June 25, 2011
NASSAU, The Bahamas - NOTE: Lamar University women's basketball coach Larry Tidwell is currently in the Bahamas in his role as head coach of that nation's women's basketball team. He wil regularly provide accounts of his experience.
Being the head coach of a team that will be representing its country in the CONCENCABA & FIBA Americas Caribbean Championships is a very high honor that I am extremely proud to be associated with. However, it does carry an extremely high amount of pressure, as everyone in the country is counting on you to bring the team together, play at a very high level, and win! And, being from another country evens add more scrutiny to the position.
But, that is what coaching is all about - putting the pieces of the puzzle together against unfavorable odds and not only winning, but winning with class. And, that is what we plan to do. Plus, as I get to know this team better, I will get to know their rivalries - like, who will be the McNeese State of their world, as the Cowgirls are to Lamar. Now, I want to add that the McNeese rivalry is a friendly one as I have the utmost respect for that program and their head coach, Brooks Donald-Williams, but it is one of the best rivalries in the entire country. I look forward to that type of rivalry game in the Caribbean.
Basketball in the Bahamas will be a learning experience that will definitely improve my coaching career in many, many ways. It has already taught me to be more grateful, more humble and definitely more positive and aware of all the sacrifices that players around the globe make just to play the game. Now, let's get to the updates!
DAY 3
Day 3 proved to be exciting from the start, be sure to read story all the way through, as once again we were on the beach by 8:30 a.m. to get in a workout before we started our chalk-talk sessions about the upcoming practice later in the day.
Bo Overton and Joey Wells, both assistants on the staff, usually get in a three- to four-mile walk along the beach while I like to swim and run in the water that is about four feet deep. I had just finished about 10 minutes of running in the water and was catching a breather when I noticed a gray shadow dart by that was at least 6 feet in length.
Now the water is crystal clear, and you can see straight to the bottom. Make no mistake about it, I had a shark nearby. I had asked an islander if sharks come into the shallow water just the day before, and he said only sick ones or ones that are really, really hungry. Well, it did not take long to realize that! I had a hungry one!
As I started to try and get to the shore, the shark got between me and the beach and headed straight for me, while I am thinking, so this is how I am finally going to get on the ESPN ticker - Lamar / Bahamas National Team coach taken out to sea by shark attack and never found!
Well, gauging the shark's speed was impossible in the water, and in an instant he had my foot in his mouth - and was I fortunate to have on my Nike Max Edge shoes, another sponsor of Lamar Lady Cardinal basketball, as the teeth never penetrated the shoe. But, the shark kept pulling on my leg and pulling on my leg and trying to pull me into the deep water - just like I am pulling on your leg now!!
I bet you bought that hook, line, and sinker!! I did not have a shark attack, but I told that story for three reasons:
1. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS: Be sure to read story all the way through - and that is what I am trying to get this team to do.
2. DO NOT BELIEVE EVERY THING YOU READ: These players have not had much positive written about them in many, many years.
3. HAVE A PRESSURE RELEASE: Have some fun! Plus, wear Nike.
Practice on Day 3 proved to be another step forward, as we introduced one more transition offense, three quick-hitters for half-court play and worked in depth on transition defense. Likewise, we will always work fundamentals such as shooting, passing, dribbling, screening, proper stance and rebounding each and every day with special emphasis on shooting and rebounding. But, the key to our success will be in transition offense and transition defense. If we entertain any hopes of winning this championship, this has to be top priority!!
Here are some interesting facts about the team:
* The age range of the players is from 16-42.
* The height ranges from 5-foot-2 to 6-4.
* We have players who have played at the junior college and NAIA level.
* Day-job descriptions include customs officer, banker, insurance agent and dolphin trainer on Paradise Island.
The team has been cut down to 24 players, with another cut to 18 players due next Friday. Practice continues in the Davis High School gym without the convenience of air conditioning, and like I stated earlier - that is not a bad thing. We have leadership emerging in point guards LaToya Thompson & Diasti Delaney, while power forwards Albertha Russell, Roberta Quart and Linda Pierre continue to impress.
PRACTICE DAY 4
Wow, this team is catching on quick, and we definitely can run and rebound! We continue to do reps on fundamentals, offensive/defensive transition, quick hitters, and zone defense. Communication is something that we are really emphasizing, and it is amazing how extra sprints will tend to make one speak up more. Coaches Musgrove, Overton and Wells really got down to basics in the "sweatbox" and did a tremendous job in teaching and coaching what we want to do as a team. A positive attitude from those coaches has been infectious, and the team is slowly, but surely, starting to believe in not only themselves, but in the path we are taking to make this a successful journey.
I give special kudos to coach Anthony Swayby for always being there to open the gym and do the things necessary to get it ready. Coach Mario Bowleg has been very helpful in supplying equipment necessary to make practices better. And thanks to Bo Overton, who is in charge of driving in The Bahamas, remember they drive opposite side of the road here, and he rolls with the flow while never slowing down.
LAMAR
