Woke up this morning to an 8AM breakfast but I had to be downstairs around 7:30 to review the edit I had put together with the other coaches. Breakfast was the standard meats and cheeses like everyday with something different. Our manager says it might be tamarind but it looks like a fruit bar of some sort and it is not bad. Tried the coffee this morning and it just isn't Tim Horton's. The other thing they have for breakfast is chocolate croissants. They are magical.
After breakfast we scooted off to practice for one hour from 9-10. Basically just prepped the girls for what was coming from Cuba. I took them through some video clips and then walked them through what would happen on the court. Immediately when practice was finished at 10 we were whisked away to a private sports school for the clinic. Allison was supposed to speak at 10:15 but they changed it. The Cuban coach went first and he spoke about spacing and how to execute the pick and roll. He was good but we had to fill in the blanks because he only spoke spanish. It looked very good though and we could understand what he was trying to do. Next up was Allison and she did a very good job and had a translator with her. It seemed to go well from what I could tell but on the ride home we asked the driver a question and we weren't so sure anymore. We asked him how old Segovia was and he said, "Yes I will be there at the coaching gym tonight as I look after the referees". So we really weren't sure if anything he translated was legit.
The last speaker was the spanish coach and he talked for 20 minutes to start the session. WHen you don't understand a language, 20 minutes of it is like sticking your head into a beehive. He finally started talking about his defense and it was very good with some neat drills and ideas. We had to leave a few minutes early to get back to the hotel for our video session. We talked about what to expect and showed them the complete video.
Next came lunch. A beautiful Lentil Stew to start with crusty rolls followed by salad and then pork and tomatoes. The pork was done differently than I have ever tasted but it was good. Yogurt and fruit for dessert finished off the meal.
A little down time to get ready for the game and then we were off. We got the team ready and then I experienced one of those moments that are impossible to describe. I have said it before and I will say it again, there are very few feelings quite like hearing your national anthem while wearing your colors. It is an absolutely amazing experience.
So on to the game. We started sluggish and their athleticism put them up 10-3. We were pretty sloppy on offense but were ok on defense. We were forcing too many things and then missing easy shots. We were down around 8 at the quarter break and I believe it was 12 at the half. We made some adjustments and played better in the 2nd half however we had to weather a storm. They pressed a bit and got up 14. We had the chance to fold but didn't. WE rallied back and had a chance to win the game but dropped it 62-59. Interestingly enough, Cuba brought a referee with them and I want you to try and guess who called 5 offensive fouls against us and the worst intentional foul call I have ever seen. Nope not the other 2. You are quite wrong!
After the game we went outside and it was a perfect evening. Absolute perfect temperature and nice. Lots of people around the streets. It was 9:15pm and the sun was still in the sky just hovering above the horizon. Phenomenal.
Back to the hotel after the game for dinner. One of the best soups I ever had. They said it was pumpkin squash with orange zest and some other shit. It looked like baby shit but it was one of the best tasting things ever. Throw in some chorizo sausage, a different cut of pork, a potato and egg quesadilla (kind of like quiche. No tortilla, just egg) and you have yourself a meal. There was also salad and then they came with fish and veggies. I asked if i could trade mine in for more soup and they said sure. The final course was fresh watermelon and a different type of melon. OUTSTANDING. My favorite meal thus far.
More work to do after supper. We finished around 10:30 by the way. Then off to watch our game from tonight. So now it is almost 12:30 and just wrapping up the day. Tomorrow is a 9:30 breakfast, 11:15 video and 12:00 practice. Game vs. Spain at 6. They are GOOD. It will be interesting.
Until tomorrow
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