The IHSA boys' basketball season begins this week. Across the State, small towns and city schools will begin the five month grind. These kids will play 28-30 games while completing nearly 100 practice sessions.
There are prime time players, reserves who play significant roles and a few bench guys who see little action. All have ownership to the team. Sitting in the stands are a variety of folks. You will find the old time basketball buff, the parents and relatives of band members, cheerleaders and Pom teams and of course, many parents and some grandparents of players.
I am reminded of the military mother who was present at her son's parade-review. Her son is out of step as his squad passes the review stand and the mother notices something differently, "I wish the rest of those boys would get into step with my boy."
I am reminded of a parent of one of my players who would yell at games, "Roustio, put your first team in!" That parents first team was HIS kid and any four others to my liking.
The coach will be criticized for playing the wrong kids, using the wrong offense or defense, playing too fast or too deliberate. From the top of the bleachers the coaching job looks easy. It's always easy doing a job for which you are NOT held accountable. However, if that coach is successful teaching his guys to play to their strengths, teaching players to believe in each other and trust the coach, the team will likely play to its potential and have an enjoyable experience.
One common denominator is shared by every high school basketball coach. After every game at about 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning the coach will roll over in bed a briefly wake up. He will quickly recall a win or loss...never fails.
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