AMEN! This so important. For the overwhelming majority of the HS athletes, their HS career will be their last. Their coach can be a real positive role model for them. But honestly, I would think that this would be an automatic...if you're not a good model for your players, you shouldn't be coaching. But it won't necessarily make them a more successful coach on the court, which is what I thought the question was directed toward.

 

bballorange - You are dead right...some head coaches don't want smart assistants...they want "yes" men/women. And that's incredibly foolish. The game evolves over time...the kids change...rules change...a head coach needs assistants who can keep him/her from being locked into their own way of thinking. Of course, that doesn't mean the assistants challenge the head coach in public. It's what is done in the coaches' meetings where smart assistants can be tremendous assets. I always tell my team parents (rec leagues, not HS) that I surround myself with assistants who are smarter than me, because I want to learn more every year!

Every now and then these smarter than the head coaches assistants take the head guys job when things go alittle wrong, I agree with you on having a top notch staff. The assistants and others just have to keep in mind who is in charge.

I have watched a lot of high school basketball this year. I like to think I know a lot about the X's and O's of basketball. Yet, I go to games and wonder....what is this coach doing? I'm guessing that politics gets a lot of these guys in. But, if you were in the situation to hire a coach what would you look for?

You must start with "Character", of the person you are putting in charge of your student-athletes. Then consider "Understanding" for the game and does his players, know the fundamentals. You then must have someone who is "Passionate" about what they do, which carries over to his staff and team. Finally, you must have a "Winner" or someone who strive to be one.

 

What separate many Coaches, are the willingness to put endless hours of work, sacrifices with family and the desire to excel.

 

As to why some play, it can be practice or lack of effort. It can be not being able to execute his assignment, in certain half-court sets. It can be, not guarding his man properly or lack of lateral foot speed. It can be size mis-matches, or athleticism and even quickness. So many reasons, other than "politics".

 

Coaching is a thankless job.

Am I the only one that thinks that a coach could be even more effective if they are an effective teacher in the classroom?