There have been several Bulls Academy players featured at their respective high schools over the past week. I have had the opportunity to see these young men play over the past week and wanted to recognize their efforts:
-Stephen Bardo- University of Chicago Labratory High School
-Drew Crawford- Naperville Central High School- Player of the week, Chicago Sun-Times, last week.
-Clay Foster- Hinsdale Central High School
-Jordan Gipson- University of Chicago Labratory High School
-Malcolm Herron- Downers Grove South High School
-Zeke Upshaw- University of Chicago Labratory High School
-Kendall Salley- Lincoln-Way North High School
Good look to all of my Bulls Academy players. (boys and girls) I or one of my basketball staff members look forward to seeing you all on the court before the end of your high school season!
Yours in Basketball,
Coach Stewart
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Ball Handling
Ball Handling is another essential component to be an effective offensive basketball player. It is important to stress ball handling to young basketball players in order for them totally develop their offensive basketball skills. The best way to become a better ball handler is to handle the ball consistently. Daily repetition is the key to success to being a better and effective ball handler.
Good basketball players can handle the basketball with either hand. Strong ball handlers know what type of dribble move to use depending on the situation. Dribbling around cones, executing a spin move, rocker step, cross through the legs, reverse pivot, in and out, etc. All of these moves should and must be practiced at game speed to have the ability to execute them in game situations.
Ball handlers must learn to handle the basketball playing against a defender in order to learn how to protect the ball. It is important for ball handlers to remember to keep the ball low and use their body for separation between the ball and the defender. (basketball, ball handler, defender) Footwork is essential in ball handling as well.
Big guys (forwards and centers) should learn to handle the basketball as well. They should execute the same ball handling drills as small guys (guards) are. In practice, big guys (forwards and centers) should work on ball handling independently from the small guys (guards). It will help their confidence and they will compete with players that are working at the same level.
A player that can handle the basketball is hard to defend and very valuable to their team. Remember, work hard and at game speed and you can improve your ball handling! You have to spend time daily in order to see improvement.
Yours in Basketball,
Coach Stewart
Good basketball players can handle the basketball with either hand. Strong ball handlers know what type of dribble move to use depending on the situation. Dribbling around cones, executing a spin move, rocker step, cross through the legs, reverse pivot, in and out, etc. All of these moves should and must be practiced at game speed to have the ability to execute them in game situations.
Ball handlers must learn to handle the basketball playing against a defender in order to learn how to protect the ball. It is important for ball handlers to remember to keep the ball low and use their body for separation between the ball and the defender. (basketball, ball handler, defender) Footwork is essential in ball handling as well.
Big guys (forwards and centers) should learn to handle the basketball as well. They should execute the same ball handling drills as small guys (guards) are. In practice, big guys (forwards and centers) should work on ball handling independently from the small guys (guards). It will help their confidence and they will compete with players that are working at the same level.
A player that can handle the basketball is hard to defend and very valuable to their team. Remember, work hard and at game speed and you can improve your ball handling! You have to spend time daily in order to see improvement.
Yours in Basketball,
Coach Stewart
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Passing- "An important but forgotten skill"
Passing is currently the most neglected skill in basketball today. There is not enough emphasis put on the importance of passing and the need to be a good passer. Good coaches will explain to a player that the quality of a pass determines the quality of a shot. In order score, the defense has to be be moved or shifted. A good pass is the most effective way to accomplish this action.
Basketball players need to be trained on how to properly throw two-handed chest passes, two-handed bounce passes, two-handed overhead passes. The baseball pass is for situations a player may need to get the ball up the court over the defense. These skills are mastered by practicing these passes in using them in game situations.
The fundamental rules of passing are: 1. If you have a clear path between you and your teammate, pass the ball. 2. If your teammate is ahead of you, pass the ball. 3. Do not pass-fake to open teammates, pass the ball. 4. Passing is not a last resort. A player should not pass the basketball as a last resort if they cannot shoot the ball. Pass the basketball to your teammate to get your team the best quality of a shot.
It is important to work on passing the same way you work on ball handling, shooting and footwork. Passing will make you a multi-dimensional player instead of a one-dimensional player. Good basketball teams work on passing and take pride in it as well.
Remember, being a good passer will make you a great teammate! If a player cannot pass, the basketball dies in their hands!
Yours in Basketball,
Coach Stewart
Basketball players need to be trained on how to properly throw two-handed chest passes, two-handed bounce passes, two-handed overhead passes. The baseball pass is for situations a player may need to get the ball up the court over the defense. These skills are mastered by practicing these passes in using them in game situations.
The fundamental rules of passing are: 1. If you have a clear path between you and your teammate, pass the ball. 2. If your teammate is ahead of you, pass the ball. 3. Do not pass-fake to open teammates, pass the ball. 4. Passing is not a last resort. A player should not pass the basketball as a last resort if they cannot shoot the ball. Pass the basketball to your teammate to get your team the best quality of a shot.
It is important to work on passing the same way you work on ball handling, shooting and footwork. Passing will make you a multi-dimensional player instead of a one-dimensional player. Good basketball teams work on passing and take pride in it as well.
Remember, being a good passer will make you a great teammate! If a player cannot pass, the basketball dies in their hands!
Yours in Basketball,
Coach Stewart
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Effort- The Key to Success
Attention all High School basketball players:
There is a lot of parody in high school basketball this season. In my opinion, the 2008-09 Illinois High School State Championship for boys is open and ready for the taking. The issue is that most high school players lack consistency in effort in their practices and games. This is a major key for players when the game is on the line and they are forced to execute under pressure.
Many of the high school players I have watched this season will have an outstanding game followed by a mediocre or bad game. Most players equate having a good or bad game by how many points they scored. Scoring is important. The score would not be kept in basketball games it were not. The other component that is often overlooked is giving consistent effort. This is an intangible that off sets a bad scoring night. This keeps players on the basketball court at crunch time as well.
Close basketball games are won by players having the ability to execute plays. The ability to execute plays comes from practicing hard and being consistent with their effort. It seems simple but it requires a discipline that many high school players lack. College coaches expect players to have this quality along with talent.
Remember, consistency in practice and games is the key to success!
Yours in Basketball,
Coach Stewart
There is a lot of parody in high school basketball this season. In my opinion, the 2008-09 Illinois High School State Championship for boys is open and ready for the taking. The issue is that most high school players lack consistency in effort in their practices and games. This is a major key for players when the game is on the line and they are forced to execute under pressure.
Many of the high school players I have watched this season will have an outstanding game followed by a mediocre or bad game. Most players equate having a good or bad game by how many points they scored. Scoring is important. The score would not be kept in basketball games it were not. The other component that is often overlooked is giving consistent effort. This is an intangible that off sets a bad scoring night. This keeps players on the basketball court at crunch time as well.
Close basketball games are won by players having the ability to execute plays. The ability to execute plays comes from practicing hard and being consistent with their effort. It seems simple but it requires a discipline that many high school players lack. College coaches expect players to have this quality along with talent.
Remember, consistency in practice and games is the key to success!
Yours in Basketball,
Coach Stewart
Thursday, January 8, 2009
"The fruits of labor"- from hard work in the gym.
Ironically, I had blogged yesterday about our Shooting Camp class here at the Chicago Bulls/White Sox Training Academy in Lisle and objectives covered in the class. Proper mechanics and techniques along with practice and confidence makes clutch shooters! Davidson's sophomore phenom Stephen Curry is the epitome of a clutch shooter. Davidson University played Duke University last night on ESPN. Duke defeated Davidson 79-67 lead by Jon Scheyer (Glenbrook North) and sophomore Kyle Singler with 22 points a piece for Blue Devils.
Davidson's Stephen Curry lead all scorers with 29 points. He scored 21 points in the second half and almost orchestrated a comeback for the Davidson Wildcats in Durham on Duke's home court. It was the most points Duke allowed any opposing player this season. What impressed me the most about his play was his poise, court awareness and ability to flat out shoot the basketball! Stephen did most of his scoring in the paint, mid-range areas and free-throw line. He did not shoot the three well last night though (he made one three-pointer). Stephen also had 8 rebounds and 6 assists in the game as well. His overall confidence and ability to shoot the basketball gives him an advantage over opponents in any game he plays in.
I first heard about Stephen Curry from my former college basketball coach at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Mack Mc Carthy. Coach Mc Carthy is currently the head men's basketball coach at East Carolina University. Coach Mack told me that Stephen Curry was a good as any college basketball player in the nation. Coach explained that his ability to score, footwork, ball handling, passing skills and overall basketball IQ was that of a professional basketball player.
Stephen's father is Dell Curry, former NBA basketball player. Dell attended Virginia Tech University and was a sharpshooter in the NBA for many years. I am sure Stephen has been the benefactor of being the son of an NBA player but here is the real story. When Stephen was 15 years old, he was 5-8 and skinny. His dad took him off of the AAU basketball circuit and kept him involved in individual workouts. He also worked on sports performance training while playing club basketball to apply the skills he was reinforcing. Stephen developed into a stellar player but was not highly recruited. He grew to 5-11 as junior and his skills were getting even better! Stephen still could not obtain a scholarship because he was not on the AAU circuit! He was better than most of the players that were being recruited by major college programs.
The summer of his senior high school season, Stephen grew to 6-3 but was still very skinny. His basketball skills and overall game was top-notch, but he still was not offered a scholarship to a major university. Virginia Tech, his dad's Alma mater offered Stephen and opportunity as a walk-on basketball player. He had scholarship offers from some mid-major division I and a cluster of division II and III schools. Stephen committed to Davidson University, a mid-major college in Davidson, North Carolina that has great academics. Davidson is the Southern Conference which is the same one that my Alma mater is in. As a freshman, Stephen took Davidson deep in the NCAA tourney last year. The Wildcats are 10-3 this year and they are almost guaranteed to represent the Southern Conference in the NCAA tournament this year as well.
In my opinion, Stephen Curry is currently the best basketball player on the collegiate level. He is only a sophomore, but I think he is ready for the NBA at the end of this college basketball season. He is the model for what can be achieved through having the talent but directing it the correct way to be the best player you can be. He was not highly recruited out of high school and went to a small college, but will be an NBA basketball player. The sky is the limit for him if he continues to implement the same work ethic and toughness that has helped him achieve his current status. It also helps that he is obedient, a hard worker and follows the direction of his parents, coaches and instructors.
Remember, basketball players are made in the gym!!
Yours in Basketball,
Larry Stewart
Davidson's Stephen Curry lead all scorers with 29 points. He scored 21 points in the second half and almost orchestrated a comeback for the Davidson Wildcats in Durham on Duke's home court. It was the most points Duke allowed any opposing player this season. What impressed me the most about his play was his poise, court awareness and ability to flat out shoot the basketball! Stephen did most of his scoring in the paint, mid-range areas and free-throw line. He did not shoot the three well last night though (he made one three-pointer). Stephen also had 8 rebounds and 6 assists in the game as well. His overall confidence and ability to shoot the basketball gives him an advantage over opponents in any game he plays in.
I first heard about Stephen Curry from my former college basketball coach at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Mack Mc Carthy. Coach Mc Carthy is currently the head men's basketball coach at East Carolina University. Coach Mack told me that Stephen Curry was a good as any college basketball player in the nation. Coach explained that his ability to score, footwork, ball handling, passing skills and overall basketball IQ was that of a professional basketball player.
Stephen's father is Dell Curry, former NBA basketball player. Dell attended Virginia Tech University and was a sharpshooter in the NBA for many years. I am sure Stephen has been the benefactor of being the son of an NBA player but here is the real story. When Stephen was 15 years old, he was 5-8 and skinny. His dad took him off of the AAU basketball circuit and kept him involved in individual workouts. He also worked on sports performance training while playing club basketball to apply the skills he was reinforcing. Stephen developed into a stellar player but was not highly recruited. He grew to 5-11 as junior and his skills were getting even better! Stephen still could not obtain a scholarship because he was not on the AAU circuit! He was better than most of the players that were being recruited by major college programs.
The summer of his senior high school season, Stephen grew to 6-3 but was still very skinny. His basketball skills and overall game was top-notch, but he still was not offered a scholarship to a major university. Virginia Tech, his dad's Alma mater offered Stephen and opportunity as a walk-on basketball player. He had scholarship offers from some mid-major division I and a cluster of division II and III schools. Stephen committed to Davidson University, a mid-major college in Davidson, North Carolina that has great academics. Davidson is the Southern Conference which is the same one that my Alma mater is in. As a freshman, Stephen took Davidson deep in the NCAA tourney last year. The Wildcats are 10-3 this year and they are almost guaranteed to represent the Southern Conference in the NCAA tournament this year as well.
In my opinion, Stephen Curry is currently the best basketball player on the collegiate level. He is only a sophomore, but I think he is ready for the NBA at the end of this college basketball season. He is the model for what can be achieved through having the talent but directing it the correct way to be the best player you can be. He was not highly recruited out of high school and went to a small college, but will be an NBA basketball player. The sky is the limit for him if he continues to implement the same work ethic and toughness that has helped him achieve his current status. It also helps that he is obedient, a hard worker and follows the direction of his parents, coaches and instructors.
Remember, basketball players are made in the gym!!
Yours in Basketball,
Larry Stewart
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
2009 Winter programs- Shooting Camp
Happy New Year!!
Our 2009 basketball programs have begun and I look forward to seeing the Bulls Academy basketball players back on our beautiful basketball courts! The Christmas and New Year's break was great, but basketball players are made in the gym!
Shooting Camp begins tonight for 5-10 year old participants at the Chicago Bulls/White Sox Training Academy in Lisle. Shooting Camp is a 4 week class that meets once a week on Tuesdays for an hour and a half from 5:00-6:30pm for this age group. We also offer Shooting Camp on Thursdays for an hour and a half from 5:00-6:30pm for the 11-17 year old participants as well. The first class for that age group begins Thursday, January 8, 2009. The cost is $105.00 per participant.
Our objective is to work with the participants in developing the basic shooting techniques that are necessary to be an effective shooter. Shooting is developed through practicing proper basketball mechanics and techniques at ALL ages! Participants will work on balance, straight elbow (straight), eyes (focus), follow through and footwork while gaining confidence in their shooting. Players that can shoot the basketball on any level will be on the floor at crunch time. Good shooters are not born but made. Shooting is an art and it has to be practiced correctly on a consistent basis.
Our goal is to make each player a clutch shooter in game situations. We look forward to seeing you on our courts soon! Remember, basketball players are made in the gym!!
Yours in Basketball,
Larry Stewart
Our 2009 basketball programs have begun and I look forward to seeing the Bulls Academy basketball players back on our beautiful basketball courts! The Christmas and New Year's break was great, but basketball players are made in the gym!
Shooting Camp begins tonight for 5-10 year old participants at the Chicago Bulls/White Sox Training Academy in Lisle. Shooting Camp is a 4 week class that meets once a week on Tuesdays for an hour and a half from 5:00-6:30pm for this age group. We also offer Shooting Camp on Thursdays for an hour and a half from 5:00-6:30pm for the 11-17 year old participants as well. The first class for that age group begins Thursday, January 8, 2009. The cost is $105.00 per participant.
Our objective is to work with the participants in developing the basic shooting techniques that are necessary to be an effective shooter. Shooting is developed through practicing proper basketball mechanics and techniques at ALL ages! Participants will work on balance, straight elbow (straight), eyes (focus), follow through and footwork while gaining confidence in their shooting. Players that can shoot the basketball on any level will be on the floor at crunch time. Good shooters are not born but made. Shooting is an art and it has to be practiced correctly on a consistent basis.
Our goal is to make each player a clutch shooter in game situations. We look forward to seeing you on our courts soon! Remember, basketball players are made in the gym!!
Yours in Basketball,
Larry Stewart
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