| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Randy
Joined: 08 Oct 2011
Posts: 10911
Back to top |
 Posted: 12/13/19 8:37 am ::: |
Reply  |
|
| J-Spoon wrote: |
The negative comments I remember about VJ as a head coach were that her substitution pattern was crazy.
|
I recall that too. I remember in an interview she said if a players misses a defensive assignment she takes them out of the game. On the other hand, it seemed Plum improved on her defense a lot under VJ. Of course, she may not even be one of the names on the short list if Richyyy is right.
|
|
root_thing
Joined: 28 Apr 2007
Posts: 7365
Location: Underground
Back to top |
|
root_thing
Joined: 28 Apr 2007
Posts: 7365
Location: Underground
Back to top |
| Posted: 12/13/19 12:04 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
| Stormeo wrote: |
This press release the Sun put out back in January announcing their 2019 coaching staff does mention where Smith was headed at the time.
| Quote: |
| “I am happy to announce the promotion of Chris Koclanes to a full-time assistant coach position,” Miller said. "He will replace Steve Smith, who accepted a high school athletic director position back in Los Angeles..." |
What appears to be Smith's twitter account seems to show he's still at that same job - if not a similar one elsewhere - judging by the most recent tweets. Someone should tell him to update his bio though... |
I believe Smith worked for the Sparks twice, so maybe he lives in LA and just wanted to go home. Thanks.
_________________
You can always do something else.
|
|
stever
Joined: 16 Nov 2004
Posts: 6918
Location: https://womensbasketballdaily.net
Back to top |
|
toad455
Joined: 16 Nov 2005
Posts: 22474
Location: NJ
Back to top |
| Posted: 12/13/19 2:01 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
| stever wrote: |
https://highposthoops.com/2019/12/13/libertys-final-three-candidates-include-walt-hopkins-eric-thibault-and-steve-smith/
| Quote: |
| Multiple league sources tell High Post Hoops can report that in addition to current Minnesota Lynx assistant coach Walt Hopkins, the New York Liberty are considering Washington Mystics Associate Head Coach Eric Thibault and former Connecticut Sun assistant coach Steve Smith for the Liberty head coaching position. |
|
So no Vickie Johnson? I guess the rumor that Eric would be taking over for his Dad in DC soon might not happen now.
_________________
LET'S GO LIBERTY!!!!!!
Twitter: @TBRBWAY
|
|
Bob Lamm
Joined: 11 Apr 2010
Posts: 5065
Location: New York City
Back to top |
| Posted: 12/13/19 10:58 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
| Let's not forget something positive about these reports. If it's accurate that the Liberty front office has narrowed the coaching search to three finalists, I'd guess there's a good chance we'll have a decision soon. And certainly by early January if not before. As has been rightly noted, it'll be valuable to have a coach chosen by then.
|
|
NYL_WNBA_FAN
Joined: 28 May 2007
Posts: 14097
Back to top |
| Posted: 12/14/19 1:49 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
| If Eric Thibault coaches offense as effectively as dad I’d be happy to have him. Especially since I think that would fit Ionescu and Durr.
_________________
The poster formerly known as LibWNBAFan.
|
|
toad455
Joined: 16 Nov 2005
Posts: 22474
Location: NJ
Back to top |
|
Shades
Joined: 10 Jul 2006
Posts: 63772
Back to top |
| Posted: 12/16/19 1:05 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
| What happens if there are no games? Do you get a full refund and you get to keep the hoodie?
_________________
Nnekalonians 1:14 - Thou shalt not accept that which is not earned
|
|
toad455
Joined: 16 Nov 2005
Posts: 22474
Location: NJ
Back to top |
| Posted: 12/16/19 1:20 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
| Shades wrote: |
| What happens if there are no games? Do you get a full refund and you get to keep the hoodie? |
I'd assume so.
_________________
LET'S GO LIBERTY!!!!!!
Twitter: @TBRBWAY
|
|
RavenDog
Joined: 19 Feb 2007
Posts: 6878
Location: Home
Back to top |
| Posted: 12/21/19 4:07 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
With degrees from both Harvard and Berkley makes one wonder why Hopkins is screwing around with the WNBA. Anyone know his majors?
And Smith, a lifer assistant, haven't we seen this scenario before?
|
|
ChiSky54
Joined: 19 Jun 2019
Posts: 667
Location: Chicago
Back to top |
| Posted: 12/21/19 5:10 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
| RavenDog wrote: |
| With degrees from both Harvard and Berkley makes one wonder why Hopkins is screwing around with the WNBA. Anyone know his majors? |
From his LinkedIn:
Harvard University Graduate School of Education
Master of Education (Ed.M.) - Special Studies: Focus on Moral Development, Social Psychology & Motivation Theory
2012 – 2013
University of California, Berkeley
Master's Degree - Cultural Studies of Sport in Education
2014 – 2016
University of Nevada-Reno
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - English Writing
2007 – 2010
Activities and Societies: Golden Key, Phi Kappa Phi, National Society of Leadership.
Graduated with High Distinction with a 3.95 GPA while simultaneously holding multiple full-time coaching positions and working 30-40 hours per week. Earned a major in English Writing and a minor in Philosophy.
Oxford University
English Writing
2009 – 2009
Things that make you go "Hmmmmm!"
_________________
There is nothing new under the sun.
|
|
root_thing
Joined: 28 Apr 2007
Posts: 7365
Location: Underground
Back to top |
| Posted: 12/21/19 5:14 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
| RavenDog wrote: |
With degrees from both Harvard and Berkley makes one wonder why Hopkins is screwing around with the WNBA. Anyone know his majors?
And Smith, a lifer assistant, haven't we seen this scenario before? |
It's a matter of what you want out of life. Maybe he thinks coaching is more fun than making a lot of money as a hedge fund manager or something like that. Also from Walt Hopkins' Linkedin page:
| Quote: |
| Coach Hopkins holds master's degrees from both Harvard University and UC Berkeley, where his studies focused on applying findings from Social, Developmental, and Educational Psychology to coaching settings, and he has worked in the WNBA as the player development coach for the Tulsa Shock (2013), and as an assistant women's basketball coach at Utah Valley University (2013-2014). Over the past few years, he has been invited to host player development seminars to augment the coaching strategies of several major collegiate basketball coaches, and he currently travels around the country training WNBA, collegiate, high school, and youth basketball players by way of individual and small group lessons and recurring youth clinics all over the West Coast, in addition to conducting camps that feature a unique, player-centered, "classroom" component to maximize player engagement and learning. |
https://www.linkedin.com/in/walterhopkinsjr
Smith took an assistant coach job with Indiana this week, so it's down to Hopkins and Eric Thibault if the last reports are correct. Who do people like - the book worm or the coaching family scion? 
If Eric Thibault is offered the position, I wonder if he might turn it down and wait for the Mystics job -- assuming Mike is close to retirement.
_________________
You can always do something else.
|
|
Bob Lamm
Joined: 11 Apr 2010
Posts: 5065
Location: New York City
Back to top |
| Posted: 12/21/19 6:13 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
| root_thing wrote: |
| RavenDog wrote: |
| With degrees from both Harvard and Berkley makes one wonder why Hopkins is screwing around with the WNBA. |
It's a matter of what you want out of life. Maybe he thinks coaching is more fun than making a lot of money as a hedge fund manager or something like that. |
Thank you, root_thing.
|
|
Shades
Joined: 10 Jul 2006
Posts: 63772
Back to top |
|
toad455
Joined: 16 Nov 2005
Posts: 22474
Location: NJ
Back to top |
| Posted: 12/21/19 6:51 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
| I'm leaning towards Hopkins. The Thibault connection in DC that we all assume he takes over once his Dad retires is clearly present. But maybe that's not guaranteed and maybe Mike will still coach for several more years. Do have to wonder what happened with Vickie Johnson though. She seemed like a legit choice only to interview and get turned down rather quickly.
_________________
LET'S GO LIBERTY!!!!!!
Twitter: @TBRBWAY
|
|
root_thing
Joined: 28 Apr 2007
Posts: 7365
Location: Underground
Back to top |
|
Bob Lamm
Joined: 11 Apr 2010
Posts: 5065
Location: New York City
Back to top |
| Posted: 12/21/19 9:36 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
Some people who get a leg up for a job or career because of nepotism prove to be unqualified. Others turn out to be far better than the family member because of whom they got in the door.
There are endless reasons why someone might apply for a job, be offered that job, and turn it down. Or why someone might apply for a job, have an interview, and then withdraw from consideration. One of the most obvious: you realize that working for person X is going to be a disaster.
|
|
NYL_WNBA_FAN
Joined: 28 May 2007
Posts: 14097
Back to top |
| Posted: 12/26/19 10:57 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
Hopkins has an interesting resume from the standpoint that it heavily emphasizes individual player development and relationships, but also includes offensive and defensive strategies and play diagramming. While not containing any head coaching experience, he has had quite a diverse range of roles in these positions.
On the surface, without knowing anything about him or his ability, it appears to be a range of roles greater than most people would have without having actual head coaching experience.
Furthermore, the Liberty are going to have a lot of young individual talent in 2020. His roles and skills would seem to be a very good match with a young team.
In terms of Thibault, dad's offensive coaching ability would also be a match with the types of players the Liberty will have (perimeter emphasis, excelling in pick and roll, coaching to individual skills, etc.).
Either way, it would seem to me that the Liberty organization understands the type of coach they will need to harness the talents of their young players. I'm impressed that they appear to be a) making a thoughtful decision and b) are doing so in a way that appears to match the type of team they will have in 2020.
These are good signs. I really like the direction they appear to be heading, though I'm obviously only able to go with the admittedly limited info I've got.
_________________
The poster formerly known as LibWNBAFan.
|
|
RavenDog
Joined: 19 Feb 2007
Posts: 6878
Location: Home
Back to top |
| Posted: 12/28/19 11:27 am ::: |
Reply |
|
| ChiSky54 wrote: |
| RavenDog wrote: |
| With degrees from both Harvard and Berkley makes one wonder why Hopkins is screwing around with the WNBA. Anyone know his majors? |
From his LinkedIn:
Harvard University Graduate School of Education
Master of Education (Ed.M.) - Special Studies: Focus on Moral Development, Social Psychology & Motivation Theory
2012 – 2013
University of California, Berkeley
Master's Degree - Cultural Studies of Sport in Education
2014 – 2016
University of Nevada-Reno
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - English Writing
2007 – 2010
Activities and Societies: Golden Key, Phi Kappa Phi, National Society of Leadership.
Graduated with High Distinction with a 3.95 GPA while simultaneously holding multiple full-time coaching positions and working 30-40 hours per week. Earned a major in English Writing and a minor in Philosophy.
Oxford University
English Writing
2009 – 2009
Things that make you go "Hmmmmm!" |
Sure looks like the path I'd take to become a basketball coach...
|
|
root_thing
Joined: 28 Apr 2007
Posts: 7365
Location: Underground
Back to top |
| Posted: 12/28/19 1:53 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
Being well-educated is unusual for coaching, but it's becoming more commonplace for sports executives. Here's an article from 2017 that discusses how Ivy League graduates now dominate MLB:
| Quote: |
| Nearly half of the 30 MLB clubs (14, to be exact) have an Ivy League graduate as either general manager or president of baseball operations. That doesn’t include Shapiro, now the President and CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays, or Peter Woodfork, the MLB’s Senior Vice President for Baseball Operations. Nor does that account for the litany of Ivy League alumni working in lower-ranking front office roles. |
https://ivyleague.com/news/2017/10/24/baseball-how-the-ivy-league-took-over-mlb-front-offices.aspx
Some of this is related to the growth of analytics in sports. Baseball was the first sport to really make use of advanced statistics. Now, you're seeing it in other sports, so maybe they will hire more brainy (on paper) executives. The Liberty hired Jonathan Kolb, former head of WNBA statistics, to be their GM so it's not surprising they'd be interested in Hopkins. Some NBA examples of nontraditional executives:
Daryl Morey, GM Rockets, Northwestern and MIT (MBA)
Steve Mills, President Knicks, Princeton
Sam Hinkie, former GM 76ers, Stanford MBA
Sam Presti, GM Thunder, Emerson College's first Rhodes Scholar nominee
I'm sure people can come up with other names, and there are probably examples in the NFL and NHL. As far as coaches go, there are likely other people who have taken the unusual detour from academic achievement to sports. However, the only one that comes to mind for me is Marv Levy, longtime coach of the Buffalo Bills and later the Kansas City Chiefs. He has a master's degree in English history from Harvard and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
_________________
You can always do something else.
|
|
Bob Lamm
Joined: 11 Apr 2010
Posts: 5065
Location: New York City
Back to top |
| Posted: 12/28/19 2:28 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
| I suspect that over time--as there are more and more sports executives with strong educational backgrounds--there will be increasing interest in hiring baseball managers, basketball coaches, etc., with strong educational backgrounds. Already in baseball it's become obvious that "old school" managers who disdain or won't prioritize analytics are on the way out.
|
|
NYL_WNBA_FAN
Joined: 28 May 2007
Posts: 14097
Back to top |
| Posted: 12/29/19 1:23 am ::: |
Reply |
|
| root_thing wrote: |
Being well-educated is unusual for coaching, but it's becoming more commonplace for sports executives. Here's an article from 2017 that discusses how Ivy League graduates now dominate MLB:
| Quote: |
| Nearly half of the 30 MLB clubs (14, to be exact) have an Ivy League graduate as either general manager or president of baseball operations. That doesn’t include Shapiro, now the President and CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays, or Peter Woodfork, the MLB’s Senior Vice President for Baseball Operations. Nor does that account for the litany of Ivy League alumni working in lower-ranking front office roles. |
https://ivyleague.com/news/2017/10/24/baseball-how-the-ivy-league-took-over-mlb-front-offices.aspx
Some of this is related to the growth of analytics in sports. Baseball was the first sport to really make use of advanced statistics. Now, you're seeing it in other sports, so maybe they will hire more brainy (on paper) executives. The Liberty hired Jonathan Kolb, former head of WNBA statistics, to be their GM so it's not surprising they'd be interested in Hopkins. Some NBA examples of nontraditional executives:
Daryl Morey, GM Rockets, Northwestern and MIT (MBA)
Steve Mills, President Knicks, Princeton
Sam Hinkie, former GM 76ers, Stanford MBA
Sam Presti, GM Thunder, Emerson College's first Rhodes Scholar nominee
I'm sure people can come up with other names, and there are probably examples in the NFL and NHL. As far as coaches go, there are likely other people who have taken the unusual detour from academic achievement to sports. However, the only one that comes to mind for me is Marv Levy, longtime coach of the Buffalo Bills and later the Kansas City Chiefs. He has a master's degree in English history from Harvard and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. |
PM'ed you, FYI regarding season tickets. Regarding the analytics angle, I'm really pleased to see the Liberty being potentially (if it works out positively) a trendsetter in this area. The WNBA has to my knowledge devoted itself much more to data driven analysis in recent years. While old-school coaching has its place and people can excel with older school methods, I think it's safe to say that Katie Smith wasn't overwhelmingly data driven. Two reasons that come to mind is that she came from an older school background (Laimbeer, Agler) and her method of coaching didn't exactly bring the efficiency model to mind when it came to her best player's approach offensively.
I also think an analytics approach more likely maximizes Ionescu's performance, as she is a vision guard who seems like she beats herself up thinking about her performance. Giving her deeper ways to analyze her game and how it impacts her teammates is in my mind a good way to channel that drive in a more positive way.
_________________
The poster formerly known as LibWNBAFan.
|
|
Bob Lamm
Joined: 11 Apr 2010
Posts: 5065
Location: New York City
Back to top |
| Posted: 12/30/19 1:59 am ::: |
Reply |
|
I am hoping that in the first full work week ahead--Jan. 6-10--a new Liberty coach is named. There's no way to be sure that what we've been reading about this process and possible candidates is correct. But it seems that Jonathan Kolb has been taking his time and carefully considering various candidates. And that Kolb wants someone with a good feel for and commitment to analytics. If true, I view all this as very positive.
I see the 2020 season as the beginning of a new era for the Liberty. New home in Brooklyn. GM in his second year and his first real chance to reshape the franchise. New head coach, quite possibly someone who's never been a head coach in the WNBA (or perhaps anywhere) before. Ionescu as a rookie starting at point guard. Durr in her second WNBA season after ups and downs as a rookie. Nurse in her third WNBA season after being an All-Star in the first half of 2019 but not playing as well in the second half. Johannes (if she's back) in her second WNBA season after only a partial rookie year in 2019. Great potential in all this, but a lot of challenges and adjustments at once.
I'm excited about the 2020 season and even more about what could be ahead in 2021 and beyond.
_________________
Remember Roe v. Wade. Work for and support legal abortion all over the world and full reproductive rights for everyone.
|
|
root_thing
Joined: 28 Apr 2007
Posts: 7365
Location: Underground
Back to top |
| Posted: 12/30/19 12:44 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
| If it actually does come down to Hopkins or Eric Thibault, I hope they bring in a veteran assistant with head coaching experience to provide support. Both guys look like they primarily have player development experience. It's very different actually having to implement systems, put together game plans, and make on-the-go adjustments. Katie Smith looked like she had a vision for the team -- sort of a Doug Bruno/Charli Turner-Thorne waves of players approach -- but she didn't know how to implement it. Your coaching staff has to be on top of everything, both macro and micro, systems and player development. It doesn't all have to be on one person as long as the staff as a whole covers all bases. I think Gail Goestenkors would be perfect, assuming she doesn't have another job already. Carol Ross would also fit the bill. Or looking around at someone who just retired and might want to stay in the game in a lower stress capacity, how about Sue Guevara who recently retired from Central Michigan? Just spitballing here. I don't feel comfortable without someone who has had success as a head coach sitting on our bench, even if it's only an assistant. Katie Smith simply looked overmatched and overwhelmed at times. There was too much to think about, and while she had a Plan A, there was never a Plan B or C. I'm just worried that Thibault and Hopkins will find themselves in the same situation. So while I like the concept of young guys with new ideas, I also want some practical experience on the bench.
_________________
You can always do something else.
|
|
|
|
