Playing with confidence makes a difference

by Diabolo on Apr 17, 2008 4:02 AM CDT

From Truehoop :

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-32-65/Andrew-Bynum-2-0.html?post=true

Here it is :

"How did the injured center get so good, so fast, earlier this year?

His mentor, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, tells NBA.com's John Hareas that Bynum could always play, but this year he gained confidence:

It really had to do with the fact that all of a sudden he had confidence in what he could do. He had the ability to do the things he was doing probably as much as a year earlier, but he didn't have confidence.

He didn't want to embarrass himself. That kind of set him back. He was kind of reticent to go out there and play the way he can play.

But all of a sudden he saw that things were working for him, he got a little bit more aggressive and kept getting better and better results.

If you hear David Thorpe tell it, this could be a common story.

He believes there are many players in the NBA who -- more than simply adding skills, or working harder -- really need loving support from their mentors, to gain the kind of confidence that unlocks their abilities."

NOW, that last part about David Thorpe : could he be talking about some young Bulls players that he likes and/or will help this summer ?

FanPosts are user-created posts from the BlogABull community, and are to be treated as the opinions and views of that particular user, not that of the blogger or blog community as a whole.

Tweet Comment 14 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Thabo has already worked with Thorpe

Tyrus is supposed to head down to Thorpe's IMG Academy this Summer.

The confidence thing is the real key. A lot of these kids have all the tools, but they lack the confidence that puts those tools together collectively as a weapon of production.

When you're trying to rear 19 and 20 year old players you really need to consider their age as a factor in how you instruct them. Most of these players would have learned this in college, but the market has shifted allowing better and better traveling basketball to reach lower and lower age groups. This pits them against better competition at an early age thus sparking quicker development to where you see players like Lebron or Melo that are NBA ready at 18 years old. But they still need to learn to become men.

In their youth, they can act up, be irresponsible, yet still play on their teams without retribution because they are too damn good at basketball. When they muck up they must face actual consequences and the more stories that come out in the press the more and more obvious it is that the premiere talent just gets to do whatever they want and blame it on their youth.

Confidence comes after discipline. Discipline is what helps a person ween out their negatives to elevate their positives.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 17, 2008 8:03 AM CDT reply actions

Thabo really has worked with Thorpe ?

Didn't know that.

Discipline has never been a problem for Thabo, though. Confidence, yes, obviously.

Now Tyrus, maybe discipline has been a problem (don't know, I'm not with the team), but confidence was his strong attribute (along with his predispositions for playing basketball at a high level) last year as a rookie, and it feels like this strong point has been negated (ruined) by the organization (and successive "coaches") this year.

Why?

There must be a way of educating someone without putting him down, me think.

The Game chose him !

by Diabolo on Apr 17, 2008 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions

did Thabo work with Thorpe? or just at IMG?

Anyway, some pertinent info from Thorpe himself on his plan for Tyrus:

I can't say now-lots of tape to study first. But a better plan in the post would be a good start. I thought his jumper looked great the last 2 months, but I'd like to see more touches inside.

As an added bonus, he's also critical of Bulls management (or at least their player development) in that chat, but maybe the demons are all gone after Boylan and the staff are shitcanned.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 17, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions

FYI

I emailed Thorpe about Thabo, and he said that Thabo was at the academy before he started working there.

For what it's worth, Thorpe said his colleague at IMG who did work with Thabo, Mike Moreau, 'loved him'.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 17, 2008 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions

Must subscribe to ESPN the mag

for the free insider access.

Oh ye procrastination, why do you infect me?

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 17, 2008 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions

it's all about timing

I know that you know this, but as long as you can time it so that you're in the chat, while it's happening, it's free. That's all I ever do. If I miss it, I miss it. If anyone ever says anything interesting, it gets posted.

by NormVanBeer on Apr 17, 2008 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions

ESPN Mag subscription

There's offers to get a 1 year for $4. That's just the first year though. It really kills you in the second year when it's $12.

I'll post the deal link so everyone can get one if they like.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 17, 2008 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions

If anyone wants the magazine, let me know and I'll

forward mine to you. Stupid Insider means you get the Mag too.

by snley on Apr 17, 2008 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions

but maybe the demons are all gone...

Nope! the passive mutant monk demon still looms and yields much on every decision, until he is cast out or silenced Chicago won't be a contender.

by exult463 on Apr 17, 2008 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions

it's like you think Paxson should be fired

or something.

Perhaps you should make even more comments saying the same thing, just to really hammer the point home.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 17, 2008 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions

you could even try

putting it in your sig.

Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 17, 2008 10:41 PM CDT up reply actions

ha. ha.

by alec on Apr 17, 2008 11:27 PM CDT up reply actions

About TT this summer:

Jim (Chicago): Dave, what's the plan for Tyrus Thomas this summer? Lots of jump shots? Do you think he can be as good as or better then Shawn Marion?

David Thorpe: I can't say now -- lots of tape to study first. But a better plan in the post would be a good start. I thought his jumper looked great the last two months, but I'd like to see more touches inside.

by Illini15 on Apr 17, 2008 2:01 PM CDT reply actions