Philadelphia Local MBB Assistant Coaching: New Generation

Geoff Arnold Picture courtesy of Saint Joseph's Basketball Website

Better done than said, "Behind every great organization, there's a bunch of even greater guys helping the job get done".

Men's Basketball in Philadelphia is Elite, probably one of the most prestigious elements of basketball. Why, you may ask? Philadelphia has it's own league in the Big 5, not including Drexel University, who many feel should be added to make the Big 6.

So what's the key in these programs having so much success. All 6 of these programs in the last 15 years have all had their share of success with their men basketball teams. It seems like if it's not 2 teams at a time, there is always 1. At the top of the list is Villanova. Villanova has had some of the most dominating guards in the country in Kyle Lowry, Randy Foye, Allen Ray, Maalik Wayns, Corey Fisher and I could go on and on. Recruiting is a big part of that and the connection that you build is a reason. Lately, Villanova hasn't had the same spunk as they did during their big runs. Reason being is it seems that they have lost touch with recruiting, but that seemed to be a high priority and with a problem comes an idea. Coach Wright of Villanova has recognized that and has brought in one of Philadelphia's favorite assistant coaches Ashley Howard.

Ashley Howard Picture courtesy of Villanova Men's Basketball Website

Ashley Howard started off his career at LaSalle University and then went off to Drexel University and then made a shift to Xavier to come back to the Philadelphia area for Villanova. He is known as the guy that can get the job done. No matter what is asked of him, he never seems to be less than what is expected. This brings me to Drexel University. Even though, Drexel University slightly missed their opportunity in the tournament a few years ago after winning 29 games a few years ago, they have had a coach in the last 15 years that has received the award of top coach 4 of those years. Coach Flint seems to recognizes talent and seems to do so in coaches, where his coaches are able to go off and do other things to boost their career. He has recently brought in the young talent of Bobby Jordan.

Bobby Jordan Picture courtesy of Drexel Men's Basketball Website

Bobby Jordan grew up in the Drexel program where he learned the ins and outs of being able to coach talent and make high school recruits believe in what direction the program is going. Jordan has the ability to make the best count and you could always tell that he would one day get himself into this area when he first stepped foot on Drexel's campus. Saint Joseph's University has Coach Geoff Arnold, who has been with the program for the last 6 years and has been able to bring in recruits such as Langston Galloway, who led his team into the NCAA Tournament this past year. Coach Arnold is a coaches' coach and gives everything in his craft. His skill of knowing how a team should be ran is among the best and it seems like he'll be the next one in line for his own program.

 

Aaron McKie Picture courtesy of Temple Men's Basketball Website

Temple University has just hired their biggest assistant coach in years in Aaron McKie, who left his post as an analyst with the Sixers to make moves with a college program. He has never coached in college but I don't think the transition will be hard for him. He is known for his years with Allen Iverson and Sixers, when he was the 6th Player of the Year and help lead the team to the NBA Finals. McKie will work on bringing in some great local talent and maximizing the opportunity of getting the program back into the NCAA spotlight.

Horace Owens Picture courtesy of LaSalle Men's Basketball Website

Ira Bowman seems to be the lead assistant for Penn where he has been there for his ability to coach players and relate his experience of being a pro to players. Bowman was known for his ability to fit into a solid role with his extraordinary set of skills. Bowman had a 2 year play at Penn in his years before going to Providence and it seems like he'll continue to help Coach Allen build that program. LaSalle University has Coach Horace Owens, who is known for his local connection to the city. Owens was a local prospect from Dobbins High School (My Alum...Smile) and was an All American that went on to Rhode Island and drafted into the NBA. He has a knack of bringing some of the best big men to LaSalle. No telling what the next step for him is, but he definitely will continue to have a great career in coaching.

Ira Bowman Picture courtesy of Penn Men's Basketball Website

The Future of Temple Basketball (Coach Aaron McKie)

Aaron McKie Picture courtesy of Temple Basketball Twitter @TUMBBHoops

Lately, Temple Basketball has not been Temple Basketball. It's crazy because whenever I mention this, I know there is somebody out there squinting at these words. Temple Basketball was known for his long stint with John Chaney, Hall of Fame coach, who is known for his great career in Philadelphia and stern noted ability to coach boys to men. Chaney is one of the all time winning coaches ever in college basketball. He was able to do so much for the Philadelphia area that people love him when his name is brought up. He started his coaching career in the area in 1966 with Simon Gratz High School.

Simon Gratz is a Philadelphia based High School that is known as the best basketball school in the area. This school is known for one of the greatest high school players ever in Rasheed Wallace, who went undefeated in 1993 and was the National High School Player of the Year. Adding to the pot of great players from Simon Gratz is Aaron McKie. McKie was a 6'4" guard at Gratz who was known for his ability to lock down and defend and come up clutch for any team he played on. McKie went on to play for Temple University and lead a new direction of recruits to the hometown large university.

So now this Philadelphia based university has been having a serious problem lately where they have not been able to get the recruits to commit out of high school. During an extensive period of time, Temple was able to get players such as Aaron McKie, Lynard Stewart, Lynn Greer, Scootie Randall, Ramone Moore, Michael Blackshear, Mardy Collins, Dionte Christmas, Mark Tyndale and etc. After Chaney left Temple, it seems like the nature of Temple University has changed. They were able to bring in Fran Dunphy, who won many championships under the Ivy League for University of Penn.

Dunphy has done a great job finding ways to get his underrated team in to the final bracket for the NCAA tournament. Even though they have been reaching that point of success, it seems like the alum is not happy with the idea of a first round exit. For the biggest school in the 5th largest city in America to have struggling points with reaching a high level of success with the tournament, things just don't seem right. LaSalle University lately has been the biggest nudge in pressure on Temple because of their recent trip to the NCAA Sweet 16.

There seemed to be some changes that needed to happen because they have missed on many different players that Temple Alum seem to definitely want for their success. The team has not looked like the Philadelphia team that people are use to because there hasn't been many city recruits with big names on the team. Sure... There has been some players that are from the local area but what about the Rysheed Jordan, Brandon Austin, Savon Goodman, Maurice Watson and all the other recruits that seem to get away from Temple University.

This is where Aaron McKie might come in. He has been named an assistant coach for the Temple University Men's Basketball program, taking him away from his post as an analyst for the Sixers. McKie has also been coaching around the league for different NBA teams, getting the experience of being around some of the greatest talent in the world. McKie brings his NBA success and his ability to relate to the stories of the youth basketball players in the city that are looking for the opportunity to reach their dreams. McKie is the perfect fit...come to think about....He might be too perfect.

Last season was depressing for Temple with only winning 9 games. Alum talked about the options of bringing in some really good alum veteran leadership that can show a program how to change. There was another option, in a coach that has had some experience with coaching high level talent, but that didn't go so well (rather not mention it...I have too much respect for this man). It doesn't matter how things were to turn out, McKie is an assistant coach and in my opinion won't be going anywhere. This might the beginning of a change for Temple to set him up 1 day to be the Head Coach. There's no telling, but this is definitely the direction that Temple was looking for and to bring him aboard from his recent post, is amazing.

2014 Danny Rumph Classic: Save the Next Bright Star

2014 Danny Rumph Classic

Every year Philadelphia is home for the stars to align. The great part about the stars aligning is that they align to save other stars. Every year around the 2nd week in August, a classic that features some of the best talent come to play in of Danny Rumph and the fighting for a new cause through charity. The charity works to raise $30,000 each year to perform heart screenings for 250 local athletes. This cause is raised because 100,000 young athletes die from heart disorders. This brings us to Danny Rumph, the most important memorial figure in this event.

2014 Rumph Classic Championship at Community College Of Philadelphia

Danny Rumph was born in Philadelphia and everybody who’s anybody who knew anything about him, knew he loved basketball. He attended Western Kentucky University but his game started from working out at Mallery Recreation Center. After a pickup game on mother’s day evening, Danny would have his career cut short when he went into cardiac arrest. At the time of Danny's passing recreation centers did not have AEDs, which could have saved his life. Through his foundation the city now has AEDs in the 150 recreation centers in hopes to make sure that this tragic loss doesn't happen to another young man. 

 

This year features another festival full of activities such as clinics, alumni games, community barbeque, and etc. The events took place at LaSalle University, Chestnut Hill College, the special Danny Rumph Center and Community College of Philadelphia. Every year the event has gotten bigger and more versatile with the people that have attended the event. Last year FOE, who featured Markieff and Marcus Morris (Phoenix Suns) and Thomas Robinson (Portland Trailblazers) was able to take home the title after defeating JT Ballas who were led by Jason Thompson (Sacramento Kings).

This year features a little different element with the event because Nike has joined the spectrum seeing his potential in the cause. Nike would join already partnerships in Fam Juice, Mitchell and Ness, And 1 and others. After talking to the event’s director, Mike Morak, he talked to me and explained that no matter how big this gets, the cause is always more important. He also talked to me about how important it was for him to raise as much money as possible because he wants to do more for the foundation to do more heart screenings and other things that can be a support for the foundation.

The first day started off with Skeem Team featuring a group of Villanova former players such as Scootie Reynolds, Reggie Redding, James Bell, & Maurice Sutton. They also included Ryan Brooks; Temple U Alum. They defeated Chuck Ellis Workout team that featured Wayne Ellington (Sacramento Kings), Mardy Collins and Ronald “Flip” Murray. The second game featured Rumph Center, which stars Mike Green, Sharif Bray, Khalif Wyatt and Malcolm Eleby. They faced off and were defeated by And 1 that has Tasheed Carr, Vinny Simpson, and Garrett Williamson.

2014 Danny Rumph Classic at LaSalle University

FOE was able to defeat Team Pesci (SP) but needed OTs to do so. It came close with clutch shots lead by Sean Evans, Mario Little, Maalik Wayns and Rodney Green who put on a show for FOE. Team Pesci was led by Tywain McKee, Ramone Moore and Rick Jackson. The 2 teams had some big time coaches led by Dion Waiters (Cleveland Cavilers) for Team Pesci and The Morris Twins (Markieff and Marcus of the Phoenix Suns). Last but not least JT Ballas starred Jason Thompson, Ryan Thompson, Novar Gadson, and Hakim Warrick.  They were able to take down IBall Athletics that features Denzel Jackson, Jason Hickenbottom, and Paul Graham.

As the tournament continued Chuck Ellis Workouts and IBall Athletes were eliminated early after their dog fight second games to try and stay alive. JT Ballas was able to defeat FOE led by Hakim Warrick, who came up with some really tough clutch shots. And 1 defeated Skeem Team with the hard play by Garrett Williamson and Vinny Simpson.

In the third day, Skeem Team was able to defeat Team Pesci, while FOE would lose to Rumph Center featuring a big time performance where Mike Green would have his way. JT Ballas would defeat And 1 to capture an automatic bid in the championship but would have to wait to find out who they would play. Skeem Team would defeat Rumph Center putting their team in contention to make it to the championship. On Sunday, Skeem Team would face off against And 1 in a really challenging game. Reggie Redding and Scottie Reynolds would come up with the win for them.

In the final, Skeem Team would face off against JT Ballas. JT Ballas would be without Jason Thompson who would not play and it would show at times, he could be a huge part. They also would not have Novar Gadson or Mike Ringgold on hand. That would not stop Skeem Team from having their loaded roster, adding Isaiah Armwood to the team. The game would start off back and forth with some leverage to JT Ballas with the play of Ryan Thompson. Reggie Redding and Scottie Reynolds would catch heat like the last game with dropping 3’s to get up on the lead and extend it. At half, Hakim Warrick would help his team get within 10, including an astronomical dunk over a defender. Mark Tyndale, Ryan Thompson and Hakim Warrick would get their team within 2 points but that would be enough room to life the confidence of Reynolds. Reynolds would be left open in about 4 different spots knocking down clutch shots to get the lead up to 11. JT Ballas would try and make one more push but Corey Fisher would help the team out with some drives to the basketball and pull up jump shots. Skeem Team would grab the 2014 Championship winning 116-108 over JT Ballas. Reggie Redding would grab the MVP with 26 points.

 

2014 Rumph Classic Champs: Skeem Team

Championship Box Score-                                                                                         

Skeem Team:                                                              

Ronald Moore – 9 pts.                                                 

Corey Fisher – 15 pts.                                                  

Reggie Redding – 26 pts.                                              

Ryan Brooks – 24 pts.                                                  

Rob Kurz – 13 pts.                                                       

Mo Sutton – 3 pts.

Scottie Reynolds – 23 pts.

Isaiah Armwood – 7 pts. 

JT Ballas:
Ryan Thompson – 25 pts.
Kyle Hines – 4
Donte Greene – 23 pts.
Mark Tyndale – 31 pts. 
Hakim Warrick – 25 pts.   
 

MVP: Reggie Redding of Skeem Team, Coach Kyle Sample and Rump Classic Director Mike Morak

All Danny Rumph Tournament:

First Team:

Reggie Redding (MVP) (Skeem Team)

Mike Green (Rumph Center)

Ramone Moore (Team Pesci)

Rodney Green (FOE)

Hakim Warrick (JT Ballas)

Second Team:

Ryan Thompson (JT Ballas)

Ronald “Flip” Murray (Chuck Ellis Workouts)

Vinny Simpson (And 1)

Scottie Reynolds (Skeem Team)

Terrence Roderick (And 1)

NFL International: Chris Parsons' Departure

Picture Courtesy: http://www.eventindustrynews.co.uk/

America has always had big ideas. Some have cost them and some have came up big int he eyes of the public. The biggest question in the large idea of the NFL is... Can they become successful in other worlds? In this world we live in, you rather cut it or you don't. The NFL, since 2007, have been hosting games in London to draw attention from the world about how great the sport of American Football can be. In the bigger perspective, the NFL has come up with some great ideas including giving some really tough games and large money towards marketing Internationally. As the NFL changes in America, Americans seem to be struggling with the adjustments, just at the time that people in the other worlds might see things different.

The NFL is and has been the top sport in America for some time now. With the NFL having the largest watched sport in America in the Super Bowl and worth $9 Billion, there definitely seems like theirs no problem with the league. Even though the NFL is spending money overseas for their international experience, they aren't doing much to hurt their pockets understanding their loyalty to America. This brings up another thought, then why go International.

Internationally, Soccer is the largest sport in the world and gross large amounts of revenue that the NFL and America sees opportunity to dive in the pot with the rest. With having about 3 to 5 games in London everyday, there definitely might be opportunity to do so, but traditional fans overseas fight with the idea that the sport wants to take the place of Rugby. Rugby is a sport that has been around before football was invited but never got the attention of the American eye.

Chris Parsons, the Vice President for NFL International, has decided to call it quits from the position held. Why if he has driven the league to more sponsorships? Why if the league is up 91% in viewers? Why if the league has 11 millions fans? What's the real deal behind his departure? Doesn't seem right at all but there has to be a reason. Maybe, the opportunity for growth has reached it's peak.

Amongst the Champs: Becky Hammon (Asst. Spurs Coach)

 There's always a story behind every story. Sometimes we never get the full truth until that times comes to know it. Becky Hammon, a 5'6" guard known for her so many different things in the world of basketball but might not get the attention that she should.
Becky Hammon in high school was the top of South Dakota. She averaged 26 ppg and became state champ. She then, being unrated in her prospect search for basketball in high school went off to Colorado State University to join the Rams and help lead the team to a promising future. In 1998-99 season in college, she lead her team to a 33-3 record and the sweet 16 and named conference player of the year.

She broke the all time record of school for the conference in scoring set by Keith Van Horn. She went on to set 5 records and known as the greatest player her school had ever seen. There was 1 issue...when the WNBA draft came around which had only been for 2 years, she was underrated again. She would be told that she was not ready and had not played against enough tough competition to get into the NBA.

Hammon would not be drafted in the 1999 WNBA Draft but go unsigned to the New York Liberty. Her career would take off when drafted in the 2003 season, where she would be named a first time all star. She would later in her career play for the San Antonio Stars. She would be a 6x all star and named one of the top 15 greatest players of all time. Not to forget, she would play for the USA and Russia on their Olympic Women's Teams.

Becky Hammon; Picture Courtesy: WNBA.com

Only July 23, 2014, she would announce that she would be retiring from playing basketball. She has always been against all odds and it doesn't seem like she is willing to back up from the table of finding an opportunity to make her mark in basketball at another level. On August 5, 2014, she was named the first full time assistant coach for an NBA team for the NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs.

Men have always been involved in basketball, rather female or male. The question everybody is asking is...Will she be ready to help contribute to the team? I think her ability to always fight against the odds will help her in the long run do some of the greatest things. You never know... she might become the first Head Coach one day. Congrats to Becky and doing something that can help the future

RocNation: Why so powerful?

RocNation; Picture Courtesy: Inflexwetrust.com

Shawn Corey Carter aka Jay-Z, Hov, and Jigga. We all know him by many different names and with doing many different things. He started off his career with Reasonable Doubt and went straight through with #1 albums since for 13 solo albums. He started off his career working indulging in music but needed that lift to get his career off to a really good pace. After proving himself, he was able to learn how to make moves and create business projects that are larger than what anybody has thought. Besides walking on clouds, he pretty much has done everything.

From 40/40 club to Roc-A-Fella Records to introducing new artist to Hard Knock Life Tour to the Barclay Center/Brooklyn Nets to Made in America Tour to so many other things, Jay-Z has been all over the map and back. There's so many different things I can name that he has been doing but now it's time to talk about his new movement that was formed in 2013, RocNation Sports. RocNation Sports brands off the concept of RocNation, a record label created by himself through a partnership with Live Nation.

RocNation Sports has not only taken over the attention of sports management world but people have been asking how has it been done. Jay-Z got the right support to get where he is and now he's finding ways of taking what he learned about the business world and applying it. He signed players such as Skylar Diggins, CC Sabathia, Robinson Cano, Geno Smith, Victor Cruz, Hakeem Hicks, Kevin Durant and James Young.

RocNation Sports lately has been on run with Cano's new contract, Hicks' deal with the Jordan Brand for football, Diggins' large marketing opportunities in advertisements and not to forget Durant's ending contract with Nike and trying to find the right fit for a new deal to expand his brand. I'm not sure what they are doing, but they are picking all the right piece and things seem to be getting stronger for the future. RocNation Sports seems to be fresh with ideas and with Jay-Z's partnership with Creative Artists Agency, it seems like the opportunities are unlimited.

RocNation Sports' Juan Perez is the President and has been around Jay-Z for years. In an article I read via GQ.com, he seems to not have a large philosophy about bringing people in and is approached all the time by players looking for this branding opportunity. This company is providing a 360 service that is helping them attract players because they realize what the control of Perez and the hand of Jay-Z can do for their future thoughts on ideas for their own brand. What's next for them can only get bigger.