Brianna Finch
@WBBCoachFinch
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Assistant Coach at George Washington University 🏀. #RaiseHigh Keynote Speaker👇
Joined May 2009
Improved shooting performance has more to do w/improved shot selection & confidence than technical skill; esp. at more advanced level. This plyr shot 11% 3FG her JR yr (for diff. coach/system) & 37% her SR yr. Didn't change her shot; just built confidence & emphasized selection.
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Warmed up with some “fencing” to work on balance. Goal was to replicate stunting as general movement pattern (specifically defensively). 🤺🏀🐾
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80% of offense is what happens after the play is broken. Goal is to try and teach players how to create advantages from every action to achieve a high percentage opportunity.
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Why do coaches assume/believe that skill work=on-air drills? When I talk about small group skill work, this always incorporates defense 1v1/2v2/3v3 etc. If decision making is 1 of most important skills to develop, how can we effectively improve it unless we train in that dynamic?.
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Poor offensive spacing shrinks the court and reduces the time and area for offensive players to make decisions, which usually leads to a greater number of turnovers. Offensive objective is to gain space; defensive objective is to take it away.
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Started workout with Foosball Tag. Players who are “it” can only move laterally along their lines (FT/half-ct). Once tagged, you replace the player and they continue toward other end. Goal: get from one end to other w/out being tagged. Thx 💡@brianmccormick
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Asked recruit her thoughts after watching plyr skill work:.Recruit: It was good, but you didn’t yell or do any conditioning. Me: Did you think the players went hard & were fatigued by end?.Recruit:Yes!.Me: Then why would I yell at them or do conditioning? What more can I ask for?.
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Using one of my favorite games, Basketball Tennis, to warm-up and work on dexterity and coordination. In fairness, this was the first time the post group played, so a bit of a learning group. Thanks to @JamesJanssen for the idea collaboration.
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The ability to play off the catch is an essential tactical skill. You’re most open when you first catch and the decision making component in that 0.5 sec (and prior) is critical. If you have to jab step, etc. - it’s not open and the ball has to move to find/create next advantage.
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Had a possession in practice today where we had great spacing, 2-3 ball reversals, drive & kick, and inside out w/post, but didn’t make the shot. I celebrated on sideline as if we’d won the game. b/c the small wins matter. #ItsWhatYouEmphasize. Process > outcome.
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Incredibly excited to join @CoachGCF staff and have the opportunity to be a part of an amazing program and outstanding academic institution. #ShareShootStifle #WildcatReady.
🚨It's official🚨. Welcome to Davidson, Brianna Finch!. Read more about our new Director of Player Development:
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So humbled and thankful! 🐾🏀🐾🏀.
We're proud to share that @WBBCoachFinch has been elevated to associate head coach ahead of the 2023-24 campaign! Congratulations, and let's keep the work going, coach!!! #GoBU
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A ball screen is an action to create a small advantage & disorganize the defense, it’s not typically the endgame. The goal is to use this small offensive advantage v. a (now) non-neutral def. to move the ball (pass/drive) & create a 1v0 opportunity for a score/uncontested shot.
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Could not be more excited to join @BUCoachG and @TerrierWBB! Incredibly thankful for the opportunity and ready to get to work in #TerrierTown!.
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Thankful to @FIU_CoachTee and very excited for the opportunity to join her staff! Enjoyed my first day representing FIU on the recruiting trail!.
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Great offense (v. man and zone) requires the ability to get shots off inside-out (whether that’s post touches or dribble penetration); ball reversals, and pace.
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Big thank you to all those who attended my @Coaches_Clinic yesterday! For those that have emailed or messaged; I will get the pdf of the SSGs/drills to you by the end of the week. Thanks! #GrowTheGame.
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The value of an effective/hard basket cut should not be underestimated. Not necessarily b/c it leads to a direct shot but it collapses the defense; forcing rotations which creates open perimeter shots and long close outs.
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Watched a juco practice; started with tag, then 2v2 and then 5v5 scrimmage of 2min quarters. No yelling, no “on-air”. players held themselves accountable and were very much empowered. Team record is 16-5.
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When your players ask to borrow the video projector on the road so they can rewatch the previous night’s game on their own (after team film in the morning & before evening scout film). #ThatsCulture #TheWildcatWay @DavidsonWBB @CoachGCF.
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Watched a lot of games & genuinely proud of players. We as coaches, lament about “this generation” but yet we ask them to play 3 games in 1 day at the end of traveling/playing all July, on a plastic/rubber portable court. We need to protect the players health/safety & do better.
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Agree 💯with this philosophy. We’re trying to move our language toward teaching players how to make reads/play out of various actions. The goal of actions is to disorganize the defense and gain offensive advantage.
I heard “actions not plays” a lot at summer league. When players know actions they can better defend them regardless of how they appear. Also makes it easier to blend those actions as in this example of flex into Spain pick & roll. More Spain actions here
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In order to improve passing & reduce turnovers (improved decision making), I try to help players understand that if they miss an open teammate on a cut, screen, etc…that’s ok. The window for that opportunity is gone but the action probably created another advantage to seek out.
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The ability to read the 2nd/3rd layer of defense is essential for great offensive teams/players. Defenses can usually guard the initial action but using that action to maintain or extend the advantage when encountering defensive rotations is what separates average to excellent.
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If we have 4 players in a skill workout, why would we want to use a machine as the passer for reps using an “imaginary” ball screen? If it’s a single player getting shots on own, then ok. But w/multiple players, they should be passers and add defense for decision-making #GameLike.
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According to NCAA broadcaster, a behind-the-back pass not considered "fundamental". why? In certain situations, it is the best and most accurate pass to make. Shouldn't "fundamentals" be the most effective possible skill?.
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The ability to utilize skip passes offensively, both in transition & half court, is huge. Shifts the defense & keeps them out of neutral; creates immediate small advantages, that can be extended to big advantages through forced long closeouts, extra passes, secondary actions, etc.
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If you haven't seen this. it's pretty cool! Why SSGs and 3v3 basketball is the Best Developmental Pathway via @YouTube @brianmccormick.
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Also, a truly heartfelt thank you to @CoachGCF @JamesJanssen @_CoachMetz @Coach_KeviBee for allowing me to be a part of the staff @DavidsonWBB this past season. Enjoyed the opportunity to be surrounded by amazing people each and every day.
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Basketball is a game of space: Offense is trying to maximize and gain space; while defense is trying to minimize and shrink it. There are endless tactics for each to attempt to do this, but in the simplest of terms, this is the game.
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The ability for players to understand spacing is the foundation; getting them to continue w/this spatial awareness and movement after multiple actions or penetration is the ultimate goal.
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The longer I coach, the more I realize the value in holding feedback to players. They need to have opportunity to process/learn on their own.
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Just found out that our win improvement from last year to this year is best in the nation for DII! #ProcessFocused #CreateAdvantages
Thank you. biggest single season win improvement in program history! #ProudCoach
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Why use a Game Based Approach? Creates an environment where players afford the opportunities to self-organize/find solutions, thus increasing their awareness, confidence, & IQ which will likely improve ability to transfer their skill set from practice to games in most optimal way.
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Playing faster will undoubtedly be a little more chaotic initially and can lead to more turnovers, but the response shouldn’t be to restrict and play slower. The task is creating practice where players are constantly challenged to make decisions and succeed in this environment.
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Incredibly thankful for the opportunity to join @NurseGMO and share in her vision for @GW_WBB! Excited to work alongside this outstanding staff.
𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙁𝙤𝙜𝙜𝙮 𝘽𝙤𝙩𝙩𝙤𝙢! 🏛️. @NurseGMO is excited to announce five members of her coaching staff ahead of the 2025-26 season! Full release below. ⤵️ #RaiseHigh .
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Great @Coaches_Clinic session with @John_Leonzo this morning. Always appreciate your video and drill breakdowns. Applicable concepts for any offense. Thanks for sharing!.
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This makes me happy…baseline drive to the drift to the one more for the open 3! #SpacingIsOffense #GoBU🐾🏀🔥
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Intentional, specific feedback is something I’ve studied and worked hard to craft over my years of coaching. It involves a greater awareness and the ability to allow players the opportunity to self-correct. Too much feedback can overwhelm many players.
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I also would like to give my most sincere and heartfelt thank you to @BUCoachG for allowing me to grow and share in an amazing four years with @TerrierWBB. Memories, moments and people who will always hold a very special place in my heart.
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What is the advtg of a "jab step"? You're most open when you first catch. If you need a jab b/c the defense is there, then you're not open.
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As I reflect during this "recruiting shutdown"; I'm thankful my 18 year coaching journey has allowed me to coach JC, NAIA, D2, D1 & Professionally in Europe. Not always easy & a lot of work, but every experience allowed me to learn. I'm a better, more confident, coach b/c of it.
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Submitted an article yesterday on Practice Planning/Design and referenced @danielcoyle 3 zones for development: Sweet Spot, Comfort Zone, and Thrash Zone…80% of practice should occur in Sweet Spot. Good info for coaches to consider when designing practice.
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Before getting upset w/player for a “mistake”, ask their “why” for the decision/play. More important to know their thought process & understanding.
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Changed a few words from one of my favorite quotes, but I think it fits: “We are what we repeatedly do. Culture then, is not an act but habits. Daily practices that separate excellence from mediocrity.”.
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So thankful for these 3 days to learn, grow and connect with so many great people. Appreciate @BDStan @HeadCoachTC for providing the opportunity to share on this panel with @NickDiPillo and @CoachBechler!.
Associate Head Women’s Basketball Coach @WBBCoachFinch @TerrierWBB and Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach @NickDiPillo @BGSUWBB sharing great advice on the assistant coach panel #ACTC24
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Excited and thankful to be invited to speak @BballIrl Female Coaches Clinic later this month! Details coming soon….👀.
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Coaches want players to push themselves outside of their comfort zone, but then spend 60-90min+ of practice w/out defense. #GameTransfer.
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Made me SO happy to be on court today w/an awesome group of players at our Terrier Elite Camp! Huge THANKS to all of those who attended and spent the day w/us (from all across the country). And to all of the parents/family who supported & made it possible. #GoBU #TerrierTown 🏀🐾.
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Inside-out 3s is one of key metrics when looking at offensive 3pt efficiency…had multiple 3s from this last night with our posts combining for 6 assists!.
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Every game, especially this time of year, is challenging. Not because of wins or losses but the focus & determination it takes to go from good to great. The end goal is always to continually improve and play our most effective and efficient basketball by end of season.
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Enjoyed a great discussion yesterday with @bballengland & @_UKCoaching Leadership & Performance Program! Wonderful initiative to develop female coaches w/a passionate and caring group of mentors as well. Look forward to future conversations. @jennycoady10 @CoachCulley.
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Coaching PRO in Europe was best decision I could have made. Challenged me to be better in every way. 24 sec shot clock, no TO to save possession, coaching against professional plyrs & coaches, dynamics of starting a 29 yr old veteran w/u16 national team plyr #Adapt #Flexible.
Now that Nick Nurse is an NBA champion, maybe ADs will look at my 3 years coaching in Europe as more than gaps in my coaching career. 🙄.
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Proud of this first win and how we shared the ball! #ProcessFocused.
FINAL | TERRIERS WIN!!! A win in @BUCoachG's debut as we shoot 60 percent from three! Love to get our first win in front of Terrier Nation! #GoBU
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For those who tuned into our @Coaches_Clinic BLOB Panel yesterday, here are the diagrams for the ones I showed. #ShareAndLearn #GrowTheGame
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When implementing a new drill or concept, there must be allowance for error and consideration of the players' learning curve. Also try to adjust/minimize feedback w/the understanding that the execution of the skill is not paramount in that situation.
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History made! Enjoying this moment with an amazing group of young women. Then back at it tomorrow to focus on the process and moving forward each and every day.
Our 6-0 start to #PatriotWBB play is our best in nine seasons as a league member, and matches our longest league winning streak in that span! Highlights and recap below. #ProudToBU
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Truth. @brianmccormick #SABA @CoachCulley @JohnCarrier42 @JamesJanssen @jenfay_QU @AlexJSarama @Rastogi_Aseem @CunhaBasketball.
Some excellent offensive concepts form Jazz HC Quin Snider. Advantage Basketball:. Get it. Keep it. Use it.
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Excited to be speaking at Virtual Basketball Coaches Clinic! .Topic: Practice Planning and Design.Incorporating ideas-> how to create a player-centered environment, feedback & pre/post practice objectives. Check it out at #virtualbasketballcoachesclinic.
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In this time of reflection and growth, I very much realize that coaching is who I am, not just what I do.
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Listening to @lono610 virtual clinic and completely agree with the idea that coaches have to be “comfortable with mess” (comfortable with chaos). Our job as coaches is to give players the tools to “navigate the mess”.
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Not a bad view from the study room on the top floor of our residence hall! 🤩 #TerrierTown #GoBU 🐾🏀🐾🏀
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Could not be more proud of our players; they executed, made adjustments on both ends of the floor, and continued to be aggressive and "play the advantage". and hit some BIG shots. Great win over #25 ranked Eckerd. #TrustTheProcess #BasketballIQ.
Women's Basketball Wins SSC Home Opener Over Tritons
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So excited to officially welcome Aoibhe to our Terrier family! 🐾🏀🐾🏀.
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We’ve assisted on 43 of 54 made FGs in last two games…ball movement and extra passes! 🔥🏀🐾
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So, this just happened! 👀😮 .23 assists on 36 made FGs and 16-32 from 3FG. My heart is so full for this group. 🏀🐾🏀🐾.
NOW 1️⃣1️⃣-0️⃣‼️ #ProudtoBU . Our first 💯-point performance since Feb. 13, 1987!. 🏀 Sydney: 20 pts., 4 3FGs, 3 asts. 🏀 Maggie: 19 pts., 4 3FGs, 3 asts. & stls. 🏀 AG: 18 pts., 4 3FGs.🏀 Caitlin: 16 pts., 9 rebs. 🏀 Sam: 8 pts., 4 asts.
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At the end of the day, basketball at its simplest comes down to the offense trying to create/gain space and defense trying to take away/shrink space.
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One of my personal goals for self-improvement has been to focus on specific and clear terminology w/players in our individual workouts. Creates the foundation for quick cues w/in live play situations to deliver feedback for player’s to make adjustments, etc. #ProcessFocused.
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The timing, specificity, and intentionality of feedback to players is essential…otherwise it just becomes “noise”. Knowing when and how to give information will greatly enhance its ability to be received.
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One of the most significant areas of growth as a coach has been with regards to the study of language and feedback. Be concise, intentional and inclusive.
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An often overlooked but important constraint to implement w/SSGs is to require “catch and get eyes to rim”. Most players are too focused on running a play or watching the actions that they are late seeing the rim and lose ability for shot or advantage play off the catch.
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Hard to believe it’s been 30 yrs since I was first introduced to basketball…I immediately became fascinated by the game. Sitting in film this morning, I was eagerly ready/excited to get on-court for practice. So thankful & humbled that I get to pursue my passion every single day.
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Me: When I create a new game/drill to try and before we start one of our freshman asks if she can suggest an idea to add to it…yes please! ***The suggestion did improve the drill! 🐾🏀🐾🏀
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93% of Loyola Chicago shots are either 3s or within the key; defensively they switch ball screens 1-4 & ICE w/5 = new favorite team! #OffensiveEfficiency.
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Put together some offensive clips/highlights of my teams' from the last few years to show some of our ways of "playing the advantage" and our use of skip passes in transition, ball screens, DHO, etc.
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Individual workout w/player this morning (just me/her); in various reps, had to visualize where defense would be on finishes, ball screens, relocation shots, etc. After workout, I asked her thoughts…response: “I want to be able to imagine/visualize better”. #MissionAccomplished.
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While not always easy, the opportunity to have roles as asst coach to head coach back to asst coach at various collegiate/pro levels has allowed me to reflect & grow in ways I am truly thankful for. Every experience has made me better.
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Have evolved to train defensive decision making in similar way we train offensive decision making (SSGs). Players make reads/choices based on opponent personnel (KYP), self strengths, presence of rim protector, spacial awareness, etc. Feedback is also given in context of choices.
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As adults we underestimate (& stymie) children's ability to just "figure it out". Give instructions, ask for any questions, then let them go.
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Excited to be selected for the @WomenLeadersCS @wbca1981 Women Coaches NEXT UP Program. Thankful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and share in new experiences. @GoBarryBucs.
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Effective practice planning requires 3Ps: an awareness of Periodization, Purpose (of drills/games), and Pace (or flow).
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When debriefing w/players in practice (post drill/SSG/scrimmage)- I try to have them give 1-2 specific takeaways and then 1 off/def intentional and tangible objectives to apply for the next SSG/scrimmage situation. Tangible objectives allow for clearer evaluation of expectations.
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In rewatching @coachzhoops virtual clinic, a few takeaways:.1. At younger age most game-based drills shld start w/offensive advantage. 2. The pick-up of ball from dribble to make accurate pass is undervalued skill. Agree💯.3. Left hand hammer pass is a big time skill. Agree💯.
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So appreciative for the recognition and humbled to be named to this list among many talented colleagues! @TerrierWBB @BUAthletics.
After months of research our committee has identified our 5th annual Most Impactful Women’s Assistant Basketball Coaches list. Our new Silver Waves Media GM of Women’s basketball Courtney Clements is doing a fantastic job.
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My heart is broken for this amazing young group of women. Could not be more proud of their resilience and togetherness throughout this season. #TheyAreMyWhy.
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Beyond thankful for this unexpected message from a colleague; but exactly when I needed to hear it. I love coaching and am happy to know that it shines through. #WinWithPeople
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Thank you for having me on the podcast! Truly enjoyed the opportunity to share and discuss my coaching path and how it has shaped my philosophy.
Just dropped a brand new @hoopheadspod with @wbbcoachfinch from @TerrierWBB . •Developing Your Coaching Philosophy.•4 Ways to Improve Your Practices. @HdStartHoops @jsunkle @hoopheadspodnet @drdishbball @fastmodel @brianmccormick .
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Going through film of various offensive actions I've run over the yrs. First yr as college HC we ran "Pistol" w/a group that was ALL new to me; it was complete opposite of what they had done previous yr. they embraced it - proud of what we did.Full video:
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So incredibly proud of @_alexandra2314 and humbled to be part of her journey. Hours of hard work and determination to get to this point and she’s #NotDoneYet. 🐾🏀 @TerrierWBB
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When an underclassman texts you 24 hrs after end of the season to see if you're willing to work extra w/her in the offseason. she wasn't satisfied w/her performance (despite playing injured) & is committed to working harder than she ever has before. #ThatsMyWhy #CultureWins.
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A players’ “feel” is not the same as decision-making. Decision-making is a skill that can (and should) be trained and taught. It involves external factors; ie: defenders/other players, time, pressure, score, etc.
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With all the transfer craziness & good/bad in college basketball right now; I just have to say how much I enjoy our @DavidsonWBB players—they’re just amazing young women. Seeing them each day makes me happy; but then watching them work. it’s next level. #MyWhy.
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🔒-in defensively and couldn’t be more proud of our team.
3️⃣-0️⃣ in @PatriotLeague play!. Caitlin Weimar has a huge day . career-high 18 rebounds to go along with 16 points and 4 blocks! 👏. Next up: a home contest vs. @ArmyWP_WBB on Wed. #GoBU
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