Sean Rooks Interview, his legacy will live on Rest Easy my friend- Coach Scott Fields

This is a repeat interview with my friend and former player Sean Rooks. Please take the time to listen to his wisdom, his knowledge. Sean was always positive, always uplifting, always had a smile on his face. Sean was not just a former NBA Player, he was a coach on the rise, he was a friend, he was a father, he touched many lives on his journey. As of June 7, 2016 he passed to the other side, but his legacy will last forever in the hearts he touched.  Rest Easy Big Fella. I will miss our many conversations and sharing our morning Morivational tweets together. I will see you on the other side my friend. Please keep his entire family and extended family in your thoughts and prayers. "You are a Basketball Angel"

Sean Rooks interview

Please click the link below to enjoy this interview from 5/5/2014. His voice, his positive energy, his passion for the game rang true. We shared memories, he shared insights, he talked about his son. Powerful words from a great individual.

2016 NBA PLAYOFFS

2016 NBA PLAYOFFS

It's time, the NBA playoffs are now upon us for the 2016 season.

The Golden State Warriors set a single season records for wins in a season at 73.
The Spurs have quietly set back Under the radar resting the Vetrans and only lost one home game all season.
Can the Clippers get over the hump?

Lebron in the East has played in 5 straight NBA Finals, can his Teams health win it all ?
Will the Raptors with 56 regular season wins, get over the hump?
Can the Heat find a way to advance with Bosh in question!

What about the Pacers with PG back in action?
Can the pistons be the surprise team?

Will OKC and the triple double machine carry the Thunder with KD?
ATL and Boston, will be a grind it our first Round series. Can Houston find a way to slow down the Warriors?

Weaknesses will be exposed, game adjustments under a microscope.

Let's have some fun, in a series, the best Team advances..

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The NBAs historical evening- 73/60 "I Love This Game"

The NBAs Historical evening -73/60 "I Love this Game"

On 4/13/2016 BIG numbers like 73 and 60 show why this is Sports Entertainment.
The NBA had a BIG NIGHT in the West !

After a season of sports banter, experts and pundents all weighing in on "Could they break the record?  Yes the MVP led Golden St Warriors win a game over the injury plagued Memphis Grizzlies to set a single season Record of 73 wins, beating the MJ led Bulls.
Stop the comparisons, let's just enjoy what we witnessed.
73 wins, WOW !!!
Fun to watch, STEPH Curry hits his 400 3 pt FG ...

Then there is the Black Mamba, his final game in the league, #8 or #24 Kobe he puts it to the Utah Jazz on a night just hours before the game, the Houston Rockets secure the number 8 playoff spot to see GS Warriors in round one. Kobe takes 50 shots to score 60 pts to beat the Jazz.
That's a mic drop.

As a fan, fun to watch. As a coach, I smile and I cringe.

let's just soak it up and enjoy

eager to listen to sports radio today...

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In honor of Kobe's farewell- Video ad

In honor of Kobe
Thank You for your Heart

Tonight Kobe bids farewell to the NBA as a Player, at home vs the Utah Jazz.
This is also a night the Golden St Warriors attempt to set the single season wins mark with 73 vs the Memphis Grizzlies.

Which will you watch?

I could share many thoughts.  But I will just let you enjoy this video farewell ad from Nike
Celebrity cameos included.

Click link below to enjoy the video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQYz0I5dE_A&sns=em

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Building a Winning Culture through Recruiting - Coach Scott Fields

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Building a Winning Culture through Recruiting - Coach Scott Fields

Building a Winning Culture through Recruiting - Coach Scott Fields

I came across an article the other day , It inspired me to put a few thoughts down.

I wanted to put a few thoughts together on How to build a Winning Culture through Recruiting for your program. 

This is applicable for college coaches and GM's of Professional basketball clubs or Franchises.This is applicable for Basketball recruiting at all levels, it doesn't matter the gender, the level of NCAA Division 1,2,3. NJCAA, NAIA or even Prep Schools across the country. There are even High School programs who have the fortune to recruit. 

Let's be perfectly honest, you have to have talent, you can't go to war with water guns....but you need talent with character, heart, work ethic. If you bring in talent with a poor attitude or a since of entitlement, poor etiquette. It will struggle to build chemistry, you will be dealing with issues daily. I have seen it first hand. 

You as the Head Coach, you have a choice, you have decisions to make. 

If I go into a gym, go to a Game, attend a AAU tournament,  of course, it is very competitive, there will be hundreds of college coaches  or scouts who are there watching, observing taking notes. These coaches and scouts all go out to find the players to provide them stability, Help them Win. Turn around a Program or Club or Franchise. 

I have a philosophy, a system. I find players to fit the mold of each position I am trying to fill.

I am looking for tangibles within these athletes. I am a detail guy. I look for specifics skills sets for my PG, my Shooters, my Wings, my PF and my Center. 

The game has evolved, I look for players with versatility, I like cerebral players, players with a high basketball IQ. Athleticism is a plus, the ability to defend, I like Fundamentally sound players who have some sauce. I also look for the Role Players to fill out my roster of my program.

I also watch for RED FLAGS, these are the signs of a player that I know I will never bring into my program. The player could be the best athlete, he could be a high flying crowd pleaser.

But if I see Red Flags, He would never be a FIT. I am building a Culture with Character. The bi product of that Culture will bring Success.

Work Ethic- if a player doesn't hustle, if a player coast through his warm up, if he coast through drills , if he is lazy on Defense, if he is last on the court, if he doesn't put in effort , if he gets out hustled, if he doesn't work for rebounds. If he sets soft screens, if he doesn't snap his passes, If he doesn't dive on loose balls, never attempts to take a charge, if he never deflects passes, doesn't deny wings, if he get beat to spot, if he allows to get posted up with no fight. If he chooses not to be coachable.

Selfishness- if the player constantly draws attention to himself, after shot, after pass, after made basket, after a dunk.  if the player constantly kills the offensive flow with to much dribble, if they don't get others involved, if they are only looking to find away to score. If they show attitude toward teammate when a teammate makes a mistake. If he doesn't help on defensive rotations ect ect ect. 

Lack of Respect- if I observe a player disrespecting the coach, talk back to coach, won't look the coach in the eye, argue with referee, argue with teammates, if he kicks a chair in time out, if he throws towel when being taken out, if he is not fully engaged in timeouts, if he doesn't listen to instruction or coaching, if he damages gear, if he throws basketball, kicks the ball. ect ect ect

Quits- if a player quits after he makes a mistake, if a player shows attitude when a teammate makes a mistake, if he quits after being coached or corrected, if he quits because he disagrees with a call from a referee. If he quits because he misses a shot, if he quits because he gets out played, if he quits for any reason on or off the court.

Tardiness- if a player is late to a workout, if he is late to meetings, if he is late to practice, late to class, late to study tables, if he is late to games, if he is late to appointments, if he is last to warm up, if he is late to return calls, text, e mails, if he is late to video sessions, late to catch the bus, this is a sign of his respect. This is a testament to his commitment to the program.

Attitude- this can be referred back to Lack of Respect above. It is a pet leave of mine to observe players with poor attitudes. On or Off the court. If a player can't be held accountable, if a player doesn't listen to Teammates, or Coaching, if he shows attitude toward a referee, the reacts poorly towards crowd. If a player is always negative with Teammates, if a player will not give 100 % effort always. If a player talks down to teammates. There are many examples.

Character is most important, their decorum, their etiquette. If the player lacks in any of the above mentioned traits or characteristics. These things will be magnified in the classroom, with teachers or professors. How can you build a program that everyone will get behind and support? How can a player represent you, your program, your institution, your community and be a REAL MODEL for what you are building? Your players in your program reflect you and your program, it ALL comes back on you as the Coach. 

Communication- how well does a player articulate and carry himself with people of authority and his peers? if a player can't be positive with his teammates, if he can't effective communicate with his coaches, if he can't talk with referees, how does he lead? I believe Positive communication builds positive results, I also believe negative communication spreads quickly and is toxic and spreads. How is his body language? How does he communicate with his family members? How does he communicate with his Grandparents? Father? Mother? Siblings? Teammates? Staff? Media? 

Communication part 2- what types of things does he post on social media? What types of Tweets? What types Instagram photos does he post? Vine videos! FaceBook post ? Snap Chats? This is a new age of technology, what a person post tells a lot about him as a person, PAY ATTENTION ! 

Are you building a Culture for Success? Are you able to Teach Life lessons to your athletes on a daily basis or are you constant paranoid and worried if a player is going to class? Do you constantly need to handle discipline issues ? Are you constantly defending what is going on to your Players, your AD, your Chancellor? Surround yourself with good people, a good staff and good players. This is the foundation to building a Culture for Success. You are responsible to Set the Tone.

Coaches, don't get greedy, don't gamble on the Character issues if he is talented. Don't ignore the signs, if you observe Red Flags in one game, one practice, one workout, you can rest assured how often it happened on a daily basis. I choose not to deal with the headache.

I am about enjoying my job, If you don't love going to practice, if you don't want to go to office because you are worried about whats next...YOU can fix it. You can change it. You have the choice.

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NCAA SWEET 16 bracket/NBA//NCAA/AAU opinions-Coach Scott Fields

NCAA Sweet 16 bracket/NBA/NCAA/AAU opinions.
Coach Scott Fields

How are your brackets? What teams do you have left?
Who do you have moving forward?

I am not tooting my own horn, but TOOT TOOT,my bracket is still very solid. I still have multiple teams left in my 16.
I will admit, I allowed my heart to make a few choices for me, and as I watched the games, I could see immediately the game was going in the loss colum.


I still have 11 of 16 teams on my original bracket. I still could have 3 of my original Final Four Teams in play. March is still the best month of the year for NCAA Basketball. the conference tournaments, the NIT, The First round and play in games are exciting for the Coaches, Players and Institutions. These programs gain national exposure and for some the only exposure of the year.

It is fun to watch the mid major programs take it to the solid major conference teams. Again, I am NOT surprised by these wins. You have Teams with Jr's and Sr's in the program and that experience and chemistry is invaluable to a successful program. the Traditional Major programs roll the dice every season with the 1 and Done 5 star athletes. Notice I didn't say Student/Athletes.

I do hope at some point the NBA/NCAA collaborate and make the new rules to better the Brand of basketball. Both leagues are suffering currently. NCAA Teams suffer as Players know in advance they will attend their university for 1 season and take their talents to the NBA. Case and point B Simmons of LSU. It is sad how this situation all played out in front of everyone's eyes. Ben had no motivation to attend classes, the Program suffers, the Team suffers embarrassment. The Program and institution gains a black eye nationally. Do I blame Ben? NOPE.. The system is fractured.

I get both sides of the argument, if a man who is 18 can be fighting for his country in War, the same 18 year old should have the choice to play professional basketball to provide for his family. I get it.

But the game is suffering from a product stand point. I am going to say it, the current NBA game is saturated with talent that is not ready neither mentally or physically. The NCAA suffers as players can't build the proper chemistry and they can develop their skills as an 18 yr old. The AAU system plays games and not enough emphasis is put on skill development and player development, to much time is spent I  travel and just playing games.

Many players are not surrounded by the appropriate support systems. Players are being exploited by shoe companies and shoe contracts, AAU coaches are pressured to sign and chase the top talent to gain endorsement deals.

Not enough time is spent on teaching Character , not enough time is spent on teaching Core Values and principles of Integrity. Not enough times is given to the Process, everyone wants to skip the Process. When the Process is what is needed to build the foundation of Character. Time is needed to Teach Life Skills from Life Lessons.

I heard Dick Vitale give a suggestion in a live interview on the Dan Patrick show last week.
Dickie V said. " If a kid wants to go pro at the age of 18, out of HS, let him go and bypass college all together, but if he chooses to go to college, make him stay until he at least gets his AA. That is at least two years." That is at least a step in the right direction.
I hope I didnt misquote or misrepresent his quote, but that was the backbone of it.

When we teach kids the value of a commitment, make them stick to that commitment, or do we just allow them to commit until something better comes along? Is this a small window of reality and why so many marriages end in divorce? Is this why there is NO LOYALTY to Teams, Franchises? to relationships?

I will continue to believe that a 16 seed will soon knock off a 1 seed. 15 are already beating 2 seeds. 14 seeds are already beating 3 seeds. Look how many 12 seeds beat 5 seeds this year. SFA  beat WV. Arkansas Little Rock took it to Purdue. Yale beat Baylor. Hawaii beat California.

We all enjoy cheering for an underdog, come on, we all lived vicariously through North Iowa over Texas.
It is upset city in the first couple rounds, this is when reality TV is at its best, Real Drama....it is great for March Madness as we know it. Then we get deeper in the brackets, then producers and NCAA pray the top seeds advance. More Fans and supporters, more ticket sales, this is why top Teams advance, the stronger and more talented teams find success.

To change the subject, back to NBA....Golden State Warriors and Steph Curry chasing a record number of wins in a single season, makes great TV. It gives meaning to the regular season.
But look at the SA Spurs who are also right there as a top team in the West. Coach Pop has his vetran team right where he wants them. Rested and under the radar of the Americas attention and focus.
TV ratings are up to see Steph Curry do things that haven't been done for years in the league.

Top 4 teams in the West are solid, after the top 4 in the West, the level of play drops off.
In the East, How many contenders do we really have?
Do we really believe a team in the East can content in a 7 game series ?

Coaches are being fired and on the hot seat, players are firing coaches? owners hands are forced to keep the top players in a franchaise happy, again, CORE VALUES, INTEGRITY. Our microwave society , not allow the time or Process to take effect.

NCAA coaches are fired for not winning NOW.

Yes, I am a Coach, I am a fan of the game. I still feel our game is the best spectator sport in the sport entertainment industry. But, I am. Realistic, we need to fix the issues and find solutions to the problems that face our game.

Grass Roots basketball also needs fixed, not enough time is spent on fundamentals.
We have far to many coaches having players dribble around comes, I have yet to see a cone on the court during a game. It am just saying.......
Analytics, ok, I understand it has its place, but basketball is not money ball, it is action/reaction contest. we can all look at stats and take from them what fits our needs.
The same can be said for two different people reading a Bible verse, two different people can interpret the verse two separate ways.

I am a Coach. I am a Teacher of the Game. There is a reason why our Teams had success.
I value relationships, I care for the players I coach. It is about them, it is not about me.
I hold players accountable, there is transparency, I believe in effective communication. I believe in staying positive. I believe giving a horse some sugar will produce  positive results than constantly cracking the whip on the backside of that same horse.
I believe in roles, I believe in a philosophy and a system. I believe in putting my players and coaches in a situation to be successful.
I identify strengths, and allow people to do their strengths. I discuss weaknesses and work in those weaknesses until they become an asset or strength for the individual.

I am a Detail guy, I focus on the small details. I believe in teaching in progression.

I hope this provides insight, I hope it is empowering for those who took the time to read it.

Good Luck on your journey !

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NCAA Brackets /Conference Tournament and takeaways- Coach Scott Fields

2016 NCAA Men's Bracket/Conference action take Aways-Coach Scott Fields

Once again March has lived up to the Madness. There is no better time of year for the college basketball fan. I have coached in the NCAA, NJCAA and I have also been blessed to coach at the professional level.I have been honored to dabble into the NBA. I have to admit, the NCAA March Madness college atmosphere is hard to beat. The all or nothing, survive and advance, win or go home. This is the best reality TV there is, the drama....The best team doesn't always win in the NCAA, but with pressure, and a one game opportunity, a less dominant team can find away to gain some Confidence or they can have a well executed game plan to sneak Goliath. The NBA, well, the better team typical wins in the playoffs, as a 7 game series, the game to game adjustments. talent will usually prevail. Not always, but for the most part yes....NBA Playoffs are fun and exciting, far more exciting for the basketball fan than the 82 game regular season. 

March, we have HS basketball around the country who sets the tone, these young men and women (16-18 year olds playing their hearts out) with aspirations to play at the next level. 

March we have NJCAA, NAIA, NCAA tournament action, We have conference tournaments.

These Conference tournaments allow opportunities to obtain automatic bids into the Big Dance.

NCAA D 1, D 2 or D 3, it doesn't matter. We have bubble team getting the snub, but then we have the N.I.T. The National Invitational Tournament. This is an opportunity for Teams to continue to play and grow as teams and programs across the country. Look how many NIT Teams get into the NCAA the following season. This is another platform for exposure for Players, Coaches an opportunity for recruits to see programs and their style of play.

The NCAA, well there are some things to consider to continue to help the brand and level of play. It is hard to build a program when players are leaving after 1 season. 

I hear debate about the 1 and done. I have strong opinions on it as well. The NBA is already saturated with young players who are not prepared mentally and physically for a minimum of 82 game season. It is a grind, and it is a grown man game in the best league in the world. You can realistically have an 18 year old competing against 35 year old men, whom are much more physically strong and experienced to know and understand the nuances of the game. It is an immediate mismatch. 

This is also why we now see mid major programs not only competing, but beating top tradition programs across the country, Why ? Well, you could have 22 or 23 year old athletes playing against an 18 year old. the mid major programs could have players who have played 3 or 4 years together, they have the chemistry, the have the experience, the have the mental and physical stability to gain an advantage over the diaper dandies.

The NBA an 8 seed can beat a 1 seed,  and I predict it will not be long when we see a NCAA 16 seed beat a 1 seed. Teams can overlook, or take lightly a 16 seed. The 16 seed can be hungry to prove itself, they can gain the confidence needed to be the Giant Killer, we already have had 15 seeds beat a 2 seed. they are bracket killers I understand, but it is great for the game and great for the tournament. The next Cinderella story. 

I grew up and played my HS basketball in Indiana before thee was classification. The movie Hoosiers was made about this experience, the NCAA has the platform for the same hysteria and mystique. Look at the 1983 NC State Wolfpack lead by Coach Jim Valvano, whom the younger generation only know for the Jimmy V foundation speech at the ESPY's. My friend Big T, Thurl Bailey played on that team. 

I will put the 2016 NCAA bracket on here for you to make your picks, test your knowledge.

Come on, let's have some fun with it....The POTUS test his brackets every year on ESPN. Buffet offers a Billion dollars for the perfect bracket. Gotta Love it ! Try to predict the unpredictable.

Put your faith in young student/athletes with the pressure and parity.

Let's be honest, in the NCAA Coaching matters, they can play an impact of the NCAA. It is not a surprise that the same top coaches find away to get to the elite 8 and final 4.

the further you advance the more that weaknesses can be exposed. Top coaches and staffs will attack those weaknesses. 

I am not saying Coaching doesn't matter in the NBA. But there are great basketball minds in the NBA. Yes, you can see experience pay dividends with strong coaching staffs deep in the NBA Playoffs.

Energy, Enthusiasm, Focus, Execution, with Passion and Emotion. This is what the NCAA is all about.Can a Coach balance the one and done athlete and surround them with great role players. Recruiting is what it is all about, get the players to buy into your system and philosophy. But the players in a position to be successful. To be Successful, it is still all about those special relationships. 

Let's set back and enjoy this special time of year !

I hope your Team does well.

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When your Passion becomes your Purpose - Coach Scott Fields

When your Passion becomes your Purpose- Coach Scott Fields

This is not to self promote, This is not to spread poor content in a saturated social media market. This is just a short post or blog to say Thanks to Coach Vando, Thanks for allowing me to be me the past few months. because of your kindness and generosity , I was allowed to be apart of something special and unique. We changed the culture and brought a Program and Team back to life. I hope and pray I have been an impact on the lives of those we were blessed to work with?

I am sad and a bit frustrated when I am not on the court or on the sidelines, not in a huddle or not able to share knowledge and teach life lessons through the game of basketball.

This is a wonderful profession. I take my role as a Coach very serious. This is a Passion of mine with no doubt. If you have ever watched my coaching style, you will observe the Enthusiasm. It is unquestionable. 

First, I care deeply for the individuals I am honored to work with. It is a privledge. I don't take that for granted. It is about building relationships with the athletes based on Honesty, Trust and a commitment to assisting them in developing them into accountable people and productive members of society. I do not have a selfish agenda, It is about them and for them and helping them achieve success. It is NOT just about Winning. The Success is the bi product of the life lessons being taught in the daily repetition. Work Ethic, Perseverance, Transparency and Accountability. If we are able to get the players we coach to hold each other Accountable and to build each other up with positivity. We as Coaches simple Guide and Manage the ego's, We get them to become selfless members of a unit that are for each other and the greater good of the Team. 

We are able to win 3 of the last 4 regular season games. We took momentum into a tough conference tournament. Region 18 is a great league. Congrats to NIC for an undefeated regular season and a # 3 National Ranking. Congrats to SLCC on winning the Conference Tournament.  

I was thrilled to be apart of this rebuilding process. I saw progress, I saw growth and maturity. I saw the confidence grow and self esteem rise. 

I am humbled to think that the young men we coached are now better prepared for their next step in their journeys! 

I close my eyes and send up prayers, that I will be able to continue my Passion? it doesn't matter what level? It doesn't matter the State, Country, or region of the World ? 

I am truly blessed, I have been at the highest levels of the Game. I have been in the best leagues around the globe. There is something special about the college game. There was something special about being close to home and family. I feel we were able to mold and teach and prepare these young men for the next level. I am gratified in being apart of that process.

Thanks to ALL of you for your continued support and kind words that were shared along the way.

It means a lot.....

This Passion was born in the state of Indiana. The Hoosier heartland of the country. Basketball is like religion in this state. The Purpose has manifested itself around the Globe. I am eager to see where this Purpose takes me next. 

Passion to Purpose..... I hope you all find your Purpose in this life. 

Stay Positive, believe in yourself and know your worth and value. Serve others on your journey.

Be grateful and know your Purpose has meaning !

Good Luck on your journey !

Positive Energy is producing Positive Results with my new Team

Thrilled to be in my element
Positive Energy,  Producing Positive Results with Coach Vando and USU Eastern

The start of the 2016 New Year, I have been blessed with an opportunity to be apart of the staff with Coach Vando and the USU Eastern Golden Eagles mens basketball program.

I am grateful and excited to be working with this group of young men. It is a bonus that I get to coach our son Brandon as he continues to have a great sophomore season as Team Captain and leads in many statistical categories within the conference and in the nation.

We are producing positive results, as we had a good road win in Colorado last weekend. This is the first ever win in Colorado with this current staff and we continue to improve and compete with the top teams in the conference.

This is an link to an article from a school newspaper and website.

I want to preface, they call me a former assistant coach with the Utah Jazz and Coach Jerry Sloan, but the truth is , Coach Jerry Sloan allowed me the opportunity to come in and observe/consult when I was between Head Coaching positions professionally. I have learned a great deal from Hall of Fame Coach Jerry Sloan, I will write a post on that in the near future.

I have been fortune on my coaching journey and this experience has been positive and rewarding. Each day is an opporunity to learn and grow in my profession. 

Enjoy the link attached below on this article

https://shar.es/140BFi

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Team USA - who are your top 12 for OLYMPIC games to bring home the Gold?

USA Basketball - Who are your Top 12 for Olympic Games to bring home Gold ?

I had this discussion yesterday at the office with a friend and basketball coach before practice.
If you are the President of USA Basketball and Head Coach of Team USA, Who do you select for the top 12 to bring back then Gold medal?

Who are your 12 ?
Who makes your roster ?

Who are your PG's?
Who are your guards?
Who are your wings.
Who are your PF .
Who are your centers?

Share who you select and why?

I will share my 12 with you and why in the coming days !
Let the discussion begin

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Coach Brad Stevens a great Basketball mind

Coach Brad Stevens a great Basketball mind

I have great respect and admiration for this young basketball mind.
What can I say, he is an Indiana boy....

I am proud of his success, his integrity, his attention to detail, his basketball IQ is fantastic

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Heat assistant Keith Smart returns after rare skin cancer surgery

Heat assistant coach Keith Smart returns after rare Skin cancer surgery

Coach Keith Smart, he is a husband, father, all around great guy, and now we can call him a Cancer survivor.
Without question, Keith is one of my best friends in the coaching fraternity. he has had a great journey in the business. His journey had a brief pause with a recent scare with a very rare form of skin cancer,  one in one million people in the US are affected with this rare form of skin cancer.

Keith hit the SHOT to win the National Championship for the Bobby Knight led Hoosiers over the Cuse back in '87. he had a brief Professional playing career. Yet he has Head Coaching stints with NBA teams such as the Cav's , Warriors, Kings and now assistant with the Miami Heat.

Click the link to read the interview and video with the Sun Sentenial in Miami on his return this week to the Miami Heat bench prior to the Warriors game last night.

Please continue to send prayers and well wishes for this friend of mine. Keith is ever positive, always optimistic, he is led by his faith.
I continue to send prayers to Keith, His wife Carol and his boys, as they have handled this with class and dignity, just like the Heat organization.

God Speed my friend !

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-keith-smart-s011116-story.html


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USU Eastern Mens basketball (2-0) in 2016

USU Eastern brain trust starts New Year 2-0 

Building, Rebuilding and Coaching 'em up to a 2-0 start to kick the 2016 Year off right.

(Photo credit to my wife Kim who took a second to snap a quick photo, as she is busy watching and cheering for Brandon and I together) Coach Vando and I watching the action as we beat Colorado NW for a Win in Scenic West Conference play at Price Utah on Saturday.

Constantly making adjustments, infusing positive energy, We are changing the culture of the program. We are putting in Offensive sets that fit the players strengths. We have increased the intensity on Defense. Our physical conditioning is better. The spirit and morale is much better as we find success. We are playing unselfishly as we strive to reach our Team Goals.

We still have a lot of work to do, We must be mentally and physically prepared for a tough week.

SLCC comes in on Thursday after a 10 pt loss and it is Fan appreciation night. This will be a great measuring stick to see where we are as a Team. It is true we currently have 7 players and an 8 th player has recently walked on.  We are constantly focusing on our attention to detail.

This week we will also face Snow College in a Rival contest. The atmosphere for both games will be intense.

I have truly enjoyed this opportunity to be back on the hardwood, teaching and developing the athletes. I have seen great progress in the short time together. I am grateful to Coach Vando for allowing me to be apart of the rebuilding process. Coach Vando and I share the same philosophies and passion for the game. I am enjoying my role. 

I am also very appreciative to all the Families of the current and former players, Friends, and Fans who have taken the time to come up to me and share their kind worlds of support. I am moved that you recognize the transformation within the Team since my arrival.

The credit all goes to the athletes who have worked hard in this time of transition. This is a process and a challenge. So to Team Captains Phil and Brandon with  Sol, Alex, Austin, Grant, Tevin and Dexter with a recent practice players Malaki and Richard, I thank you.

 USU Eastern will continue to grow and work hard to represent the program in a positive manner. It is a thrill to see the confidence grow as the young men make strides for the futures at other four year 

institutes.

Let's get this work in !!

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The Journey Continues - USU Eastern Men's Basketball program

The Journey continues - USU Eastern

I want to take this opportunity to Thank Head Coach Vando for the opportunity to assist him with the USU Eastern Mens basketball program in Price, Utah.
I will be in this capacity for the remainder of the current season.

Yes, this is where my son Brandon Sly is a Sophomore and having an outstanding season. Yet, I now have gained about 10 more young men in our extended family, as I care deeply for each of these young men who are putting in the work daily.

The program is in the process of building and rebuilding.
I am honored and humbled to be apart of this rebuilding process.

Coach Vando has a wealth of experience at the FIBA and College level. Coach is from Brazil and his international experience is a bonus for these young student/athletes.
He will go out of his way to provide the best opportunity for his players. Coach always has the players best interest at heart. I can't say enough kind words about him as a person and as a Coach. I am fortunate to be working along side of him. he is a life long friend already, I appreciate his Basketball IQ.

It feels great to be on the court, teaching and developing  while changing the culture, infusing positive reinforcement, adding a new Offense that fits the personel, making Defensive adjustments that is more aggressive.

There is a focus on accountability and transparency on the student/athletes part. Disapline and Structure  are being implemented. We are teaching life skills on a daily basis. Creating an Environment for Growth, Development and Empowerment.

This is all about building something special and providing individuals an opportunity to grow as men on and off the court.

I can't tell you how excited I am about sharing my passion with the players.

I can't Thank Coach Vando enough, We are on the same page with what the mission is moving forward. I also appreciate the players for accepting the changes being implemented on a daily basis. We currently have a small roster do to some serious injuries and other circumstances.

The guys are working hard, we are growing, we are building. We had success with a victory last Saturday vs a deep Western Wyoming team. We won 77-73. The process and Journey continues for us. The Conference continues with upcoming games vs Salt Lake CC, Snow, North Idaho, College of Southern Idaho, Colorado NW.

I am in my element, I am blessed, I look forward to where this leads and what doors God will open for us moving forward.

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Twitter@Scott_Fields
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coachscottfields@gmail.com