Wednesday, August 27, 2008

MOVE IN DAY

Today is the first day of orientation and the official "move in" day for freshmen in the dorms.

What's cool about MSU is that faculty and staff take this day out of the office to help the new students transfer their belongings from their car to dorm room.

I think the highlight of the "move in" day is seeing the variety of personalities. For example, you have the "high maintenance" student that has four car loads of clothing, the "Costco" student that has ample supply of munchies, appliances, etc, the "outback" student that has brought a sleeping bag and just enough gear to get by, and the "space cadet" that gets to their room before remembering four things they forgot to bring.

Needless to say, "move in" day is exciting time as we prepare for the first days of school. It's a good week for the economy with all the Kleenex bought by the parents. I imagine I will be in their shoes in a few years, but for now I get to be the one running their child into basketball shape.

That begins NEXT WEEK!

Go Cats

Saturday, August 23, 2008

USA WBB WIN'S GOLD


Congrats to the USA Women's Basketball Team winning the Gold Medal.

The US averaged victories of 37+ points per game. Playing in the championship game against the talented Opals of Australia, the US was able to hold Australia under 25% shooting from the field.

This is no easy task when you seeing how talented Australia is at every position. I had the opportunity to compete against many of the Aussies, from the WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson to the feisty Kristi Harrower. Although my patriotism is 100% with the US I did cheer for Penny Taylor to have a great game as she is a former teammate and friend of mine from the Cleveland Rockers. I miss our sushi luncheons.

This group put together posed the greatest challenge to the US but could not find a rhythm throughout the game because of our defensive pressure. We controlled the game from the opening tip despite foul trouble to key players and brought home the Gold once again.

As a coach, a US citizen, and a parent I want to thank our Olympians for representing us well on both ends of the court, on the sidelines, and back home in the US.

GO USA!

Coach Bin

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

PERFORMANCE


Performance seems to be the word of the Olympics. Whether you are the world record holder or a mere underdog, it all comes down to performance on the day your event.

My heart ached for Lolo Jones last night when she ran the 100 meter hurdles. She had dominated in the qualifying heats and had the gold in her grasp with two hurdles out and then clipped the hurdle before falling at the finish line without placing. She later told the commentators she hits a hurdle probably twice in a given year and it unfortunately had to be the most important race of all.

You have to hand it to Lolo and the Olympic athletes to put that much dedication into their sport for one opportunity, hoping for that perfect performance. The most important ingredient I demand of our student athletes is their willingness to take these risks and put themselves out there. It is the most challenging request I ask for as there is no guarantee as Lolo can attest.

However, the athlete who is willing to be vulnerable to failure can also have the greatest rewards of all. Just look at Shawn Johnson who had won three silver medals in gymnastics before finishing off her last event on the beam with her deserving GOLD. She made the most of her opportunity, and her smile shows the work was all worth it.

In two weeks our team will go through their own performance challenges of conditioning and strength testing.They will begin workouts with our staff and have their opportunity to show what they have done over the summer. My hope is to see that same great "SMILE" on every player's face. However, if some "clip" so to speak, I guarantee they will get back up and finish the race just as Lolo did.

Coach Bin

Friday, August 15, 2008

Olympics

I apologize for the delay on my latest blog. I am not one to come up with excuses, but I will say our newest addition to the family has taken precedent this past week.

My family has been blessed with a healthy girl, and as far as recruiting goes, I am already receiving messages from other coaches that they will be sending her a questionnaire.

Sorry coaches, Brooklyn Binford is ALL BOBCAT! Whether that is as a trackster, basketball player, or even a piano player is entirely up to her.

I will also say we had pretty good timing delivering right before the start of this year's Olympics. The 3:00am feedings don't seem to be so hard to get through when there is something exciting to watch on t.v.. Brooklyn and I have already started learning the game of basketball watching our women's team take on Spain this morning (just in case she chooses that sport).

We are looking forward to track starting today as that is my son's favorite sport. Just ask my team. Every road trip he creates his own track. Whether it's in the airport, gym, or hotel room, he loves to run.

Enjoy the rest of the Olympic Games. It has been an exciting summer with Michael Phelps historic quest, our gymnasts taking the Gold and Silver, and beach volleyball's duo of Misty May Treanor and Kerry Walsh protecting their gold.

I know we will be watching. Who needs sleep anyway.

GO CATS!

Monday, August 4, 2008

Brooklyn Taylor Binford


Brooklyn Taylor Binford was born this afternoon (8/4/08) at 1:48 pm. She is 6 pounds, 13 ounces, 19 inches tall and long fingers for ball handling!

THANKS

Coach Scanson