THOUGHTS FROM GENE KEADY

Some general thoughts from former Purdue coach Gene Keady:

"Basketball is an easy game to play, but it is a difficult game to master."

"These players talked about how hard they worked in preseason conditioning, worked hard in practice. They didn't care if the coach made them stay an extra half hour. OUr team this year won 28 games, second in the Big Ten and the biggest cheer I got all year was when I said, "No practice tomorrow." They hated to practice. Therefore we didn't advance past the second round in the NCAA Tournament. We didn't have the work ethic that it took to be a champion. The teams that were champions wanted to be the best. It we had wanted to work more this year, perhaps we would have won 30 games and been in the Final Four."

"All habits are set by the tone of your practice."

SIX THINGS TO HELP YOU BUILD YOUR TEAM

1. You must teach fundamentals

2. You must be in shape

3. Understand the importance of team morale

4. You must be able to pressure the ball on defense

5. You need flexibility in your offensive system

6. Be a good transition team

FOUR THINGS NECESSARY TO WIN

1. Have control of your players

2. Schedule to meet the needs of your team understanding your level of talent

3. Be able to adjust to officiating

4. Have a supportive administration