June Overview:  The month of June is always a busy one at Rocky.  As a coaching staff we approached this summer differently than previous summers by providing basketball opportunities other than playing games. The skills camp was seen as a tremendous success because the drills could be taken home and mastered.  Combined, over 35 players participated in Rocky’s summer program and they played in over 70 games this summer including the Utah State team camp in Logan, Utah.  As a coaching staff we were extremely happy with the growth and improvement we saw in our teams throughout the month of June. 

July Open Gyms:  The Rocky Mountain High School gym will be open from 10 am-noon on July 9th, 11th, 16th, and 18th.  If you are in town, come play some basketball.

 

Open Weights:  The Rocky Mountain High School weight room will be open every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 am to noon the remainder of the summer with the exception of holidays and the dead week at the end of July. Players are encouraged to maintain and improve their strength and conditioning during this time. Don’t forget to bring a teammate!

 

July/Aug:  Good basketball players are made during the offseason.  Each player has the tools needed to improve their skill set and come back to school a better basketball player.  The program must replace a productive graduating senior class and that means individual players must step up.  This means they are committed to basketball and spending time each week working on their skills during the months of July and August. Before they realize it they will be given an opportunity to play varsity basketball, will they be ready when their opportunity comes?  Coaches love players who can dribble, pass, and shoot and as those skills improve so does the chance of playing at the level they desire.  In an era of players who want exposure by playing on AAU teams, I believe developing and improving skill sets should be the first priority.  The majority of high school basketball players would benefit far greater by spending their summer shooting jump shots and working on ball handling than playing games in Las Vegas, Dallas, and Indianapolis.  My philosophy is this; if you are good enough they will find you.  I will provide two examples: First, Jason Smith a former teammate of mine at Colorado State who is current enjoying an NBA career never played AAU basketball.  He grew up in a small town in Colorado and earned a division I scholarship because he had mastered his ability to dribble, pass, and shoot while developing a tremendous work ethic.  Second, Daven Harmeling, who grew up in the Fruita, Colorado never played AAU basketball, but ended up having a wonderful career at Washington State including 2 NCAA tournament births and a free education.  My challenge to my players this offseason, spend 1 hour each day improving your skill set.  Never let a day, week, or month pass you by because there is always someone out there, in this town, or another who is practicing while you are sleeping. 

 

Parent/Player Survey:  The coaching staff at Rocky is as committed as it’s players and parents are.  Please spend a few minutes to provide feedback to the coaching staff about what you liked and did not like about this summers opportunities.  The coaching staff will plan next years camps based off this survey.  Click on the “parent/player survey” link above to access the survey. 

 

Weight Classes:  I wanted to take a few minutes to remind players that they are expected to enroll in weights classes for next year.  Coach Dyer has put together an “athletic class” where he will develop a lifting workout geared towards basketball and then give players time in the gym to work on their skills.  Far to many of our players take periods off, is that maximizing their athletic ability?  We will devote the entire two hours during offseason workouts on skills and conditioning in preparation of the upcoming season.  Talk to your counselor in early August about making any changes to your schedule. 

 

Fall 2013:  We will begin our fall skill sessions at the beginning of September.  I will let you know when that schedule is completed.  Enjoy the rest of your summer and let me know if you have any comments or questions.