Scoring the basketball is something that we work on daily in practice at West Texas A&M University. We work on all of the little things that actually go on before the shot and this is what leads to a greater shooting percentage and more efficient scoring.
Every year brings on a new challenge. You may not always have the size, quickness and length that you want. You really need to be able to adapt and find ways to score each year with your team. Our staff has been flexible in our teaching and that has empowered our players to play at a very high level.
Players (as we all know) are the ones that get it done on the court. The players are the ones that can make a coach look really good or very pedestrian. As a coach you want the best for your young men and you want them to improve and excel throughout the season.
How do you help your players get better each day, week, month and year? Work at it. Find a way to really impact your players, to motivate them all season.
At times our squad has been able to play big and other times we have been one of the smallest teams in college basketball. However, one thing that has been consistent with our team is that we are going to Move It, Shoot It and Score as often as we can.
Simple shooting drills (3man/2ball, 3man/1 ball, Can’t Miss 2, Toss Back Shooting as well as others) have been staples in our practice plans for the past seven seasons. These shooting drills can be done with just the players or adding a coach
Jordan Collins (5’10” shooting guard) who never started a game at WT finished his four year career as the winningest player in school history- winning 124 games. He recently finished his degree using the Maurice Cheeks Scholarship!
Jordan (ultimate team player) didn’t see much time as a freshman. Jordan found his role as a sophomore and junior. He was primed for his senior season. Jordan’s senior campaign started out a little rough, as he went 3-30 from 3 in his first 8 games- 10%.
What would you do as a coach?
Our staff’s moto is to Keep Shooting It, Keep Moving It and Keep Scoring. Jordan finished his senior season 52-124 (42%) from 3. He also made six 3’s in his last home game and went 4-5 from 3pt line in the Lone Star Conference Championship Game (his last collegiate game due to COVID).
