Olivet Nazarene University

 

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Play Hard—Play Cool—Play Together—Have Fun!

Style of Play
We believe basketball is a game meant to be played fast. Unlike traditional “ball-control” basketball, which stresses getting better shots than the opponent, our extreme up-tempo style works to generate significantly more shots. We create these additional shots by emphasizing the following five areas:

• Fast Break on every possession to create a shot as quickly as possible
• Full-court Trapping Defenses to force turnovers and get the ball back quickly
• Offensive Rebounding aggressively to generate second shots
• Three-Point Shots as a central feature of the offensive scheme
• 15-Player Rotation to wear down the opponent

Playing Hard We believe that intensity is the hallmark of all great teams. Therefore, playing hard is the first guiding principle of our philosophy. Fast break basketball demands maximum effort, running the floor on every possession and pressing full court on both made and missed shots. We use a year-round, cutting-edge conditioning program to allow us to play all out, every minute of every game. Our practices are intense, focused and short to develop the skills and teamwork necessary to play at “warp speed.”

Playing Cool
We believe in the necessity of playing the game with composure. Opponents do not like to be pressured and trapped constantly throughout the game, and may sometimes retaliate in an attempt to disrupt our concentration. When this happens, we must maintain focus and continue to play with poise. “Playing cool” also implies that we strive to become a team that plays without fear. Each individual should grow in confidence and a feeling of self-worth as a result of their experience playing basketball at Olivet Nazarene University.

Playing Together
We believe that creating team spirit requires unselfishness. Each player on our team has been blessed with exceptional athletic gifts, and we must sacrifice to blend these individual talents into a harmonious team. But team spirit also comes from knowing your contribution matters, therefore we expect every player—not just the top five or seven—to play an important role. Although the top players will still earn the most minutes, we give meaningful playing time for up to 15 players. This creates exceptional team chemistry.

Having Fun!
We believe that we must never forget basketball is a game, and it ought to be fun! Each of us began playing for the love of the sport and that love should never be taken away. This begins with our “Run and Gun” system, the most enjoyable way ever devised to play the game. We build confidence by playing an instinctive, aggressive style of offense and defense and almost never substitute for mistakes or foul trouble. In this way we hope to foster in every player a true sense of joy in playing the beautiful game of basketball!

Priorities
We believe basketball must be kept in proper perspective. Winning is very important to us, but it is not the most important thing. Showing concern for teammates, deepening your faith in God, acting responsibility, treating others with respect, learning to communicate effectively and living with integrity are not fringe benefits of playing basketball. They are the reason our program exists. We believe that when players keep these priorities in order, the result will be a successful team! Winning is a by-product of this process.