By Ian Jang, Y9
Coach Jeff has been an upstanding member of the Ecolint community as a basketball coach and P.E. teacher for the past 15 years. I had the pleasure of interviewing him for the LGB Express. When I joined the boy’s basketball team, I admired him for two reasons: his shooting accuracy and his height.
What is your philosophy of coaching?
I don’t believe in giving up. Whatever you are trying to do, don’t quit! Try!
Would you like to share your background with us before you joined LGB?
I used to be a professional basketball player in the United States.
What do you think are the most important factors when coaching basketball to all different levels of players?
I do not want it to be only a competitive sports team, I along with many coaches put efforts to have people enjoy basketball and learn the fundamental skills of basketball. For example: dribbling, passing, shooting, rebounding, and defense.
What are some hurdles you feel while coaching?
It is a challenge to coach people with different types of level in basketball of the same category. Training a group of players with large differences in skill level requires a lot of preparation because I would like to have different level players to get the same type of training. I cannot only focus on one group. I would teach a skill or tactic, making good judgement, encouraging learners to continue to add layers of challenges as learning progresses. I try to include everybody so that a less skilled player can still be able to appreciate what is involved to learn a skill and complex skills to those who demand a challenge.
What are your most exciting moments in coaching?
Throughout 15 years, it has been a joy to see the progress of kids from the beginning to when they leave the school. Watching them improve over the years made me feel proud for them.
How would you describe the Ecolint basketball teams? Do you have a goal for basketball players to aim for?
It changes every year. It’s difficult to answer. Basketball is not an easy sport and requires grit. To understand that basketball, you need to understand how to manage a contact sport.
What lessons would you teach basketball players besides basketball?
Don’t give up! Just because you lose once doesn’t mean you should quit. It requires patience and endurance.
Do you have any workshops or camps for those who are serious about going forward with basketball?
I don’t have a specific one, but I think it is helpful to find a camp to participate in. They will definitely improve. I do coach at a club so if someone is really passionate about basketball they do join a team to train daily.
Any other advice you would like to share with the Ecolint community?
Respect everyone, don’t be afraid of the person that is better than you. You can do it too!
In the past ten years I have known him, Coach Jeff still remains someone I admire greatly. It is still very impressive to watch him sink every shot. LGB students are very fortunate to work with professional athletes like himself and we hope Coach Jeff can be with us for many more years.
