Saturday, October 11, 2008

How training camps are like classrooms

Training camps -- in every sport -- are like classrooms in that they're a place where there's a lot of teaching going on. Whenever a coach has an opportunity to visit the "classroom" of a really good "teacher," it's a great learning experience.

Coaching is unique in that most of those in the profession look forward to sharing with other coaches, discussing what's worked (and not worked) for them, exchanging ideas, etc. It's one of the best parts of coaching, in my opinion.

Also paying visits to NBA camps was Avery Johnson, who visited the Spurs' camp, and Flip Saunders, whom Wizards coach Eddie Jordan invited in to his team's camp. Former Celtics coach K.C. Jones also visited with the Wizards.

And coach Phil Jackson was nice enough to allow me to observe his team's workouts recently. I can't thank him and his staff enough for their hospitality.