Kevin Eastman

Yesterday I was very fortunate and excited to attend the annual coaching clinic over at St Benedicts. I was thrilled to be able to learn from some true legends in the business. Any time you can get around people and learn from people with a vast amount of experince, it is such an incredible benefit.  There were 5 speakers there, all of which I was able to capture a few pictures from. The first was Kevin Eastman, who currently is an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics. He put together a truly outstanding talk on leadership, intangibles, and some extra basektball stuff on what the do with the Celtics. It’s one thing to hear about basketball philosophy. It’s quite another when Kevin Garnett is the one being referred to!!!

Mike Fratello

Mike Fratello is a former NBA Coach of the Year. He is 16th on the all time wins list for coaching. Not bad. He shared on special situations that are often not practiced, but happen quite frequently. The “Czar of the Telestrator” (for those of you who are a bit older and remember that name), is currently an outstanding commentator for NBA games. He does quite a few speaking engagements and is an outstanding teacher. 

Fran Fraschilla

Fran Fraschilla is a former NCAA coach with several Tournament experiences. He recently commentated the FIBA World Championships in Turkey where the USA destroyed everybody in (YESSSSSS!!!!!) He did a very detailed talk on different types of offenses that he saw being run by the many international teams that he watched during that experience.

Hubie

This of course is the legendary Hubie Brown. 40 years worth of basketball experience including 2 NBA Coach of the Year awards, not to mention coaching both Kareem and Oscar Robertson. Not a bad little resume. Currently a commentator for NBA games as well. Hubie has built an incredible career on teaching the game and speaking all over the country. He turned 77 today and as it turns out, this was his last speaking engagement. I’m proud to say I was there. I learned a ton from him and feel very fortunate to have seen this basketball legend before he hung it up. Amazing legacy.

Hubie teaching
Eastman learning

I had to add this picture. It sums up very simply why this man is where he is, coaching the Celtics. He did the first talk of the day. This picture was taken about 5 hours later. He was not only still here, but he was listening intently, taking notes. This man has won a ring with the C’s a few years back, and was 5 minutes from another one this year (don’t get me started on that game 7!!!!). Yet he still feels the need and desire to learn from the best. Pretty incredible.

The final speaker of the day was the strength and conditioning coach at Benedicts. He ran the players through some of the strength and agility drills that they use. This particular drill is very challenging, as you can see by watching the video.

Overall, an incredible experience and opportunity. I was shocked when I saw people leaving early. Like I said, it is my opinion that the more you can learn and have an open mind (in whatever field or sport you are pursuing, or eventually decide to pursue) the faster you will get to where you want to be. Enjoy!!
bt