The importance of team chemistry
- Brad Zellner
- Jun 8, 2015
- 4 min read
It is no secret that having team chemistry is an important factor in the success of a team may have. Look at the NBA finals and the Warriors and Cavs seem to have great team chemistry. Lebron James has put the team on his back and leading the Cavs through an amazing run. I can almost guarantee if a few of the players did not believe in Lebron then there would be signs of bad chemistry. In New York, JR Smith was everything but good chemistry. When he was traded to the Cavs, he seemed to fit right in and helped turn the team into the team they are today. The Warriors have numerous players who have put there individual opportunities aside and put their trust in Steve Kerr, the head coach. Kerr has convinced players to play with in the frame work of the team and has many talented players playing less minutes then if they were on other teams. If both these teams did not get along then we would not be talking about them playing in one of the most competitive NBA finals ever.
Last weekend I was fortunate to coach at the International Ballplayer United Pro Combine (iBall). The combine is an invitation only event that allows former college basketball players an opportunity to earn a professional contract to play basketball. iBall invites former men and women players to take part in the two day event. During the time, players are given the chance to prove themselves through athletic testing, break down drills and game play. iBall was founded by former Villanova and 13 year overseas pro, Howard Brown. Brown uses the knowledge he learned during his playing days to assist young players that were once in his shoes.
2015 iBall Combine Champs
This is my second year coaching the event. Working camps, like this one, can be challenging for a coach. Each team is guaranteed two games in the tournament format of the games. I realize that every player attending is trying to earn a living playing basketball. Often times, the team concept is forgotten by players so they may showcase themselves to scouts. It is important for players to get noticed by the scouts and agents in attendance. It is tough to form chemistry when teams are thrown together for a weekend of play. Some teams take weeks to form a good chemistry and we are asked to come together as a unit in a few minutes. Its a fun challenge to get these players to come together so quickly, under unique circumstances. The other obstacle is all of the players at iBall are talented or they would not be there. Many of them are used to being the best player on the team and are not used to deferring to other team mates. Keep in mind, I want to win every game I coach but my record at this event does not matter. Its about the players and their careers.
The first thing I do when the team is assembled is to remind them they are here for their individual talent. It would be great if every player I coached at iBall were able to sign a contract to play basketball. I also let them know that winners get noticed and the more games they are able to win at iBall the more they will be watched by the scouts. That lays the groundwork for the weekend. I am hoping players buy in from the beginning and that requires for them to believe what I am telling them. Both of the teams I coached this year made the championship game of the iBall Combine tournament. I was able to win the men's division and lost a close game in the women's division. Both teams were completely different in style and I quickly had to decide what worked for each team. The women's squad used half court sets to be successful, so I was putting in plays on the fly any chance I got. In the two days, I think we ended up with 5-6 sets that we used to get to the finals. The men were more free flowing and seemed to stall when I tried to place them in offensive plays. With them, I worked on putting them in position to succeed by still keeping them in attack mode on offense.
Trophies for winning 2014 & 2015 iBall Championship
I was happy with the first and second place finishes and won the men's division last year. Like any coach, I want to believe what I am telling them is part of the reason why we are successful. I have said before that if I am able to take care of the players needs then any goal I set for myself will be reached. This is an example of that. I am helping push each individual player to a potential professional career. By doing that, I have reached a goal of winning a tournament for myself. None of these successes would be possible without great team chemistry.
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