Magic Johnson - Work Ethic

Every person will tell you that you need to work hard in order to be successful.  Magic Johnson was one of the most desired recruits for colleges while he was in high school.  He was easily the best player in his area, but this didn't stop him from working hard to maximize his potential. 

Dick Vitale, then coach at Detroit, decided to surprise Magic Johnson at his home before school to recruit the high school star.  Coach Vitale knocked on his door a littler after 6am and Magic's mom answered the door and informed Vitale that Magic was at the park shooting jumpers as he does everyday before school (by the way it was also snowing). 

How hard are you working to maximize your potential?

Alan Stein

Alan Stein is one of the most respected trainers right now and his opinion of players is valued all the way to the NBA.  Below is an excerpt of Stein talking about the type of questions NBA talent evaluators want answered....

Every spring I get calls from dozens of NBA personnel inquiring about potential NBA draft pics. They know I have worked with most of the prospects before at events like the Jordan Brand Classic and Nike Skills Academies.

However, you’d be surprised at the questions they actually ask me.

Nearly every single question has to do with character, attitude or work ethic.

They never ask me about their athleticism or skills.

Why? If an NBA team is going to invest millions of dollars in a player, they need to know he is of high character, has an exceptional attitude and possesses an unparalleled work ethic.

Here are the most common questions I get:

• What was your very first impression of him?
• Did you see any red flags?
• Did you enjoy being around him?
• Was he always on time?
• Was he likable?
• Was he coachable?
• Was he an energy giver?
• Did he love to play? 
• Did he love to workout?
• How was his attitude?
• How was his work ethic?
• Was he a gym rat?
• What was the best part about working with him?
• Was there anything difficult about working with him?
• Was he respectful?
• Was he self-motivated?
• Did he act entitled? 
• Was he selfish?
• Was he mature?
• Was he competitive?
• Was he a leader?

And this is my favorite question that I’ve ever been asked:

Would you let your daughter marry him?

And while these particular questions are the ones I get from NBA personnel about potential draft picks, they are also the exact same type of questions I get from college coaches when they are recruiting a high school player.

There is so much more to basketball success than shooting, passing, rebounding, defending and dribbling!

Character counts!

Character Lessons from a Difficult Season

"You can tell a lot about a person’s character, not by the mistakes he has made, but by how he has handled those mistakes. The person who takes responsibility for his errors and does what he can to fix the problems he’s created is someone you should respect. The person who has never made a mistake in his own mind, who attempts to deflect blame, is someone you should approach cautiously." - Lou Holtz

 This was a difficult season to say the least.  In fact, its probably the most difficult season I have been associated with.  As I was preparing our final team meeting I came across some end of year notes with the following questions:  Did your players individual skill level improve? What life lessons did players learn throughout the season?  

Our final record does not indicate much success, but I am very proud of the progress each player made throughout the season.  Each player's skill level improved but their response to adversity also improved.  We had players accepting responsibility for mistakes and not letting mistakes effect the next play by the end of the season.  Their willingness to come work hard in practice every day, buy into the process over the scoreboard and ability to keep grinding when adversity kept coming will serve them well as they graduate high school and move on into the "real world."  Its easy to be engaged and positive when things are going well.  These players have demonstrated they can be counted on when times are tough too.  Any employer would be thrilled to have an employee with those traits. 

Team Building

We had a great time at Battlefield Knoxville and Cici's Pizza last Wednesday.  

District Standings

1. Meigs County 10-0
2. Grace 9-2
3. Rockwood 7-4
4. Tellico 5-6
5. Midway 5-6
6. Harriman 2-9
7. Greenback 0-11

If standings hold then Meigs County will receive a first round bye. Greenback will play at Grace, Harriman will play at Rockwood and Midway will play at Tellico Feb 14 in the first round of the district tournament.  The winners would join Meigs to complete the tournament at Grace. 

One of the things I love about basketball is everyone gets a chance during tournament time.  Hope to see a huge crowd on both sides at Rockwood Feb 14.

Youth Clinic

We had a tremendous time with the 40+ kids who came to participate in our Youth Clinic last night!  Thanks to all the parents who took time out of their busy schedule to allow us access to their kids.  I'm looking forward to following the growth of each player in attendance.

Did you miss out on this event, but would like information on the next upcoming event?  Send an email to wkjones@roaneschools.com to request your e-mail be added to our distribution list. 

If you have a picture you would to share from the youth clinic please send to wkjones@roaneschools.com

Thanks again to everyone who had a hand in making this a successful event.

Senior Night

Tuesday Feb. 4th vs. Meigs County will be our seniors last home game.  There is a boys jv game at 4:30.  Girls varsity 6:00 and Boys varsity 7:30.  We would love to have your support.

Kaleb Eleam - The ultimate spark plug.  He's our energy source and really puts pressure on the opposing team's ball handler.  His offensive game is much improved and he's playing with a ton of confidence right now.  His speed and quickness will be a difference maker down the stretch.


Chase Hamby - He's known for his 3pt shooting, but should be known for his ability to battle through adversity and willingness to stick with his teammates when times are tough.  He's our team leader in charges taken by a significant amount and has really bought into improving his all around game both offensively and defensively.  I'm very proud of the improvements Chase has made over the last 2 years and have no doubt he will be successful in whatever career path he chooses to pursue.


Scott Nelson - Another senior who has made a career of never giving up and fighting through adversity.  He is our strongest inside presence and thus one of our best rebounders.  He comes to practice everyday with a great attitude and has made a concerted effort to show our younger players what the practice expectations are in our program

Jalyn Wilkie - We have asked Jayln to seemingly do the impossible this season and he never backed down from the challenge or made excuses about the positions we put him in this season.  Jalyn was an all-district caliber wing as a junior and really settled into a comfortable role.  Based on our team makeup and needs we asked Jalyn to completely remove himself from that comfort zone.  On every night we expect Jalyn to guard the other team's best player (regardless of position), stay out of foul trouble, throw the ball inbounds, be the primary ball handler and passer, get us in an offense, make open shots and play 29 minutes a game. 

All of our seniors have donated a lot of time, effort, blood, sweat, tears and energy to this program.  Its not been an easy season and its a testament to their resolve, mental toughness, and love for their teammates that they made it to this point.  Please join me Tuesday night in honoring this senior class.

Free Youth Clinic! Monday Feb 3 2014 6:30-7:30

All 6th grade and under are welcome.  Come enjoy a good hour of skill work with our players.