“ALL THINGS BASKETBALL BLOG”

Malcolm Gladwell- Author of “Ten Thousand Hours”

Gladwell cites all sorts of really bright, well-educated and naturally talented folks who never made it. The premise is that those that grind can overcome great talent.

Gladwell really gets on track when he suggests that cognitively complex pursuits require ten thousand hours to get good. Drawing on a supply of examples, the rule seems to go for champion chess players, classical music composers, brain surgeons, top hockey players and fine artists. We’re talking fine artists here; those who more or less know what they’re doing.

“Success has to do with deliberate practice,” says Gladwell. “Practice must be focused , determined , and in an environment where there’s (honest) feedback.” Further, the penchant for study, reflection, application and hard work is often propelled by obsession. One has to have concentrated workouts most everyday over a period of years to accomplish true excellence! While obsessive behavior may be an antisocial plague to societies and communities at large, it’s total moxie when lone practitioners catch it . In other words, this is how one becomes great at something!

This certainly applies to free throw shooting!

http://basketball-basic.com/reverse-lay-up/

The above link shows how to master the reverse layup. It really has become a lost art. The reverse layup allows you to use the rim as a shield that will act as a protective barrier from a larger opponent as you lay the ball in. All players should have it in their arsenal.

http://www.basketballsuccess.com/basketball_confidence.html

The above link makes reference to the role confidence plays in being a great player. All the great ones have it! They are shocked when they don’t make the play, rather than thrilled when they do. The problem is that to many people believe in the power of positive thinking, rather than the power of hard work through thousands of concentrated reps at appropriate speed and form for many years.

Posted By Coach Greg Haskell

Story by Jeff Goodman
Jeff Goodman is a senior college basketball writer for FOXSports.com. He can be reached at GoodmanonFOX@aol.com or check out his blog, Good ‘N Plenty.
Updated: April 14, 2008, 5:05 PM EST 14 comments
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UCLA freshman Kevin Love still hasn’t made up his mind (Read More).

Posted By Coach Greg Haskell

Beasley announces decision to enter NBA Draft (Read More).

Posted By Coach Greg Haskell

Apparently, a weekend with his family didn’t change much for Kevin Love.

It was earlier reported that he had made up his mind, but his mother claimed that the family would convene in Oregon over the weekend to make a final decision.

The paper said an official announcement could come as soon as Wednesday.

Love had a strong freshman season for the Bruins, leading them to their third straight Final Four and earning Pac-10 player of the year honors.

Coach Ben Howland reportedly told Love that NBA scouts had him projected as a sure lottery pick, with some suggesting he could go as high as fourth overall.

Junior point guard Darren Collison is also considering entering the draft, as is sophomore guard Russell Westbrook.

Posted By Coach Greg Haskell

DENVER (TICKER) —Denver Nuggets star forward Carmelo Anthony was arrested Monday morning for suspicion of driving under the influence.

Denver police stated that Anthony was driving south on Interstate 25 roughly around 4 a.m. when he was pulled over and taken into custody. Investigators said he was driving a silver Mercedes that was stopped for failing to drive in a single lane and failing to dim lights.

“Carmelo was pulled over late Sunday night on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol,” said Anthony’s lawyer Dan Recht in a statement. “He cooperated by consenting to a blood test, the results of which will not be available for approximately two weeks. There was no accident and no one was hurt.

“Like anyone in a similar situation, Carmelo has to wait for the results of his blood test. He regrets putting himself in this situation.”

Anthony was released on bond Monday morning on his own recognizance. A summons appearance was scheduled for May 14.

“We are aware of the situation involving Carmelo Anthony,” said Nuggets vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien in a prepared statement. “We are currently gathering information and we will have no further comment at this time.”

The Nuggets defeated the Houston Rockets, 111-94, on Sunday. Anthony scored just 11 points on 3-of-14 shooting and was limited to 25 minutes by foul trouble.

Posted By Coach Greg Haskell

After one college season in which he achieved nearly everything except a satisfactory conclusion for his team, O.J. Mayo is moving on. The USC freshman guard announced Wednesday that he would hire an agent and declare for the NBA draft, in which he is expected to become a lottery pick. He is projected as the No. 3 overall selection by nbadraft.net.

Posted By Greg Haskell

LOS ANGELES (AP) -The Los Angeles Lakers took sole possession of the Western Conference lead Sunday. One more win and they’re assured of keeping it.

MVP candidate Kobe Bryant had 20 points, five rebounds and five assists before sitting out the fourth quarter, and the Lakers routed the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs 106-85 for their seventh win in eight games.

”It was a big game for us,” Bryant said. ”It was another step in the right direction. Going into the playoffs is all about momentum. Now, we just have to take it up another notch once the playoffs start.”

The Lakers (56-25), who clinched their first Pacific Division championship in four years and at least the No. 3 seed in the West on Friday night, will win the conference title if they beat the visiting Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night (Read More).

Posted By Coach Greg Haskell

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Injured Lakers center Andrew Bynum saw a knee specialist in New York and still hasn’t been cleared to practice, the team announced Thursday.

“This should not be seen as a setback in any way,” said Dr. David Altcheck, who examined Bynum on Wednesday. “Andrew will continue his therapy program and workouts with the Lakers’ training staff and will continue to be monitored until he can return to playing status (Read More).”