Basketball Friday examines the game through a different lens. Renaissance man Gregg Popovich has a unique background. Walk through a multiple choice examination about the Spurs coach.
1. Popovich is a graduate of:
- Pomona College
- Air Force Academy
- Pepperdine
2. Among his early career choices were:
- College administrator
- CIA operative
- Librarian
- Claremont-McKenna
- Pomona-Pitzer
- Air Force Academy
- Russian language
- Soviet Studies
- Engineering
5. Popovich won how many NBA championships?:
- Four
- Five
- Six
6. Popovich helped his players celebrate:
- Bastille Day
- Eddie Mabo Day
- Nelson Mandela Day
7. Well-known Popovich quote:
- "Pound the body."
- "Pound the rock."
- "Rock the house."
8. Spurs SLOB:
9. During the 2005 playoffs, Popovich asked players whether anyone knew the winning word of the National Spelling bee. He had to explain the contest three times.
One of the players asked, "where are the bees?" Who was he?
One of the players asked, "where are the bees?" Who was he?
- Beno Udrih
- Manu Ginobili
- Tony Parker
Lagniappe. Spurs shooting drill.
Quiz answers. All the multiple choice answers are B. All of the SLOB plays shown are Spurs plays.
Lagniappe 2. Popovich notes. Like Belichick, he wants to coach professionals not problems. He doesn't want to overcoach. "“Sometimes being quiet and letting the player play is much more important than trying to be Mr. Coach and teach him this or teach him that."
Lagniappe 3. Do players understand defense time (early versus late offense) and space (depends on personnel)? What are their rotations? Popovich believes in 4 on 4 simulations.
Lagniappe 4. "What's the best book to give my players?" Here's a list from Zak Boisvert.