Point guard (PG), also called the one or "the ball-handler", is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. Point guards are often the smallest players on the court (with a notable exception being 6'9" Magic Johnson). A point guard has perhaps the most specialized role of any position -- essentially, he/she is expected to run the team's offense by controlling the ball and making sure that it gets to the right players at the right time. Above all, the point guard must totally understand and accept his coach's game plan; in this way, the position can be compared to aquarterback in American football.
A point guard, like all player positions in basketball, has specific characteristics that are essential for them to help guide their team to a victory. The Basketball Handbook by Lee Rose describes a point guard as a coach on the floor, who can handle and distribute the ball to teammates. It also states that the more speed a point guard has, the more likely he will be able to create separation and space off the dribble, which allows the point guard room to work. Point guards should also be vocal floor leaders, and should discuss rule interpretations with officials. A point guard must always know the time on both the shot clock and the game clock, the score, the number of timeouts for both teams, and whom to foul late in the game.
A true point guard's job is to create scoring opportunities for his team. The role includes passing and running the offense: setting up plays on the court, getting the ball to the teammate that he feels is in the best position to score, and dictating the tempo of the game. This also means knowing when and how to instigate a fast break and when and how to initiate the more deliberate sets.[1]
After an opponent scores, it is typically the point guard who brings the ball down court to begin an offensive play. For this reason, passing skills, ball handling, and court vision are pivotal. Point guards are often evaluated more on their assist totals than on their scoring. John Stockton, who is considered one of the greatest point guards of all time, is the league's all time leader in assists. Still, a first-rate point guard should also have a reasonably effective jump shot.
If a point guard has more size (height, muscle) compared to the prototypical point guard, it is considered a plus, but size is only secondary to awareness and ball skills. Among the taller players who have enjoyed success at the position is Magic Johnson, who was 6' 9" and won the National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Award three times in his career. Other point guards who have been named the NBA MVP include Bob Cousy, Oscar Robertson, and Steve Nash.
"The Gold Standard: Building a World Class Team" is now available in major retail stores across the country. The amazing journey of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Gold Medal team is chronicled in passages of “time” as told by Coach K along with his daughter and co-author Jamie K. Spatola.
The Gold Standard: Building a World-Class Team is Coach K’s guide to team building, illustrated with experiences from his three years coaching the team that would ultimately win Olympic gold. You’ll see how he formed relationships with LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Jason Kidd, Dwayne Wade, and the rest of Team USA’s NBA stars and how they established a set of standards to guide their performance, both on and off the court.
My Thoughts - from one coach to another there are many words of wisdom in this book. Its an easy read with a lot of leadership and thought behind each and every word. Im a big fan of coach k, not because he coaches a TEAM but because he coaches a PROGRAM. He does not make rules he sets standards.
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After going 3-0 in March @ the Paterson Sparks Tournament, the 12U squad were handed their first loss this season from the WESTCHESTER HOOPSTERS on Friday night in Rockland County.
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