Early wakeup this morning followed by our final practice in Canada. It was a decent practice focusing on offensive execution. We have not been able to spend a huge amount of time on defense so we could struggle a bit over there.
After practice we grabbed a quick lunch and then headed out for some healthy snacks for the trip. I picked up some granola bars, peanut butter, bagels, nuts and other assorted snacks. This was highly recommended by our experienced staff members as you never know what to expect when we get there.
After the shopping it was time for laundry and packing. We are allowed one bag under 20 kg. so it is creative to say the least. Trying to squeeze everything in has been tricky.
Tonight some of the coaches went out for a nice meal overlooking the lake here in Barrie. A nice atmosphere and good conversation. It was nice to get off campus and get to know the other coaches on a different level.
Tomorrow starts with a 7:30 am breakfast and an 8:30 departure for the airport. In total , our time traveling will be about 20 hours. Can't wait for this fun!!!
Looking at the camp and the players that were here, we have a bit of a tough road ahead to make it to the elite level in the world but I truly think we can get there. There is some talent coming through the ranks and there is some young talent on the senior team. It will take some work and some lucky breaks but there are some great people working with these players and leading the program. The problem is , due to a number of circumstances, we can only train for a short time each year. We need better funding to move up a level but in order to get better funding we need to have a better team. Kind of a catch 22. The other issue is that after these players leave the national team camp they go to many different programs where many play for coaches who will not spend enough time developing the players.
Another thing that I think is needed is more education for coaches across the country regarding the international style of play and skills that are needed. The grassroots coaches are the ones that really make the impact on the early skill development. I think this can be done but it will take some work.
So now we are off to China tomorrow. I am a little excited but disappointed that the gym time is over. I love our practices and then watching and interacting with the other coaches. Tomorrow opens a whole new world for me, international basketball which has been one of my goals. I am a little bit excited and little bit scared of what may lie ahead.
As I said, hopefully the interesting tidbits in the blog pick up with the travel in China. I am not sure about the internet access while I am in China so I am not sure when I will get to post again. Basically one of the main reasons I started this blog was so my mom ( who doesn't use email yet) could follow my travels. I'll let you know when I get there mom, don't worry!
So China awaits. I'll have some stories to tell for sure.
The journey continues
Coach
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