performance.  I've never believed my critics or my worshipers, and I've always been able to leave the game at the arena." - Charles Barkley

"The trick is to realize that after giving your best, there's nothing more to give.  Win or lose the game is finished.  It's over.  It's time to forget and prepare for the next one.  Love the game, or your work, but don't be married to it." - Sparky Anderson

You can purchase "Mind Gym" by Gary Mack here.

*The previous quotes were taken from the book, "Mind Gym" by Gary Mack.