Learning from others

There’s an extremely interesting book that’s just out in the market called “NBA List Jam!” by long-time NBA front office executive Pat Williams and Boston Herald web site blogger Michael Connelly. It’s an amusing collection of top 10 NBA-related lists contributed by players, coaches, officials, writers, broadcasters and fans. Over 125 lists were assembled by the authors who went out of their way to generate feedback from those in the know about the NBA. More than their entertainment value, you can pick up a lot of lessons from the lists.

I’ve chosen three lists to share with you. Please allow me to pick up lines from the book. First is a list of 10 things you never knew about 11-time NBA world champion coach Phil Jackson by author and NBA analyst Charley Rosen who served as his assistant coach with the Albany Patroons in the Continental league.

First, Jackson is an excellent cook who believes that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. His speciality is pancakes made from scratch that includes at least a dozen ingredients like buttermilk, eggs, whole-wheat flour, wheat germ, flax seed and fresh berries in season. Second, when serenaded by the house band in Mexican restaurants, he’ll tip $50 for the musicians to play “My Way.” Third, since he really doesn’t see himself as being a celebrity, only two personalized items are on the walls of his Los Angeles home – one is a large, framed poster of the caricatures of the 1973 New York Knicks title squad (which Jackson was a part of) and second is a drum cymbal autographed by Jerry Garcia’s Grateful Dead. Fourth, his favorite radio show is “Prairie Home Companion” which reminds him of his childhood in Montana and North Dakota. Fifth, he and his older brother handcrafted the main residence in his Montana homestead which is where his family of five children and six grandchildren congregate at least once a year. 

Sixth, Jackson bounced a pass off his butt to Walt Frazier during a three-man fastbreak drill at a New York practice. Seventh, he is a ferocious competitor belying his calm Zen-like exterior. That’s what he had in common with Michael Jordan and that’s why they got along famously. Jackson never wants to lose even in penny-ante card games, thumb wrestling, foosball and tiddly-winks, said Rosen. Eighth, he was nearly knocked out by former NBA/ABA star George McGinnis. While defending McGinnis once during a game, Jackson wouldn’t ease the pressure. McGinnis threw a punch that grazed the top of Jackson’s head. Jackson fell to the floor but luckily, didn’t absorb the full impact of the blow. Ninth, Jackson had a contentious relationship with referees as a player and coach. In the Continental league, Jackson was suspended two games for spitting at a referee once and ejected for throwing a chair on to the court in another incident. Finally, Jackson was a talented baseball player in his younger days. He once pitched a one-hit, 12-strikeout shutout for the University of North Dakota and in an exhibition game, clouted a double off the legendary Satchel Paige.

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Bill Van Gundy, father of the only pair of brothers (Jeff and Stan) to coach in the NBA, came up with a list of 10 coaching lessons he passed on to his sons. Van Gundy himself was a coach at Brockport State College and Genesee Community College.

First, defense wins. Second, do not expect universal love or agreement. “You will always be criticized,” he said. “You will never satisfy everyone – players, fans, media. Don’t try. Do what you think is right, develop a thick skin.” Third, preparation pays off. Fourth, be demanding. “Demand performance, not talk,” said Van Gundy. “Push each person to be the best he can be. Everyone can learn and improve. When winning, never accept anything you would not accept when losing.” Fifth, teach, teach, teach. Sixth, winning is all important. “Learn from losing but never like it,” he said. “Everyone in the program must focus on winning.” Seventh, be completely honest. Eighth, work hard. “This is a staple of success,” he said. “There is no limit to how hard one can work. Working harder can overcome a lot of deficiencies.” Ninth, trust your gut. “Thoughtfully formulate a sound coaching philosophy – offense, defense, discipline, motivation – to guide you,” he continued. “When push comes to shove, always confidently put your trust in your instincts.” Finally, be yourself.

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Don Rutledge, former WNBA supervisor of officials, listed the top 10 essentials for a basketball official. First, being in good physical, mental and emotional shape. Second, a great knowledge of the rules of the game. Third, mastery of the mechanics of officiating. Fourth, understanding of the game. Fifth, officiating teamwork with each crew. Sixth, being observant: See without looking, hear without listening, sense without feeling. Seventh, ability to handle adversity and conflict. Eighth, willingness to expose your honesty and character to all. Ninth, poise. Finally, communication skills, your biggest asset.

If you’re a basketball fan, there’s a lot you can learn just by reading what’s on the top 10 lists of the experts of the game.