On day 4 of Nike Basketball Camp at Kedron Fieldhouse warm ups started strong and players worked hard as they went through the motions of stations, five on five and then the Coaches Shootout. Although a fun day, coaches focused on stressing just how important the lessons learned this week will be to their basketball future. Players need to focus on making the trainings as hard as possible, so that games are as easy as possible. It is so important that players "never mistake activity for achievement" and to keep working hard during the off season. If players solely devote themselves to getting better and better every day they will be able to see the daily 1% percent improvement. Going half speed is never an option in this game, players have to remember this.
Another strong point coaches emphasized today was sportsmanship. Coaches work very hard to incorporate this into the Nike/Elite Hoops environment and with Champion Friday so near it is important that players remember it. It is not uncommon to see players shaking each others hands, congratulating their teammates, and even the players on other teams. Even on "Championship Friday" teams must go and shake hands after their games. Players that show good sportsmanship during practice and training sessions are the players that coaches will want on their team. Remember, "it's amazing how much can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit."
These player's skill level has improved so dramatically in the past four days that coaches are very excited to see what is in store for tomorrow as "Championship Friday" draws closer. Players are excited for the games as well as they talk amongst themselves about which team will come through with the win and which teammates will go home with some prizes!