Wednesday, May 2, 2018

David Blatt Coaching Profile

The New York Knicks seek a new coach. Will it be David Blatt

Philosophy: Blatt played at Princeton from 1977-1981 and Princeton influences remain. Many consider Blatt an offensive genius. From Joseph Gill, "Blatt's Princeton-style offense, with its quick-hitter sets which quickly morphs into very NBA-style read-and-react scenarios." 

He has strong feelings about psychology and relationships in coaching. That didn't work out in Cleveland. "David was hired to coach a developmental team and young players who would've wanted to please him," one team source said. "He ended up coaching a finished product where the players expected him to please them."

Coaching Notes:

1) Via Basketball Immersion

Highlights

-Peers are the best teachers to learn from (Strategy, people, learning and teaching)
-Your players need to see you in a way that makes them believe you can help them.
-Teach to go further – “Excellence starts on the doorstop of your limitations.”
-Need depth of knowledge, philosophy, understanding of people, passion

2) PICKANDPOP.net 

Comprehensive. I cannot do this justice. 



Find different ways to get into sets with multiple options. 

Video: from FearTheSword 



Blatt High-Low sequences run from Horns variants.



via Ryan Pannone



PnR Hammer action



Horns DHO PnR action (could expand help side movement into screens or back cut from corner)



Modified 4 out with stagger setting up top jumper or roller.

Enduring lessons: Blatt's offenses use 'preliminary' motions to set up quality shots. For our purposes, a myriad of possibilities shouldn't distract from core values/fundamental development.