For example, a friend and I were watching a game where 'our' team had possession and led by eight with just under a minute remaining. There was a thirty second shot clock. After a sidelines out of bounds play near midcourt, a senior took a long jump shot FIVE SECONDS into the possession. The opponent regained possession but couldn't overcome their deficit in the remaining time.
Process defines us. Nobody but we seemed upset at the process.
What went wrong?
We all know that outscoring the opponent is the game's object. Or do we? Taking an open three-point shot early in a possession in the final minute might be a great decision...if you're a shooter and your team trailed. But short of fouling or committing a technical foul (two shots and possession), a quick shot was the worst possible decision. We'll never know whether lack of game understanding or selfishness lay at the core of choice. We were not broadcasting the game at the time.
Situational play can't become an afterthought.
If I were coaching and that happened, I would use a timeout (if available) and quietly substitute the player and offer counseling after the game. If film study were available, it would provide a team teachable moment.
I've heard players say, "It didn't matter. We won." That's akin to "the gun wasn't loaded" or "playing with matches is no big deal."
Better outcomes have their roots in better choices and superior process. Eventually, following a lit fuse informs expected results. Ignoring poor process is unacceptable. Admittedly, we decide how to allocate time to skill development vis-a-vis improved decision making. But it's also about communicating strengths, weaknesses, and expectations.
Brad Steven recently commented about Evan Turner in the Indy Star: "... sometimes guys in the NBA get a reputation of can't do this, can't do that, and we all forget what they can do. He's a jack-of-all-trades that can guard a variety of positions and a variety of ways, create his own shot and rebound."
Weather permitting, we begin summer workouts tomorrow. We have to leverage our speed and athleticism and compensate for our lack of size. We must shoot better. We need to improve our scramble defense. We have so much to improve...especially our court awareness and communication. I have to grow my skill set.
MSU 5 on 4 version.