January 2011
8 posts
Manute Bol's Dream Approaching Reality, Months... →
I used to think of Manute Bol as the freakishly tall, thin, professional basketball player. He blocked a lot of shots and, oddly at 7’7”, took - and made - a lot of three-point shots.
Later, I learned a little more. I learned that he played at an NCAA Division II school, Bridgeport (CT), and found out that he was from Sudan. I remember seeing him at the NCAA Division II Elite...
Congratulations to Coach Danny Miles
It’s a little surprising to me that Oregon Tech Coach Danny Miles hasn’t garnered much more national media attention with his latest win. Heck, the local media - or even school media - doesn’t seem to make a real big deal about the fact that Coach Miles has just tied Coach Don Meyer as the 2nd winningest coach in men’s college basketball history.
With the Owls latest...
Holiday Thinking.....the Big Questions
During the Holiday Season, I typically do a lot of thinking, a lot of introspection. This year was no different.
I love the magic of Christmas. Always have, and I hope and expect that I always will. The past few years have been especially special, as our son is now seven years old, and the anticipation for Santa, the Christmas movies, crazy amount of questions and, of course, that special...
Congratulations to Biola Coach Dave Holmquist on... →
Really cool splash page in honor of Coach Holmquist’s 800th win. It includes the names of all four-year men’s coaches that have reached this milestone. Congratulations Coach Holmquist!
My First Post on the New NAIA Blog →
I hope that you enjoy my first post on the new NAIA Blog. This one is about Terry Porter’s upcoming induction into the NAIA Hall of Fame. Enjoy!
Harlem Globetrotters
I’m watching the Harlem Globetrotters on ESPN2. It’s the first time that I’ve watched them in a while. A couple of years ago, I learned much more about them when someone from their front office called to talk about the top small college players in the country. One of our players from the original Collegiate Basketball Invitational, Anthony “Ant” Atkinson, is now...
PRIORITIES
“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove…But the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”
Anonymous asked: Who won the Missouri Southern vs Pittsburg State game of Jan. 2. 2011?
December 2010
4 posts
Anonymous asked: John, how does the NAIA level of basketball compare to the NCAA level and the JUCO level of talent?
Taylor University's "Silent Night" Tradition →
What a neat, unique and Awesome tradition: Taylor University’s “Silent Night” Tradition. Send me a note with other traditions within men’s Small College Basketball (not rivalry games, as that’s another topic, but rather neat traditions such as this one…). Send a note on this blog or send an e-mail to smallcollegebasketball@gmail.com.
“In Church today, I was reminded of a quote that I’ve heard many times. ...”
– Wise Man
Small College Basketball in the early portion of...
There have been many exciting games and milestones that have been reached in the early portion of the 2010-11 season. Just wanted to throw out a few positive accomplishments from the first month of the season:
* William Jewell’s long-time coach, Larry Holley, has surpassed 800 wins. This places him in the top 15 of all time of four-year college coaches in college basketball history.
* ...
November 2010
2 posts
Kansas City: THE College Basketball Capital of... →
From the Kansas City Star, November 21, 2010
Kansas City makes its claim as college basketball capital of America
By BLAIR KERKHOFF
The Kansas City Star
Declaring yourself a capital city does not come without much thought and consideration. And meetings. Yes, there must be meetings.
John McCarthy thought about it, considered it, called meetings and yes, came the conclusion, Kansas City could be —...
National Title
Author Danny Stooksbury just came out with National Title. While I may be a bit biased (I did write the foreward for the book), I can tell you that Danny put in a tremendous amount of time, effort, research, etc. into this book, and came out with the most detailed and well-researched book on the early years of the NAIB (now NAIA) National Tournament.
Stooksbury tells the story through...
October 2010
8 posts
Coach Jim Tribbett
Coach Jim Tribbett called on Friday. I talk with a lot of coaches, and consider many coaches throughout the country to be some good, personal friends. While I’ve just spent a fairly small amount of time in person with Coach Tribbett, I’ve spent a lot of time with him on the phone over the last four years or so. There are some people that you just connect with, and he is one of...
Coach Bruce Stewart
I recently received an e-mail from Coach Bobby Champagne, Head Coach at North Alabama, to let me know about Coach Bruce Stewart. Coach Stewart is undergoing treatment for brain cancer. He’s is the Head Coach at Northwest Florida State, and over his career, he has led teams - to wins - in four collegiate national tournaments: NAIA, NCAA, NJCAA and the NIT. His overall collegiate coaching...
Same Time Next Year
I recently asked Michael Atchison if I could re-print this article on this blog, and he kindly gave permission. This is an extremely well-written piece, and provides great insight into one of America’s finest basketball traditions, the NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship.
Today, the brainchild of Emil Liston and Dr. James Naismith, stands as the longest-running...
Midnight Madness
Ahhhhh, MIDNIGHT MADNESS!!!
Let the season begin…..
Happy Birthday, Coach Wooden
As so many of your are aware, October 14, 2010, marks the 100th birthday of Coach John Wooden.
Based on my past, passionate posts surrounding his passing, many of you are aware of my admiration for Coach.
I have no doubt that much will be written on this day, and many videos, posts, etc. will be produced and shown throughout the world, but I thought that I would simply say, “Happy...
Summer/Fall Reading
As I’ve been doing throughout the summer, I thought that I would post a little information on some books that I’ve recently read. I have really enjoyed many of the books that I’ve read this summer, and it continues my search for knowledge. It seems that the more I read, the more I want to learn…and the more I learn, the more I want to read and seek out more knowledge. I...
USA Basketball - Beyond 2012
The last post on the 2012 USA Olympic Team got me thinking about USA Basketball beyond the 2012 Olympics, and I wanted to throw a few thoughts out there. Again, I realize that it’s a little off the subject of Small College Basketball, but I find this to be a really interesting and related topic that I thought others would enjoy as well.
First, I think that the top priority will be finding...
2012 Olympic Team USA
While this post isn’t directly related to Small College Basketball, I thought that it would be fun to speculate on the 2012 U.S. Olympic Basketball Team.
A few notes and thoughts here:
* Jerry Colangelo and Coach “K” have done a tremendous job of bringing respect back to U.S. Basketball, for a number of reasons. In short, they absolutely care about the image of the United...
September 2010
8 posts
Anonymous asked: Why isn’t NAIA Basketball games aired on TV? The NAIA Men & Women basketball teams are just as good as the NCAA teams. In all fairness I do have and know NAIA athletes that go to the smaller Universities and Colleges and would like to see them have a chance to make it to the NBA/WNBA.
One more question: Where can I find information on entering the NBA Draft or NBA camp?
One more question: Where can I find information on entering the NBA Draft or NBA camp?
Anonymous asked: Mr. McCarthy,
I get on your blog weekly and really enjoy it. I was an assistant for Ray Harper at Kentucky Wesleyan and Oklahoma City University. I know he is now an assistant on the D1 level, but there is really no reason why he should have been left off of your great coaches list. In 12 seasons as a head coach on the small college level, he coached in 9 national title games winning 4. ...
I get on your blog weekly and really enjoy it. I was an assistant for Ray Harper at Kentucky Wesleyan and Oklahoma City University. I know he is now an assistant on the D1 level, but there is really no reason why he should have been left off of your great coaches list. In 12 seasons as a head coach on the small college level, he coached in 9 national title games winning 4. ...
Below is a story that was written by Rio Grande’s Sports Information Director, Mark Williams. I would like to thank Mark for his time and effort with the story, as well as Ken French (Head Basketball Coach at Rio Grande) for planting the idea with Mark. In addition, I would like to thank Rio Grande Athletic Director Jeff Lanham for his proactive approach in sending this article out...
The Incredible Story of the Legendary Bevo Francis
As far as I can remember, it was at some point during my sophomore year of high school when I first heard the name, “Bevo Francis”. Mr. John Finn (my grade-school coach/sponsor for Confirmation/one of my favorite human beings) took myself and Gary Boyce (who could really play, and was two grades ahead of me) to Rio Grande for a visit. We ended up having a meal with Coach John...
ericangevine asked: John - Great resource. My question is about DI athletes transferring to NAIA schools, as C.J. Henry of Kansas and Taylor King of Villanova recently did. What are the pluses and minuses of that decision? Why not go to DII?
Thanks,
Eric Angevine
StormingtheFloor.net
Thanks,
Eric Angevine
StormingtheFloor.net
Anonymous asked: John,
I ran across your blog this weekend and I love what I see. Looks like some great stuff! I read your posts about some of the best coaches in small college basketball and thought I would pass along another name for you on the young coaches list. Greg Tonagel here at Indiana Wesleyan has transformed our program from where it was when we got here. The team had won 14 total...
I ran across your blog this weekend and I love what I see. Looks like some great stuff! I read your posts about some of the best coaches in small college basketball and thought I would pass along another name for you on the young coaches list. Greg Tonagel here at Indiana Wesleyan has transformed our program from where it was when we got here. The team had won 14 total...
Anonymous asked: Nancy Lieberman, is a great human being as well as one of the best basketball players to play the game... man "or" woman!
My question. Do you think she will get the "right" chance to coach in the NBA?
Respectfully,
Cylk Cozart
My question. Do you think she will get the "right" chance to coach in the NBA?
Respectfully,
Cylk Cozart
National College Basketball Hall of Fame Class of...
The induction ceremony is set for November 21 at the Midland Theatre in Kansas City. For tickets and additional information, you may call 913-681-6224. Here’s a link to the web site for the College Basketball Hall of Fame: http://www.collegebasketballexperience.com/halloffame.aspx
Here’s the Class of 2010:
Wayne Duke, Contributor
Tom Jernstedt, Contributor
Christian Laettner,...
August 2010
10 posts
More Top Small College Basketball Coaches
This will be, by far, the longest post that I’ve had thus far. Certainly, I’ve put more time into this one than any to date.
A couple of weeks ago, with the thought of trying to gain additional interest in small college basketball, I simply posted the names of 14 Head Coaches who have done an excellent job at this level of basketball. The idea was to test your knowledge to...
NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Hall of Fame...
I am very pleased to announce the NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2011. This is one of the best classes, if not THE best class, that the NAIA has inducted. These four will now receive the NAIA’s highest honor and join the likes of Dr. James Naismith, Coach John Wooden, Willis Reed, Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, Coach Clarence “Big House”...
Upcoming post on coaches
I am working on a post on the top small college coaches in the country. I’d enjoy your thoughts as to who are the best of the best, and why. Please e-mail your thoughts to smallcollegebasketball@gmail.com. Thank you.
Some Of My Favorite Quotes, Part I
I expect that there will be quite a few more of these over time, but thought that you would enjoy these, as they are some of my favorites…..
“Every great and commanding event in the annals of the world is a triumph of enthusiasm. Nothing great was every achieved without it.”
“Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of knowing that you did your best to become...
Summer Reading, Part II
A Game Plan For Life, The Power of Mentoring, by John Wooden and Don Yaeger
For those of you that read this blog on a regular basis, or those of you who know me personally, you know of my thoughts on Coach John Wooden. I say this because I suppose that I would automatically enjoy this book because of the author and the subject. While this is true, this really is a powerful book filled with...
How Well Do You Know Your Small College Basketball...
In the last post, I threw out the names of 14 college basketball coaches that have won 500 or more games, have won at least one National Championship, have a winning percentage of 60% or more for their career, and/or have been a Head Coach at the Small College Level for 20 years or more - to test your knowledge to see if you knew the school to which each one coaches.
As a note, these are a...
Small College Basketball Coaches
How well do you know the Head Coaches within Small College Basketball? Below is a relatively small list of Head Coaches, each of which have won 500 or more games, have won at least one National Championship, have a winning percentage of 60% or more for their career, and/or have been a Head Coach at the Small College Level for 20 years or more. See if you can name their school. I will follow up...
“Every great and commanding event in the annals of the world is a triumph of...”
“Make today your personal masterpiece!”
Summer Reading
In the past number of years, I’ve really begun to enjoy learning, reading and soaking up knowledge. I realize the power and confidence in knowledge, and I’ve sought out people, books, conversations, etc. that would help me grow in various areas.
Below are some of the books that I’ve read in recent months, and I expect that there will be one or two more of these posts in the...
July 2010
11 posts
Here's a link to an excellent article by Michael... →
Some of my favorite thoughts from Coach Del Harris
As you can see below, I have recently posted some thoughts written directly by Coach Del Harris. First. let me say that I am honored that he took the time to send them. Next, let me encourage you to please send along information, topics, links and/or your thoughts (within the realm of small college basketball) that you would like to read. Please hit the “Ask Me Anything” button on...
Thoughts from Del Harris, Part II
Del Harris is probably best known as the Head Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Houston Rockets. He was the 1995 NBA Coach of the Year while with the Lakers, won over 550 games as an NBA Head Coach and has spent over 50 years coaching basketball at the collegiate and professional levels.
Before he experienced the fame of the NBA, however, Coach Harris had a...
Thoughts from Del Harris, Part I
Del Harris is probably best known as the Head Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Houston Rockets. He was the 1995 NBA Coach of the Year while with the Lakers, won over 550 games as an NBA Head Coach and has spent over 50 years coaching basketball at the collegiate and professional levels.
Before he experienced the fame of the NBA, however, Coach Harris had a...
Answers to "Ask Me Anything" Questions
Through this blog, I’ve been asked quite a few questions. For the ones that didn’t have a contact e-mail, I’ll try to answer here.
Why haven’t you posted anything on small college women’s basketball?
Quite simply, the intent of this blog to focus on the niche of men’s Small College Basketball. It’s what I know. I’ve been involved with the...
Character, Life Lessons and Athletics
This is the seventh, and final, part in a series of articles that provide insight and advice for those that are interested in playing college basketball. It is strongly suggested reading for potential student-athletes, parents/guardians and high school coaches. It is possible, and even likely, that I will provide additional thoughts and insight on this topic, or similar topics, going forward. ...
Former Small College Players Provide Advice for...
This is the sixth part in a series of articles that provide insight and advice for those that are interested in playing college basketball. The the seventh, and final part, will deal with teaching character and life lessons through sport. It is strongly suggested reading for potential student-athletes, parents/guardians and high school coaches. I have been fortunate to have served as an...