Big Sky Polls

MSU WBB Bobcats were picked in both the media and coaches poll to finish 3rd this season.

So what do I think about that?

Nothing. Here is why.

• It doesn't matter. Where we all place in March is what matters.
• Polls are just everyone's best guess based upon last year's results, who we have returning, who we have signed, etc.
• Polls don't predict what players have done during their offseasons.
• Polls can't predict injuries.
• Polls can't predict if a team gets hit by the swine flu.

Between now and March, a million things will happen throughout the season. My goal for the Bobcats isn't to focus on the million things but just the ONE thing at the time it presents itself.

Today's goal, GET BETTER, BE CONSISTENT, and COMPETE!

Go Cats!

Bobcat Fashion Show

The 2009 Bobcat Fashion Show is Saturday November 7th at the Baxter Hotel Ball Room. More information to come! If you want to buy a ticket, please call Jillian at 406-994-4442.

First Practice DONE!

The first weekend of practices are officially in the books. Here's what we accomplished.

1. Sore muscles head to toe. We finished off the weekend in the C'mon Inn Hot tubs!
2. Bumps and bruises. Baeta Bak leads the team in bruises at this point. We still need to teach her how to fall, but Erica Perry and Sarah Strand lead the team in bumps, OUCH!
3. Mistakes, mistakes, and more mistakes. This time of the year you start with a million mistakes and your goal is to get that number as low as possible by March!
4. We put in our 1/2 court man defense and the team is EXCITED to play it this year.
5. We introduced the CONCEPTS of transition offense, but the concept has yet to be visual.
6. Last but not least we finished off a GREAT weekend with a SPECTACULAR dinner at President Gamble's for our Top 5 Academic National place with a 3.5 Team GPA.

We had a lot to celebrate at the Gamble's residence. Obviously we celebrated our team's academic achievements in which we missed Anne Phippard and Mara Hoefer who were a big part of that.

However, Nubia Garcia was with us with an engagement ring as well as Coach Saneholtz with an engagement ring. The only other rings I hope to see with this squad are Big Sky Championship ones.

We recognized the retirement of President Gamble. The good news is that President and Patricia Gamble will still be around supporting our athletic teams and our academic community, and we hope to see their new place with a TOP 5 finish next year.

In the meantime, the best news of all is that it means another fan for our home games. We welcome our new President Waded Cruzado to our first conference home game on January 1st against Weber State University, ALSO the start of her first day at Montana State.

Go Cats!

Coach Bin

I FORGOT TO BLOG

How could I forget to blog? What is going on that would distract me? Was it the sushi I had last night? Was it Brooklyn's 4:00 am wake up?

Oh, wait. We have our first practice tonight at 5:00!

We have 17 days before our first game. Did I mention we have 7 newcomers & 6 returners?

We need man offense, quick hits, zone offense, quick hits, out of bounds plays, 1/2 court defense, full court defense, end of game situations to cover, and even a press breaker. Oh, wait again. I have Erica Perry and Ally Schmitt. We can at least put that off for a bit.

It's going to be an exciting season!

Go Cats!

Coach Bin

9 Year Anniversary

No, this isn't about MSU, but yesterday my husband and I celebrated 9 amazing years of marriage. I can't believe it has gone by so fast.

Here is how we met. In 1999 I was an assistant coach at Boise State University. Our head coach, Trish Stevens came into my office following a home visit with Todd's little sister Jenny (who signed with the Broncos). Trish told me she had the perfect guy for me, so as to follow my boss's instructions we went out, got engaged, and married all within ten months. Those of you who are my players, we were also 27 and 28 years old so you all need to focus on basketball because boys are a distraction!

This may sound cliche, but I truly believe a successful marriage is a like a great team. You have to have open and good communication. You have to sacrifice, respect, and trust one another. If one isn't as committed as the next you will have conflicts. Knock on wood, but I our hardest conflict so far has been about whether or not the blinds should be open or closed. We laugh because we can't even remember who thought they should be open or closed at the time.

Todd and I knew on our first date we were the perfect fit for each other. We are different in a lot of ways but that is what brings us such balance to each other. I don't know what I would do without his patience in my life. Todd knows my strengths and weaknesses and I know his. However, a good relationship builds up the strengths and works on the weaknesses.

Sound like a team to you?

Coach Bin

SKY MILES

I apologize for the delay in blogging, but I have been TRAVELLING all over this country looking for future Bobcats. Here are the highlights.

Mesa, AZ: Met a dog that didn't want to bite me, but rather growl instead. Why is that a highlight? Because I have been attacked by dogs twice in my life! This one was about the size of my hand so I think I could have taken him.

Oakland, Rocklin, and BACK to Oakland, CA: In & Out Burger & Popeyes. Don't worry, I eat well when it's not July recruiting and I am NOT in California.

Somewhere in Washington: Yes, I have been travelling so much I don't remember which city the tournament was in. However, I love Tree of Hope's tournaments because the packets are only $60 and they have a hospitality room for the coaches. THANK YOU

KANSAS: I could say the cities but basically I flew in to Wichita and drove back and forth across the entire state. They have a million country stations in Kansas! On top of that every station plays Taylor Swift. I thought a CD was in on repeat.

The Best of the Best: Home to Bozeman at last.

Coach Binford