NABC - Time-Out Magazine - Summer 2017 by Very Digital Communications

SUMMER 2017

THE OFFICIAL NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BASKETBALL COACHES

TIM DUNCAN

CLEO HILL

SCOTT MAY

RICK MOUNT

BO RYAN

PAUL SILAS

JOHN STOCKTON

JAY WILLIAMS

CLASS OF 2017 INDUCTION CELEBRATION | NOVEMBER 19 | KANSAS CITY, MO PRESENTED BY NIKE | HALLOFFAMEWEEKEND.COM

National Association of Basketball Coaches 1111 Main Street, Suite 1000 Kansas City, Missouri 64105 Phone: 816-878-6222 • Fax: 816-878-6223 www.NABC.org ______________________________________________ NABC EXECUTIVE STAFF Jim Haney Executive Director Reggie Minton Deputy Executive Director Carol Haney Senior Director of Internal Affairs Troy Hilton Senior Director of Corporate Relations and Association Affairs Stephanie Whitcher Chief Financial Officer Rick Leddy Senior Director of Communications Rose Tate Director of Membership Ebony Donohue Associate Director of Membership Mark Heatherman Senior Director of Special Events Janelle Guidry Director of Convention Wade Hageman Director of Corporate Relations Jenna Wright Director of Convention Housing Eric Wieberg Director of Digital & Social Media ______________________________________________ 2017-18 NABC BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bill Self, President, University of Kansas Mike Brey, 1st Vice President, University of Notre Dame Charlie Brock, 2nd Vice President, Springfield College Mark Gottfried, 3rd Vice President Jamie Dixon, 4th Vice President, TCU Gary Stewart, Director, Stevenson University Johnny Dawkins, Director, University of Central Florida Lennie Acuff, Director, University of Alabama in Huntsville John Calipari, Director, University of Kentucky John Thompson III, Director Matt Margenthaler, Director, Minnesota State University Tommy Amaker, Director, Harvard University Pat Cunningham, Director, Trinity [TX] University Bill Coen, Director, Northeastern University Ed Cooley, Director, Providence College Frank Martin, Director, University of South Carolina Matt Painter, Director, Purdue University Gary Waters, Director Jeff Jones, 2016-17 Past President, Old Dominion University Ron Hunter, 2015-16 Past President, Georgia State University Tom Izzo, Director Emeritus, Michigan State University Phil Martelli, Director Emeritus, Saint Joseph’s University Ernie Kent, Director Emeritus, Washington State University Bob Burchard, Director, Columbia College D ave Archer, Director, National High School Basketball Coaches Association T hom McDonald, Director, National Junior College Athletic Association ______________________________________________ EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS NABC Executive Director: Jim Haney NABC Deputy Executive Director: Reggie Minton CPA: Brian Welch, Welch & Associates, LLC NABC General Counsel: Dennis Coleman, Daniel B. Adams, Ropes & Gray, LLP (Boston, MA) B oard Secretary, NABC Senior Director of Communications: Rick Leddy Dan Gavitt, NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball Dan Guerrero, Director of Athletics, UCLA Jeff Hathaway, Director of Athletics, Hofstra University and Chair, NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee Kevin Lennon, NCAA Vice President for Division I Governance

SUMMER

THE OFFICIAL NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BASKETBALL COACHES

2017

COLUMNS From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Coaches Were Far From Unanimous in Adopting Three-Point Field Goal Rick Leddy From the Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Q&A Jim Haney NCAA Eligibility Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 When It Comes To Academic Standards, High School Athletes, Parents and Coaches Need To Be Well-Informed. National High School Basketball Coaches Association. . . . . . . 19 Annual NHSBCA Summer Conference Set for July 11-13 in Indianapolis Dave Archer National Center for Fathering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Wins, Losses – Is this All There is? Carey Casey NABC Chaplain’s Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Hand Made Pastor Donnell Jones

FEATURES 2017 Champions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 2017 Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 2017 Players and Coaches of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 NABC Board, Ad Hoc Committee Get Crash Course on Selection Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Eric Wieberg Three-Point Field Goal Celebrates 30th Anniversary . . . . . . . . . 16 Ken Cerino NABC Coach’s Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Offensive Shell J im Casciano, Head Coach, Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte COVER University of North Carolina head coach Roy Williams with the NCAA/NABC Championship Trophy following UNC win over Gonzaga University. (Photo courtesy of KingShots) PHOTO CREDITS page 8 – Jeffrey Camarati (UNC Athletics); Todd Weddle (Northwest Missouri State); Babson College Athletics; Chad Waller (NAIA); page 9 – Chad Waller (NAIA); Mark Krug (NJCAA); p. 11 – Purdue Athletics; Joe Swan (WVU Athletics); Katie Meyers (UCLA Athletics); p. 12 -- Chris Theisen (KU Athletics); Todd Weddle (Northwest Missouri State); Babson College Athletics; Life University Athletics; Chad Waller (NAIA); Hutchinson C.C. Athletics; p. 13 – Gonzaga Athletics; Todd Weddle (Northwest Missouri State); Babson College Athletics; LSU Alexandria Athletics; Cornerstone Athletics; Southwestern C.C. Athletics; p. 14 – NCAA; p. 16 – Ken Cerino; Brian Magoffin (Springfield College Athletics); p. 22 – James Drzewiecki (Johnson and Wales University-Charlotte Athletics). Time-Out is published quarterly by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Printed by Allen Press.

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NOVEMBER 20-21 | KANSAS CITY, MO | HALLOFFAMEWEEKEND.COM

FROM THE EDITOR, Rick Leddy

Coaches Were Far From Unanimous In Adopting Three-Point Field Goal Does it seem possible that the threepoint field goal has been in men’s college basketball for 30 years? For those of us in the Baby Boom generation as well as earlier generations (age 52 and beyond), we recall the great scorers of our generation. How many points would the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer “Pistol” Pete Maravich, Oscar Robertson or Larry Bird have scored if the three-point field goal was in play during their collegiate careers? That’s something college basketball fans have debated for years. For those in Generation X and the Millennial Generation (ages 19-51), many may even wonder if Dr. Naismith’s first shot at the peach basket was a trey. In this issue, former Springfield College Sports Information Director Ken Cerino explains how Dr. Ed Steitz, the long-time Springfield College coach and director of athletics who served as the secretary, rules editor and national interpreter for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Committee for 25 years, began experimenting on his backyard court in 1973 to develop the formula for the threepoint goal. The NBA began awarding three-points for a long-range shot in the 1979-80 season but Steitz and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Committee had to make the proper adjustments for the collegiate model, which was finally adopted for the 1986-87 season. I began my tenure as the board secretary for the NABC in 1985 and will never forget the vociferous debates at board and convention meetings with coaches weighing the pros and cons of the extra point given for a shot outside the 19-foot, nine-inch arc. NABC

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Some of college basketball’s all-time coaching greats were on the board at the time including Georgetown’s John Thompson, Kentucky’s Eddie Sutton, Michigan State’s Jud Heathcote and Clarence “Big House” Gaines of Winston-Salem State. “There was no unanimity back then. You were either for the three-point shot or against it,” said Heathcote from his home in Spokane, Wash., in a phone conversation in June. “I was against it because I said it would eventually change the game. I guess I was a prophet.” “Coaches had to go out and recruit players who could score from the outside and it basically took away the mid-range shots,” Heathcote said. “It took away center plays and post moves where most teams either drive to the basket or shoot the three.” I asked Heathcote, who was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009, if he thought the three-point field goal or introducing the shot clock has had a greater effect on the game. “The clock has had more of an effect, eliminating stalling and speeding up the game. It also has made the college game mimic the NBA almost completely,” said Heathcote, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday. On the subject of birthdays, former NABC Executive Director Joe Vancisin celebrated his 95th birthday on June 14. Vancisin, who headed the NABC when the three-point field goal was adopted, splits his time now between Branford, Conn., and Naples, Fla., with his wife, Elizabeth.

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2017-18 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bill Self President University of Kansas

Mike Brey First Vice President University of Notre Dame

Charlie Brock Second Vice President Springfield College

Mark Gottfried Third Vice President

Jamie Dixon Fourth Vice President TCU

Gary Stewart Stevenson University

Johnny Dawkins University of Central Florida

Lennie Acuff University of Alabama in Huntsville

John Calipari University of Kentucky

John Thompson III

Matt Margenthaler Minnesota State University, Mankato

Tommy Amaker Harvard University

Pat Cunningham Trinity (TX) University

Bill Coen Northeastern University

Ed Cooley Providence College

Frank Martin University of South Carolina

Matt Painter Purdue University

Gary Waters

Jeff Jones Old Dominion University

Ron Hunter Georgia State University

Tom Izzo Michigan State University

Phil Martelli Saint Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University

Ernie Kent Washington State University

Bob Burchard Columbia College

Dave Archer NHSBCA

Thom McDonald NJCAA

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Jim Haney, NABC Executive Director Reggie Minton, NABC Deputy Executive Director Brian Welch, CPA, Welch and Associates Dennis Coleman, NABC Legal Counsel, Ropes and Gray LLP Daniel B. Adams, NABC Legal Counsel, Ropes and Gray LLP Rick Leddy, NABC Board Secretary/Senior Director of Communications Dan Gavitt, NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball Dan Guererro, Director of Athletics, UCLA Jeff Hathaway, Director of Athletics, Hofstra University and chair, NCAA Division I Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Basketball Oversight Committee Kevin Lennon, NCAA Vice President for Division I Governance

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Jim Haney

Q&A with Executive Director Jim Haney Let’s start today by acknowledging that you have been executive director of the NABC for 25 years. What comes to mind as you reflect back? First, 25 years is a long time. Much has happened during those years, that’s for sure. The previous NABC executive director was Joe Vancisin. Joe held the position for 17 years. I remember thinking that 17 years is a long time and I hope I can match Joe’s tenure with the NABC. Who was involved in making the decision to headquarter the NABC offices in Kansas City and why Kansas City? During Joe’s years, the office was located in Branford, Connecticut. George Blaney, Mike Krzyzewski, Johnny Orr, Denny Crum, George Raveling were among the NABC Board members on the selection committee for a new executive director. With Joe’s retirement, the board developed a plan for the future. Those board coaches believed that an enhanced working relationship with the NCAA was important including moving the offices from Connecticut to Kansas City, home of the NCAA. What were the hot button issues in the early years of your being executive director? At that time the NCAA Division I membership was making decisions including the basketball recruiting rules, playing season, initial-eligibility and staff size and compensation without the benefit of the united voice of men’s basketball coaches’ perspective. Three come to mind. First, the NCAA membership was looking to increase initial-eligibility standards with a heavy reliance on standardized test scores. Coaches were not pleased at all regarding the proposed changes. The Black Coaches Association (BCA) was particularly NABC

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upset believing the increased standardized test scores for initial-eligibility would deprive men’s basketball prospects opportunities to get a scholarship for college education and play basketball. John Thompson, George Raveling, John Chaney, Nolan Richardson and Reggie Minton were among the BCA leadership threatening a boycott of games over the issue. There was a conference call that began at 1 am Eastern time with coaches of the BCA and NABC board to address the concerns over increasing the initial-eligibility standards. About 4 am in the morning, the BCA and NABC were prepared to support the BCA boycott. Subsequently, the NCAA met with John Thompson and others and acceptable terms were agreed to. The restricted-earnings coach limitation on salary was a second issue. There was a move to reduce costs by limiting one of the assistant coaching positions. Ultimately, there was a class action lawsuit brought by 1900 former restrictedearnings coaches that settled the four-year-old lawsuit for $54.5 million. The third was Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s attendance at the annual January 1993 NCAA Convention. Coach K was present to speak on behalf of men’s basketball similarly to football coaches Joe Paterno and Tom Osborne representing football interests. Mike was advocating altering the coaching staff size and to delay a reduction of scholarships in men’s basketball. Mike’s comments were soundly rejected. Although the outcome appeared very negative, many administrators believed the reaction to Coach Krzyzewski was inappropriate. This backlash opened a door for men’s basketball coaches to speak about proposed legislation and its impact on the game. We would not have the access to the NCAA governance structure and the input on legislation today without having walked through that Convention.

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2016-17 National Champions

NCAA DIVISION I UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA

NCAA DIVISION II NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

NCAA DIVISION III BABSON COLLEGE

NAIA DIVISION I TEXAS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

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NAIA DIVISION II UNION COLLEGE (KY)

NJCAA DIVISION I HUTCHINSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE (KS)

NJCAA DIVISION II SOUTHWESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE (IA)

NJCAA DIVISION III NORTH LAKE COLLEGE (TX)

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NABC HONOR AWARDS

Each year, the NABC presents Honor Awards to member coaches who have reached significant milestones in their careers, beginning with 300 victories. The following coaches reached significant milestones this season beginning at 800 wins. 800 wins: Bob Chipman, Washburn University; Bob Huggins, West Virginia University; Cliff Ellis, Coastal Carolina University; Steve Moore, The College of Wooster; Rollie Massimino, Keiser University; Roy Williams, University of North Carolina.

600 wins: Brian Bapstiste, UMass-Dartmouth; Brian Beaury, College of St. Rose; Al Bruehl, Robert Morris University (IL); Steve Coccimiglio, Diablo Valley College; Matt Furjanic, Polk State College; Rich Glas, Concordia (MN) College; Dave Heiss, Waubonsee Community College; Lon Kruger, University of Oklahoma; Jim Larranaga, University of Miami; Bill Nelson, Johns Hopkins University; Mike Sandifar, Oakland City University; Bill Self, University of Kansas. 500 wins: Lennie Acuff, University of Alabama-Huntsville; Larry Eustachy, Colorado State University; Mark Few, Gonzaga University; Mike Helfer, Valdosta State University; Jon Judkins, Dixie State University; Jay Lawson, Bentley University; Dave Loos, Austin Peay University; Kevin Luke, Michigan Technological University; Paul McDonald, Vermillion Community College; Joe Nesci, New York University; Bruce Pearl, Auburn University; Tom Ryan, Eckerd College; Jim Sanderson, Freed-Hardeman University; Jay Wright, Villanova University. 400 wins: Keith Dambrot, University of Akron; Mark Gottfried, North Carolina State University; Brian LaPlante, Rochester Community and Technical College; Frank Marcinek, Susquehanna University; Brian Newhall, Occidental College; Al Skinner, Kennesaw State University; Bruce Weber, Kansas State University. 300 wins: Kim Anderson, University of Missouri; Chris Bartley, WPI; Bill Carmody, College of the Holy Cross; Mick Cronin, University of Cincinnati; Carl Danzig, University of Scranton; Fran O’Hanlon, Lafayette College; Dave Rose, BYU; Rick Stansbury, Western Kentucky University; Willis Wilson, Texas A&M – Corpus Christi.

The following awards were presented by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) for the 2016-17 season. Many were presented at the annual AT&T NABC Guardians of the Game Awards Show held at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix on Sunday, April 2, during the annual NABC Convention held in conjunction with the 2017 NCAA® Men’s Final Four®. NABC Division I Coach of the Year – Mark Few, Gonzaga University NABC Division II Coach of the Year – Ben McCollum, Northwest Missouri State University NABC Division III Coach of the Year – Stephen Brennan, Babson College NABC NAIA Division I Coach of the Year – Larry Cordaro, LSU Alexandria* NABC NAIA Division II Coach of the Year – Kim Elders, Cornerstone University* NABC NJCAA Coach of the Year – Todd Lorensen, Southwestern Community College (IA)* NABC Division I Player of the Year – Frank Mason III, University of Kansas NABC Division I Defensive Player of the Year (presented by Marriott Rewards) – Jevon Carter, West Virginia University NABC Pete Newell Big Man of the Year (presented by Paramount & Co.) – Caleb Swanigan, Purdue University* NABC Freshman of the Year (presented by Adidas) – Lonzo Ball, UCLA* NABC Division II Player of the Year – Justin Pitts, Northwest Missouri State University NABC Division III Player of the Year – Joey Flannery, Babson College NABC NAIA Division I Player of the Year – Delarian Williams, Life University (GA)* NABC NAIA Division II Player of the Year – Warren Hall, Warner University (FL)* NABC NJCAA Player of the Year – Shakur Juiston, Hutchinson Community College (KS)* NABC Metropolitan Award (presented by Nike) – Lon Kruger, University of Oklahoma Coaches vs. Cancer Champion Award – Bill Self, University of Kansas NABC Guardians of the Game Award for Advocacy – Lanny Van Eman NABC Guardians of the Game Award for Education – T.J. Otzelberger, South Dakota State University NABC Guardians of the Game Award for Leadership – Gary McKnight, Mater Dei (Calif.) High School NABC Guardians of the Game Award for Service – Dan Hayes, Oklahoma Christian University Hillyard Golden Anniversary Award – Lute Olson, University of Arizona Newton S. Hillyard Award (to outgoing NABC President) – Jeff Jones, Old Dominion University *awards not presented at the AT&T NABC Guardians of the Game Awards Show

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UNDER ARMOUR

30 30 UNDER

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This award signifies 30 of the most promising NABC coaches under the age of 30. Tim Bergstraser Minnesota State University Moorhead Kyle Church University of Florida Luke DallaRiva Grand Canyon University TJ Dekmar Goldey-Beacom College Skye Ettin Princeton University Kevin Gant University of Southern Indiana Zane Gibson University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Andrew Habermehl Babson College Ryan Hamm Lindenwood University Jase Herl Colorado State University Trevor Hook Upper Iowa University Christopher Klimchock Penn State Behrend College Preston Laird University of Nevada; Las Vegas Joe Meehan Bucknell University Adam Notteboom Quincy University Connor Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University Brett Putz University of Nebraska Omaha Steve Raisfeld Farmingdale State College Chase Richardson Jacksonville State University David Riley Eastern Washington University Max Sass Wesleyan University Daniel Steffensen Fort Lewis College Sean Stout Southern Methodist University Chris Sullivan Denison University Ronnie Thomas Guilford College Drew Valentine Oakland University Ryan Van Zelst The University of Scranton Katherine Vosters University of Wisconsin Christian Webster Virginia Tech Michael Wilder University of California Irvine.

2017 NABC Pete Newell Big Man of the Year (presented by Paramount & Co.)

Caleb Swanigan

Purdue University

2017 NABC Division I Defensive Player of the Year (presented by Marriott Rewards)

Jevon Carter

West Virginia University

2017 NABC Freshman of the Year (presented by Adidas)

Lonzo Ball UCLA

FRANK MASON III

JUSTIN PITTS

University of Kansas

Northwest Missouri State University

NCAA Division I

NCAA Division II

JOEY FLANNERY Babson College

NCAA Division III

NABC 2016-17

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

DELARIAN WILLIAMS

WARREN HALL

SHAKUR JUISTON

Life University (GA)

Warner University (FL)

Hutchinson CC (KS)

NAIA Division I

NAIA Division II

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MARK FEW

BEN MCCOLLUM

Gonzaga University

Northwest Missouri State University

NCAA Division I

NCAA Division II

STEPHEN BRENNAN Babson College

NCAA Division III

NABC 2016-17

COACHES OF THE YEAR

LARRY CORDARO

KIM ELDERS

TODD LORENSEN

LSU Alexandria

Cornerstone University

Southwestern CC (IA)

NAIA Division I

NAIA Division II

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SUMMER 2017

NABC Board, Ad Hoc Committee Get Crash Course on Selection Process Seed list. Scrubbing. Pod system. Competitive balance. by Eric Wieberg, NABC

For nearly three hours on a May evening at the NCAA national office, the NABC Board of Directors and Ad Hoc Committee spoke the complicated language of the NCAA Tournament selection, seeding and bracketing process. Alongside NCAA staff and the Division I Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Basketball Committee, NABC personnel took part in a mock selection exercise that simulated the Committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nearly week-long process of engineering March Madness. Same selection room setup. Same rankings and analytics. Same principles and procedures. The mock selection offered the NCAA a vehicle to increase transparency into a process that is as often misunderstood as it is criticized. And for the coaches, an opportunity to experience the minutia of the process first-hand.

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“It blew me away,” said Kansas coach and NABC President Bill Self.

be examined before submitting the decisive votes.

Just as the Committee does at the onset of selection week in March, the mock participants started by completing an initial ballot, with lists of teams seen as locks and those deserving of consideration. After votes were tallied and the first group of at large teams placed into the field – the mock participants initially voted in 17, compared to the Committee’s 24 in March – the heart of the process began in earnest.

“It’s amazing how much detailed conversation and how much objectivity there is in determining which program may be ahead of another,” said Self. “It just goes to show you how much thought and time goes into a very difficult process.”

Next came a series of ballots to continue selecting teams for at-large bids. From the under-consideration board, participants identified eight teams, ranked them, and from that group placed the next set of four into the field. The Selection Committee repeats those steps in March until all 36 at-large teams are chosen. Selecting at-large bids, however, is just one part of the equation. As teams are voted into the field and conference tournaments simultaneously produce automatic berths throughout the week, the Committee builds and routinely tweaks its 1-through-68 seed list – a process known as scrubbing. During the mock selection, participants conducted multiple votes on moving teams up and down the seed list. They debated schedule strength and opportunity, the importance of conference tournaments, modern analytics, and the difficulty of comparing teams from disparate autonomy and midmajor leagues. Similar dialogue, Selection Committee members attested, that takes place in the room each March. “These guys feel the pressure,” Saint Joseph’s coach Phil Martelli said of the Committee. “They don’t feel the pressure that the coaches feel, or that the teams on the bubble feel, but they feel the pressure. They want to get this right.” To further imitate the real thing, the NCAA recreated the Committee’s actual scenario from 2017’s final Selection Sunday at-large ballot: nine teams under consideration, with just four spots left in the field. Every angle of the individual resumes needing to NABC

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“It was mind blowing,” added South Carolina coach Frank Martin following the final vote. “That must be unbelievably intense in that moment.” With the field of 68 selected and seeded, the final phase of the process is building the iconic bracket. Simple? Think again. Various policies govern the bracket, identifying conflicts resulting from conference affiliation, regular-season rematches and competitive balance. The bracketing process’ pod system also sets a heightened importance on geography, rather than placing teams based on the s-curve model of old. The Selection Committee walked participants through construction of the 2017 Tournament’s top-four seed lines. Starting with the No. 1 seeds and following in true-seed order, teams were first placed into each of the bracket’s four regions. And after a review of the top quadrant’s balance, first-and-second round sites were assigned. Only then did potential later-round matchups begin to appear. Notably, the mock bracketing process included no mention of conference power, rivalries or coaching storylines. Ulterior motives were nowhere to be found. “Some have a feeling that there’s a conspiracy theory going on, creating matchups for fan and TV interest,” said NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball Dan Gavitt. “Once you go through the process, you realize it’s pretty automated.” May’s mock selection exercise came amid a period of increased collaboration between the NCAA and the NABC. Last summer, under the guidance of NABC Executive Director Jim Haney and former

SEC Commissioner and Selection Committee chair Mike Slive, the Ad Hoc Committee presented a series of recommendations pertaining to the tournament. Among them were proposals to hold a rankings release show in February and for the No. 1 overall seed to be given the choice of its assigned region – both of which were implemented in 2017. “The collaboration that’s been ongoing for almost a year now between the NABC and the Committee has been really helpful to the process,” said Gavitt. “Some good ideas have come from it.” Even the mock selection itself – typically held to educate members of the media – was organized at the request of the Ad Hoc Committee. “Part of making helpful and valuable recommendations to the process is really understanding it,” Gavitt said. “We have our own ideas, but the biggest thing we wanted to do is understand the Committee’s thoughts behind the process,” added Self. Dialogue between the parties remains ongoing. A working group representing the Selection Committee, the NABC Ad Hoc Committee, and NCAA and NABC staff are studying potential alterations to how data is utilized in the selection room. In January, the NABC was represented at an NCAA roundtable of the sport’s top analytic minds to evaluate how quality wins are defined and the feasibility of someday replacing the RPI. A thorough review of the degree to which geographical considerations impact competitive balance in the bracketing process also looms on the horizon. It’s clear that as the championship continues to evolve, the NCAA values the NABC’s unique coaching perspective. “I think the coaches feel very good that we’ve got a seat at the table, and that we do have a voice,” said Self. “The more dialogue we can have with the NCAA, I think that puts our organization in a better place.”

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Steitz family backyard court

Three-Point Field Goal Celebrates 30th Anniversary FORMER SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE ATHLETICS DIRECTOR ED STEITZ USED THE FAMILY BACKYARD COURT TO HELP CREATE A RULE THAT CHANGED THE GAME FOREVER by Ken Cerino SPRINGFIELD, MA - It is perhaps the most famous backyard basketball court in America. It sits behind a wellmaintained home in East Longmeadow, MA where the late Springfield College athletic director Ed Steitz once resided. Steitz was the secretary rules editor of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Committee when the three-point field goal was officially introduced 30 years ago for the start of the 1986-87 season. The house is located just a few miles from where basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith at the International YMCA Training School (now Springfield College) 125 years ago on December 21, 1891. The court still looks the way it did in the summer of 1973 when the elder Steitz enlisted his son Bob and some friends to help gather data for a new rule that would change the college game forever. Steitz would have the kids shoot jumpers at various points from beyond the foul line and write down the number of makes and misses each person compiled when guarded and unguarded.

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“My father told us at some point the game would need a three-point shot and we had no idea what he was talking about,” Bob Steitz recalled in a phone interview. “We thought it was a joke at first, but then it became serious. “Then, it was just putting down some markings and etchings on the court and measuring things out. The foul line is 15 feet obviously and how far you need to go back. The other piece was that he knew at the end of the games it was going to be an important part for teams to get back into a game and it was also important to have the right people shooting the shot because percentages would dictate that if you always had your best shooters out there your team percentage was probably going to be pretty good. “Sometimes you would have guys shooting the shot that wasn’t their forte and that’s where the percentages pretty much balanced out to where he thought they should be, and I think at the time it was between 36 and 38 per cent. He always used the line that you had to be very careful

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with any rule change, that you don’t disrupt the delicate balance between offense and defense,” Bob Steitz noted.

point shooting team. From that game on, it was a factor. Many of us didn’t know that the three-pointer would be the phenomenon it is today.”

Three-Point Field Goal Makes Debut Several conferences used the threepoint field goal on an experimental basis (with varying distances) prior to the NCAA Rules Committee (which included Division II and III members) passing the legislation in time for the 1986-87 season.

Many coaches in addition to Valvano didn’t like the new rule as well. Steitz, especially, received a tremendous amount of criticism.

The first official game with the threepointer set at 19 feet, 9 inches (it was moved to 20’9” in 2008) took place on November 22, 1986, when North Carolina State defeated Navy, 86-84, in the Tip-Off Classic at the Springfield (MA) Civic Center. Forward Bennie Bolton led the Wolfpack with 20 points and connected on the first threepointer just 2:59 into the game. He finished with four treys as did Kenny Drummond who netted the winning three with 14 seconds remaining that accounted for the game’s final points. NCSU made 10-of-20 of the long distance shots. Navy had more field goals (33 to 32) and free throws (15 to 12), but finished with only three three-pointers in four attempts (all by Doug Wojcik). David Robinson had a double-double with 36 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out late in the game. “Robinson’s the reason we went outside,” stated NC State coach Jim Valvano in the post-game press conference. “And we were living and dying with the outside shot. I don’t like it, but we’ll take it because these kids can knock them in.” “Looking back 30 years, that game obviously was decided by the threepointer,” said Pete Herrmann, who was making his Navy head coaching debut. “At the time, it was not in my mind to make the three-point field goal a part of our offense. We didn’t think of ourselves as a great threeNABC

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By the end of the season, however, the approval rate rose to a whopping 80% after two-thirds of the nation’s coaches were against it a year earlier. New Rule Helps Indiana Win National Title The 1987 NCAA Championship between Indiana and Syracuse may have had something to do with it. Steve Alford netted a game high 23 points that included seven of 10 attempts from beyond the arc as the Hoosiers captured their fifth NCAA crown with a thrilling 74-73 victory before 64,959 fans at the Superdome in New Orleans. Keith Smart’s jumper in the final seconds gave coach Bob Knight his third national title. “I sit here and look at the box score and the thing that I like least of all in basketball is the three-point shot, and we make three more points from the three-point shot than Syracuse does, and that’s the difference in the game. So, thanks Ed,” Knight was quoted as saying in several publications, including the Chicago Tribune. It’s worth noting that Knight appreciated the hard work Steitz put into the game. Knight gave him the nickname “The Father of the ThreePoint Field Goal” and both were good friends for many years before the three-pointer and right up until Steitz’ death in 1990. Ironically, Indiana shot 50.8% from three-point territory during the 198687 season, a record that still stands for Division I programs. And who will ever forget Villanova’s 77-74 victory over North Carolina in the 2016 NCAA title game before 74,340 at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX?

The Tar Heels’ Marcus Paige made an off-balance three-pointer to tie the score with 4.7 seconds remaining. After a timeout, Kris Jenkins raced up court, took a pass from Ryan Arcidiacono and connected on a three at the buzzer to give the Wildcats their second NCAA title and first since 1985. Incredibly, North Carolina (11 for 17) and Villanova (8 for 14) combined to make 19 of 31 three-pointers (61.3%). Strong Hunch Paid Off Steitz, who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984 and the International Basketball Association Hall of Fame in 2007, knew all along the three-pointer would have a tremendous impact on the game. He had the foresight and facts to realize the rule could be a real game-changer. As a former coach, Steitz felt it was time to open the game up from players who were dominating the middle. He was quoted many times saying, “It’s going to force teams to play more defense away from the basket. People will say, ‘You’re putting the little man back in the game,’ and that’s good.” Steitz also believed the rule made coaches more creative in devising strategies to defend the three-pointer. Steitz was involved with several other significant rule changes during his career, including the 45-second shot clock in 1985, the elimination of the jump ball except at the start of the game in 1981, and the return of the dunk in 1976. But it was the three-point field goal that he was the most proud of. He once said, “The dunk is no longer basketball’s home run, the threepoint shot is.” Ken Cerino served as the sports information director at Springfield College from 1986-2000.

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When it comes to Division I academic standards, high school athletes, parents and coaches need to be wellinformed. NCAA websites are the best source for helpful information. The summer is underway for high school studentathletes. For your 2018 graduates, the opportunity to meet the first phase of the Division I academic standards is quickly approaching. They have until the start of their seventh semester (the junior year for most students) to complete 10 NCAA-approved core courses (seven of which must be in English, math or natural/physical science). That may mean summer school for student-athletes who finish their sixth semester without earning the necessary 10 core courses. Any summer school courses taken in a classroom environment or through nontraditional programs must be approved by the NCAA to count toward the 16 core-course requirement and must be completed before the first day of the student-athlete’s seventh semester. Make sure your student-athletes have all the facts before they decide to take a nontraditional course. You can find a list of NCAA-approved nontraditional programs at NCAA.org/courselist. The eligibility center’s information-packed website at ncaa.Org/playcollegesports is designed to help your student-athletes successfully transition to college. The online content and FAQs guide student-athletes through initial-eligibility requirements, recruiting guidelines and timelines for staying on track during high school. New online content for high school staff and coaches at NCAA.org/eligibilitycenter provides immediate access to initial-eligibility printouts, videos and tutorials. Stay current with initial-eligibility news by subscribing to the Eligibility Center Coaches’ Newsletter, sent by email. You can also find us on Twitter @NCAA_EC.

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The Eligibility Center’s information-packed website at NCAA.org/ PlayCollegeSports is designed to help your student-athletes successfully transition to college.

Remember, if your student-athletes want to play Division I or II sports, they need to be certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center. Academic achievement has always been important, but now more than ever, student-athletes must pay attention to their high school courses and grades. We need your help in emphasizing that point from the beginning of ninth grade. As coaches, you are an integral part in helping spread the word about these academic standards. Tell student-athletes who plan to compete in Division I to visit NCAA.org/playcollegesports for the full list of eligibility requirements. By working together, we can make sure student-athletes have the information needed to become successful on the court and in the classroom. Please share the Eligibility Center’s online resources with your student-athletes, their families and your colleagues. Coaches, here is a handy checklist to assist your student-athletes and parents with the initial-eligibility process.

CHECKLIST: How Can You Help? • Visit NFHSLearn.com and join over 53,000 other coaches who have completed the free, online NCAA Initial Eligibility course. • Use NCAA informational materials to educate students and parents. They are available at NCAA.org/PlayCollegeSports. • Make sure those student-athletes who want to play sports in college register on our redesigned website at EligibilityCenter.org. • Spread the word to your colleagues in the scholastic and nonscholastic coaching communities, including athletics directors. NABC

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events, recruiting members, member benefits, clinics, Halls of Fame, professional development programs, newsletters, websites, awards and recognition.

Annual NHSBCA Summer Conference Set for July 11-13 in Indianapolis By Dave Archer, Sr. Director of Operations, NHSBCA , NABC Board Member

The National High School Basketball Coaches Association also serves as the High School Congress of the NABC. About thirty-five state basketball coaches associations and representatives of some states that do not have a basketball coaches’ association work together to improve scholastic basketball and scholastic coaches. The NHSBCA is the national voice for high school basketball coaches, working to foster high standards of professionalism and to support coaches. The NHSBCA Annual Summer Conference will be held in Indianapolis July 11-13, 2017. To prepare for the Conference we have reviewed and observed basketball at all levels. In the big picture, at so many levels people and organizations work to improve the game of basketball. The NCAA and NABC collaborate to improve the rules and the game at the collegiate level. During the past year the NBA and USA Basketball teamed up to develop the first-ever youth basketball guidelines aimed at improving the way youth, parents and coaches experience the game, with a specific emphasis on promoting player health and wellness. There is a strong effort to bring back the joy of playing the game of basketball. If you have not already done so, check out the Jr. NBA website. The free, easy-to-use curriculum is made up of 48 practice plans and 250 videos designed to help parents, coaches and kids learn the game the right way. It’s separated into four levels — rookie, starter, all-star and MVP — to tailor to everyone’s needs, from the less experienced recreational league players to more advanced players. One segment of the conference will focus on the operations of individual State Basketball Coaches Associations. All state associations were surveyed to identify topics of most interest to them. Best practices will be shared in the following areas: operations and

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A second segment will focus on issues faced by basketball coaches throughout the country. Our surveys identified the number one issue nationally as the deteriorating perception of scholastic coaches in the eyes of parents and others. Following closely behind is dealing with unreasonable expectations from parents. Other issues that were consistently ranked highly are the role of social media, the lack of strong support by school administrations, players transferring schools, competitive balance (charters and private schools vs. public schools), ranking of players by recruiting services and others, travel basketball, and for-profit basketball organizations. A third segment will focus on the status of scholastic coaches. Time will be spent discussing and examining the profession of scholastic coaching. Times are changing and the education system in the U.S. is changing as well. It seemed in the past that there was an identifiable pathway for individuals to follow to progress through the coaching profession. Now however, that seems to be changing as well. It does not seem that there are very many “lifers” in the ranks as compared to those who are just passing through for a few seasons/years. Many new coaches want to start at or near the top – a spot they are not ready for. Consistent energy is needed for the often year-round time commitment that is expected, which leads to coaching fatigue. With the diminished status that often accompanies school coaches, it is often difficult to get individuals to enter the profession. Strategies are needed to interest more educators to get involved in coaching and to improve the situation of scholastic coaches. The final segment will focus on taking action. Actions at the meeting last year in Kansas City led to two documents being produced and distributed: A Fair Treatment of Scholastic Basketball Coaches and Suggestions for Scholastic Basketball Coach & School District Evaluation Process. This year the NHSBCA plans to produce a Map of the Landscape of Amateur Basketball in the United States. This will be aimed at parents to help them become aware of the big picture and the moving parts that exist in the world of basketball. Additionally, Position Papers will be developed and finalized to articulate NHSBCA’s stance on basketball issues. The NHSBCA will continue to work for the betterment of the scholastic coaches and game of basketball in general. About NHSBCA The National High School Basketball Coaches Association is an organization uniting the 30-plus states that have State Basketball Coaches Associations to work for the betterment of the game. The NHSBCA also serves as the High School Congress within the NABC. The NHSBCA is the national voice for high school basketball coaches, working to foster high standards of professionalism and to support coaches.

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Wins, Losses ... Is This All There Is? by Carey Casey, CEO, National Center for Fathering

people think you’re a genius, and the next year you don’t have a clue. I’m sure Roy Williams knows this very well.

Being an alumnus of the University of North Carolina, the past few years at the Final Four have been interesting, to say the least. The heartbreak of last year’s last-second defeat in the championship game was replaced with elation this year with the Tar Heels’ victory. I had tastes of the “agony of defeat” and then the “thrill of victory” in consecutive years. As I watched some of the 76,000plus fans leaving the arena that night in Phoenix, the “thrill” and the “agony” were obvious in their demeanors. But I couldn’t help thinking, is this all there is? Don’t get me wrong. I was excited to be on the winning side this year, and I’m thankful that I got to be there; it was a priceless experience. But you know what? The morning after everything was over, as I was checking out of my hotel room, all the signs and banners from the Final Four were already gone. It was a clear reminder that those events were over, and it was time for life to move on. And this isn’t to say there’s no value or meaning in winning basketball. Success brings some great benefits for the teams, fan bases and schools. Also, I realize that coaches have to win to keep your jobs or get offers for other jobs, and fans are fickle: one year

Bigger picture: life has ups and downs, reasons to celebrate and reasons to be sad. I would urge every coach to remember— through the wins and losses, the great seasons and the last-place finishes—that this isn’t all there is. As my father used to tell me, keep your poise. Don’t lose your perspective on life because something did or didn’t go your way. Assume that there will be good days and bad, and be a calm, unswerving force of hope and encouragement for those who are depending on you. I believe there are at least three roles you play that help you as a coach and a father through the various situations we face in life: You’re an example. Never forget that you’re being watched. Your players and your children notice how you respond to the victories, the challenges, and all the moments in between. You’re not high one day and low the next. If you have really grasped the power and potential you have as a role model, you understand that there’s more going on than simply coaching players or raising children. Every day I try to recommit myself to being a reliable, faithful example for my children and grandchildren, because it’s easy to forget how powerful it is. You’re a mentor. Ultimately, your influence comes down to having positive relationships. That’s really

what coaching and fathering are all about. It’s good if your players follow your instructions out of respect, because you’re the coach; it’s even better if they do it because they trust you and they know you care for them as individuals. You’re willing to listen. You’ll admit when you’re wrong. Through whatever challenges and changes come along, they can count on you to be there for them. You’re an overcomer. As an adult with a few years behind you, you have lots of life experiences that have become learning opportunities for you. You’ve been through your share of defeats, and you’ve learned that you can bounce back and be better next time. You’ve endured trials that made you stronger. Maybe you’ve seen that good can come even from suffering. Those experiences prepared you for this role, and now you can lead your team—by your example and your mentoring—through whatever difficulties may arise, on and off the court. You can use the hard times to help them grow. Coach, be ready to celebrate when it’s appropriate. Know that there may be times of great disappointment as well. Keep your poise, and be that steady influence your players need. Carey Casey is CEO at the National Center for Fathering (NCF) and author of Championship Fathering. He is married with four children and nine grandchildren. The vision of NCF is to have an actively engaged father or father figure in the life of every child. See more articles and resources for dad at www.Fathers.com or contact NCF at Dads@Fathers.com.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the NABC.

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HAND MADE Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’ Romans 9:20

Donnell Jones Pastor, Grace Covenant Church DC www.GraceCovDC.org

I was never good at making things with my hands, but I admire this skill in others. So my wife and I are impressed by a master potter who for 35 years has made beautiful objects from clay. His shop is pristine altogether well staged. Every piece of china, porcelain, clay reflects an artist who is both brilliant and elegant. Basically fashioned from clay, such fine pieces like a vase or bowl, have very fine prices. We were amazed to learn that he made every single piece by hand! “How?” we asked. At his direction, we walked to the rear of the store. As he opened a door, we stepped from a pristine showroom into a dark and dusty workroom. That’s when the lesson began. Every piece of work in the shop started in the workroom. Every glazed and polished vase was once a piece of clay on an iron shelf. We watched carefully as he used a thin wire to cut a small block of clay and placed it on his potter’s wheel. Slowly and deliberately he began shaping and molding the clay into some formless lump. “When do you decide what you’re making,” I asked. Without hesitation, he replied, “I know what it’s going to be before I cut the clay.” I smiled realizing the bible makes clear, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” (Romans 8:29) Whatever our individual life goals, God’s overarching purpose is to shape and mold us into the image that reflects the very nature and character of Jesus Christ. The potter continues the process by adding water to the clay continuously. If it doesn’t have the proper amount of water, it will crack once it is baked in a hot oven called a kiln. The

bible often refers to water as an analogy for God’s word. The Bible (aka God’s word) keeps us flexible, moldable so in the heat of life we don’t end up being a cracked pot. The heat is not intended to harm us but to refine us. Stay hydrated. Next he took out a knife and began cutting away excess clay. Soon the clay becomes a recognizable form. You can begin to see its purpose. So it is with God who cuts away the extraneous and useless things in our life; things that will not be a part of the finished piece. Things which would minimize our purpose. Once the clay is thoroughly baked, the potter sands, smooths, and glazes the piece for that brilliant shine. Afterward, he polishes the piece and then prepares it for the showroom. The bible describes God as a potter and people as the clay. He knows what he will make of us before he ever started. Throughout our life, he molds, bends, shapes and pulls us into what he intends us to be. What’s amazing is this process of transformation takes place not in the showroom but a dark and dusty workroom. Out of plain view, God works on us and works in us until we become a beautiful piece that reflects him. May we be like soft clay in God’s hands not questioning Him but thanking Him. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” – Psalm 139:14

Pastor Donnell Jones is pastor of Grace Covenant Church in Washington, D.C., Character Coach for the Maryland Terrapins and Chaplain of the NABC.

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Offensive Shell By Jim Casciano, Head Men’s Basketball Coach Johnson & Wales University (JWU)-Charlotte Charlotte, North Carolina

At JWU, we run an offense called OPEN, a 4-around-1 motion offense against man-toman defense with a point guard, 3 wing players, and a post player. This offense opens up the floor and allows our players to play the game. Diagram 1 shows the proper spacing/floor balance for OPEN. The primary emphasis is on pass-cut to the basket and fill the open spot on the floor (Diagram 2). Initially we want a minimum of 4 passes and one ball reversal with player and ball movement in order to cause the defense to move. We teach OPEN using an Offensive Shell – 4 players around 0, no post. Following are some shell drills: 1. 4 around 0: no dribble/no cuts; work on getting open, the timing of the pass, and the catch and read 2. 4 around 0: add the cut still no dribble 3. 4 around 0: cutters with the use of an effective dribble. An effective dribble is used to attack the rim, to improve a passing angle, or to escape defensive pressure. We do not want the ball to stick in our players’ hands. When an offensive player catches a pass, he must quickly process what he reads and then either drive it, shoot it, or pass it-move the basketball. We are constantly looking for player and ball movement. This is a passing game, not a dribbling game. 4. Once the basic concept of pass-cutfill is understood, we add post-up a cutter, dribble handoffs, screens on the ball and off the ball, at all times emphasizing proper floor spacing and floor balance. This is called 2 up and 2 down.

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5. Now we run these same Shell Drills with defense. 6. In addition to the drills, we also work on how to get open, passing (use of a ball fake), catching the ball and squaring up, setting up your cuts, how and where to post up as a cutter. Two very important things to remember are if you are overplayed at any time, we want the player to cut back door. While this is a passing game, we are always looking for dribble penetration. 7. The next step is to play 4-on-4 half court or full court (Diagram 3), limiting the number of transitions when we go full court. In the half court, we play with restrictions such as number of passes, number of reversals, a specific offensive action, or a specific player to score. 8. Along the way we add the post player so that now we are going 4 around 1. The post player usually starts on the block away from the ball (Diagram 4). His options include posting up while going block to block, flash high in the offense, and always looking to set screens on the ball. We start with no defense then we go 5-on-5. During this action we can use any of the previous breakdowns or restrictions that we use when going 4-on-4. This offense gives us a base to teach our players how to play the game properly while enabling us to add to the action that best fits our personnel. We call the action Quick Hitters. We tell our players that in this offense “structure leads to freedom.” In over 30 years of collegiate coaching, Casciano has the rare distinction of having coached at every level of both two- and four-year colleges. He has led the programs at two-year schools Valley Forge Military and Union County College (NJ), NAIA program Castleton State, NCAA Division III King’s College (PA) and NJIT, which transitioned from NCAA Division II to Division I during his tenure. Prior to taking over at Johnson & Wales, he was head coach at Maine-Presque Isle where the Owls maintain dual affiliations with NCAA Division III and the USCAA. A member of the NABC for 39 years, Casciano guided Johnson & Wales to backto-back semifinal berths in the USCAA national championships in 2015 and 2016.

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DIAGRAM 1

DIAGRAM 2

DIAGRAM 3

DIAGRAM 4

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