By Mike Dunlap, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Metro State University

Should you want to be an outstanding coach there is only one-way: Drink from the cup of the best teachers. This means that you will travel a long, hard, dusty road. We must read, venture to the feet of those exceptional instructors, ask thoughtful questions, write everything down, use the trial and error method, and persist with our adventure even when we get discouraged. Pete Newell is one of the best teachers in the history of the game. There is absolutely no argument here. The record speaks for itself. Should you want the factual information to this point then grab Bruce Jenkin's book, A Good Man. I am not here to convince you. Rather it is more important that you grasp his spirit. Can you think of another coach/teacher who is in his late eighties still teaching in a gym? The Pete Newell Big Man Camp continues to thrive because of Coach Newell. The two boil down points for me are:

1) Coach Newell's ability to teach the "Why".

2) To insist on no slippage in the teaching and playing.

We are so fortunate to have Coach Newell. We all need to think about what we are

giving back to the game. We have a shining example here folks.

Newell's Rules

1. Get better shots than your opponent and get more of those better shots.

2. Look to run every possession

3. Handle the ball with sureness.

4. Be hard to guard. Help each other get open.

5. Get fouled. Make more than your opponent attempts.

6. Offensive board coverage.

7. Transition and talk; defensive fast break.

8. Know who you are guarding, his number, & his game.

9. Ball Pressure; early help and quick recovery. Ubiquitous.

10. Shut down a scorer in the post; "No Threes to a Three".

11. Shot pressure; change or alter.

12. Smart fouls only.

13. B.O.P.C.R.O.- Block out, Pursue, Chin, Rebound, Outlet.

*** Bonus Observations ***

* Don't buy into the 3-point shot... It has taken many a coach, program, and player down the wrong road... Balance your view here folks...We like to play against Three Point Organizations who take bad shots.

* The measurement of a program that teaches defense will be how they hold their stance: It says everything about the discipline of a team.

* Everett Dean's Book on Progressive Basketball is a good one- read it. (i.e. Alonzo Stagg... A coach should concern himself with the fundamentals and team morale).