It's time to take some time on coaches and, of course, some music

In a total throwback to the good old days, there’s lots of basketball in here today.

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You know who should be the next full-time head coach of Canada’s national men’s basketball team?

No one.

They don’t need one, shouldn’t pay one, can do without one.

Really.

In the wake of Thursday’s news (here’s a link to a story from our paper today that some might have missed) the knee-jerk reaction is to think about a successor to Leo Rautins.

I heard a lot of love for Dave Smart at Carlton, Kevin Hanson of UBC, a few of you suggested Jay Triano come back and I haven’t look at the e-mail or twitter stuff yet his morning to see who else is on your list but if Greg Francis isn’t on it, something’s terribly wrong.

My question?

Why?

Why get anyone now when it’s entirely possible they mothball the full senior team next summer when there’s nothing to play for?

What they should probably do is run some sort of junior-senior combo team, work on skill development, perhaps make a quick trip to Europe or Asia (at the hosts cost) and get their heads handed to them by Olympic-bound teams.

I’d let Greg Francis, Renato Pasquali and Roy Rana coach it and make it all about development of youngsters who need to get their feet a wee bit wet internationally.

I’d wait on hiring anyone for the senior team until early 2013 when the run up to the qualification tournament for the 2014 world championships gets serious.

Then I’d give that guy no more than a contract for one year guaranteed with a Canada Basketball option for the next year, fully dependent on that guy getting the team to the worlds.

And why not expand the search since it’s going to be a short-term deal at, relatively, low cost. Why not see if there’s a hot NBA assistant or a big-name European who wants to take his shot at a big-time international event?

The issue with Canada Basketball is not, and never was, about coaching. Yes, I’m sure we can all point to a couple specific instances in specific games where we’d have thought other decisions were made and maybe there were some flaws in the systems used.

But the problems go deeper. They are systemic and have to do with skill development of the younger players, forging relationships with kids, their parents, their agents and those who lurk in the shadows pretending to have the best interest of the teens at heart.

That doesn’t have to be done by a coach; it can be done by people around the game, people in the organization, people with a passion for Canada Basketball.

(Hey, I think I just found Leo’s new gig)

Anyway, there should be no rush to hire anyone or even think about anyone as the next head coach of the team.

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So I’m guessing it was only because they knew I was the ballyard that the film festival folks didn’t ask me to wander down the red carpet with Bono and the lads last night for the debut of the U2 documentary, right?

Anyway, I didn’t see it (here’s what our chronicler said) but it got me thinking, as things do.

Best Rock Documentaries

(A disclaimer: I haven’t seen a lot, my musical tastes run more to the past than the present so …)

A top three, in order

The Last Waltz

Scorcese. The Band. Behind the scenes footage, more music than you could want.

It’s one of those things you should watch at least once a year, if not more frequently.

Gimme Shelter

Hey, why don’t we hold a big outdoor concert with a band that attracts a certain kind of fan and hire a motorcycle gang to do security?

What could go wrong?

Don’t Look Back

Sure, I could go with No Direction Home and give another nod to Scorcese but this one’s better, I think.

Now, I’m sure all of you have all kinds that may be better but I remain A Grunt Of A Certain Vintage and if those three played on an endless loop, I’d be fine.

I do recall one about the Ramones that was outstanding but I don’t recall the specifics; I presume it and The Kids Are All Right might round out a Top Five.

And, no, This Is Spinal Tap, while a classic, doesn’t count.

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Mail, please. Here. Thank you.

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Once more back to Canada Basketball.

I’m going to say this because I know it to be true from all the time I spent around that team and that program.

I don’t care what you think of his technical coaching abilities, there isn’t a guy who had, or has, more passion for the program than Leo.

As a coach, he had enough smarts to know what he didn’t know, if you know what I mean, which is why he added guys like Mike Malone, Renato Pasquale, Jim Todd and Scott Roth to his staff.

But as a guy who wanted the program to succeed and did all he could to build some bridges? No one tried harder or with more sincerity.

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Now that I think of it, would A Grunt Of A Certain Vintage be a fine epitaph?

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Man, we are full of Canada Basketball stuff.

Know what else is going on?

The world three-on-three tournament for teens over in Italy and Canada – so I hear from a spy over there – is already in action; the girls won their first game, the boys split their first two and there’s all kinds of action still going on. If you want to check it out, it’s here.

Now, I guess three-on-three is to real basketball what beach volleyball is to real basketball and despite my initial concerns about the bastardization of the sport, I can see where it’s a good thing.

Gets more kids playing, it truly does develop all around skills and that’s of paramount importance n this day and age. And we’re good at it, too.

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Oh, you’d probably want to take Spain over Serbia, Germany over Turkey and Lithuania over France if you’re thinking about EuroBasket today.

Speaking off, I’m told by people who’ve been or on the ground over in Lithuania that Jonas Valanciunas has become something of a rock star with the national team.

A combination of his youth, his skill and his exuberance has made him a huge fan favourite, and that’s a saying something in a country that takes its basketball as seriously as Lithuania does.

On the court, the thing everyone I’ve talked to is impressed with is how he’s been able to play and defend and not foul. That’s always a huge concern with young kids early in their senior international career and he’s handling it very well.

And if you’re not going to take my word for it, or the word of the folks I talk to, here’s one about him you might want to read.

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Comments

[Hap]

Have you ever seen the Beatles Anthology? Definitely in my top 5

Blogger's note: I have, yes; definitely a good one

[sam]

Rock documentary:
There have been a few that stand out:
Some Canadian content. Recently saw one on Rush. I'm not a terribly big fan of thier music but as regular folks they are regular folks - Seem like all around good guys. A Doc on Anvil painted a picture of a band, once somewhat popular searching for relevance in todays music world...

Scorcese seems to be the go to guy for Rock Docs - There's an excellent Rolling Stones one from a few years ago, and I understand he's recently completed a feature in George Harrison that should air in the fall on HBO.

Agree with your thoughts on Canada Basketball - While I'm not a big fan of Leo's broadcasting work - I know very little about his coaching abilities. It appears he was handcuffed by a few things - lack of talent and high expectations. Can't blame those who didn't play for the team though.

[Lake Simcoe]

I will recommend out immigration head officer as the new head coach....and he is not allowed to quit until we get some wins....

[john]

Hey Doug, been following the Eurobasket quite sporadically. I am not sure if it’s my imagination or not, but it seems that every time I go the FIBA website there is a picture or article of JV. Is it too early to say that this is shaping up to be a great pic for the Raps? I would be a little suspect if all this hype was coming from MLG, but it’s not, it’s coming from the FIBA website. I am not suggesting that he is the saviour for our Raps or an instant allstar, but doesn’t this all bode very well for his development compared to the guys who were taken in front of him who are not getting the same amount of competition development? I just wonder what your thoughts are on his showing to date, of course Kleiza was an all-star at last year’s worlds and that didn’t really pan out so well….

[Derek H]

Let the Leo bashing begin. I think he did the best he could do with the players he had. Yes there will be those that say Triano did a better job than Leo; look what he did with the 2000 Olympic team. But it comes down to players. Let's see. They had 3 NBAers; Nash, Todd McCullough (a very solid quality starting centre and Bill Wennington (I believe he was still around). They also had Rowan Barrett (a solid wing player better than any wing player on today's team) who I believed played in a very good league in Europe whereas most Canadian team members today play in lower tier leagues. So don't tell me the top 4 players on this years national team are better than the top 4 players on the 2000 Olympic team; it's not even close. And then the bashers will say how Leo could not get Nash to play and how the bridges were burned between Nash and basketball Canada. Newsflash! Nash is getting old and wants to take care of his body. He also has more things on his plate to do including he has children and he did also give many years to the national program. And the people running basketball Canada are totally different than those that let Triano go. Then the bashers will say how Jamal Magloire (i never really gave a crap to play for my country) would have been the difference maker and state Leo burned bridges with him. Oh ya and Samuel Dalmabert (I am the man and I am bringing my entourage with me; screw the team attitude) who Leo burned bridges with. Leo from what I hear took a great amount of energy in trying to build relationships and a team atmosphere. And Tristan Thompson decided not to play for school reasons; not because he hates Leo Rautins. And oh Mike Kobango; even if he wanted to play he would not have made the team. And bashers will also say how Levon Kendall got no minutes one game and many the next. Well with a tournament where you are playing everyday you have to be careful how you use players and distribute minutes and Kendall also had back issues and not to mention he is a very inconsistent player. Oh ya and Leo has no coaching experience although he was coached by arguably one of the best if not best coaches (in the late great Jack Donahue) in Canadian team history. Leo knows the game and also the international game as he played many years internationally. Canada's failure is not Leo's fault. More talented players are required. Yes I am a Leo apologist. If you don't like it too fricken bad.

[LeeZ]

Doug, you got the Rocumentaries list bang on. And the best part about the Last Waltz is the commentary track, listening to Robbie and Marty. A great story that Robbie Robertson told: The Last Waltz represented his most expensive coke deal ever. Neil Young played in the concert and was obviously higher than a kite. Neil's people were present at the rushes and went to Robbie and threatened to sue if the footage of Neil was included in the film. You see, there was this painfully obvious white booger of coke in his nose. They demanded that the booger somehow be edited out of the film. Well, this was the 70s, and computer editing, photoshop and the like had yet to be invented. So Robbie et al had to PAINSTAKINGLY excise, FRAME BY FRAME, the booger from Neil's nose. Cost them tens of thousands of dollars.

[DannyFromFreddy]

Doug, you and I are about the same age. I new very little about the Foo Fighters prior to seeing the Back and Forth rockumentary. It made me a fan of the band. Very entertaining.

As for Leo, I agree with you. There is no one more committed to developing basketball in Canada than Leo. I salute him for his efforts.

[john]

@Derek H,
A few people know why Canada's best players are not playing and they aren't talking. Whether its Leo's fault or just a long string of coincidences doesn’t matter, the fact is there is one common element and that’s Leo. Suggesting that he can be a great coach cause he was coached by a great coach makes no sense at all. It’s like saying golf is easy cause I went to the Canadian Open. Leo has no experience as a Basketball Coach. Period.
I don’t think anyone disputes his passion for the team and his desire to put Canada Basketball on the map. I think he vastly over-estimated his own ability to attract players and to run the program. Thankfully he resigned quickly and kept a bay what would have been very awkward media speculation (he is part of the same fraternity don’t forget) about his future and the program can move forward.Hallelujah

Blogger's note: You're dead wrong. He's got seven years experience as a head basketball coach, coached in a world championship and a final Olympic qualification event. And when you want to put names to "a few people know why Canada's best players are not playing and they aren't talking" come on back

[Lorie]

Wow. The stuff we learn here. Ahhh...thanks LeeZ. I think. Anyway, the Martin Scorsese documentary on the Stones is called "Shine A Light" and even if you're not a big fan of Mick and Keith and the boys, it's worth watching. Great footage of Buddy Guy performing with them. Could've done without the Bill Clinton appearance, though. How many of you got up at 4am EST to watch the Rugby World Cup? Terrific Opening Ceremonies down there in New Zealand! And it got me thinking...the All Blacks have this before matches:
http://youtu.be/tdMCAV6Yd0Y
Maybe we could work out something for our SMNT as the program is redeveloping? (I see 'em clad as Mounties and Husky Vogageurs...) Cheers! The Kiwi Kind Today!

[Dadeo]

Thank GAWD Leo stepped down....he was obviously the reason we crashed and burned at FIBA and the only reason our top players wouldnt play. If we dont see Nash, Dalembert, Magloire, Thompson, et al suited up for the next competition it will obviously be ummmmm Coach X's fault, yeah, lets get a head start crucifying him/her now!!

[grits]

The ones on your list are good, but the top concert movie for me will always be Stop Making Sense with the Talking Heads. Not really a documentary, just a live concert movie, but Jonathan Demme did a great job and David Byrne is riveting. "Same as it ever was".

[sam]

Thanks Lorie: "Shine A Light" is indeed the name of the documentary. Favourite Scene: After Buddy Guy played Kieth takes off his guitar - a Gibson 335 - hands it to Buddy and mumbles something. Buddy looks confused...Kieth says no it's yours - you can have it. I should be so lucky.

[Sam Rook]

Wouldn't Butch Carter be an interesting and potentially great hire for Team Canada next year? He obviously wants to get back into the game and was always a great motivator and tactician (both big things in short tournaments). Does CdaBB take a chance on him though?

Blogger's note: Inspired idea if he's still around in 2013 and looking

[Mike D.]

What do you mean, This Is Spinal Tap doesn't count?? Theirs go up to eleven!!

[SheikYurbouti]

Kudos for giving appropriate props to Leo. I'm no fan of his droning as a Raps commentator either, but I believe your take on him giving all he has to Canada Basketball. I just listened to his interview on Prime Time and feel he was unfairly judged for it in yesterday's posts. Those guys wouldn't let up (3 times at least) with prodding him to say something about missing potential pieces, and I don't know that any of us could have responded much better.

I don't know if I'm a sick puppy or not, but I watch The Last Waltz at least 3 times a year. Well, maybe I am a sick puppy, but not just because of that.:)

[james]

Of course there is another senior national team that I believe still has a chance to make the Olympics. What's up with the women? I agree with you that improving skills at all levels, with the national team as the top of a pyramid, is the way forward. I also don't think the search for a coach should necessarily be limited to Canadians. Thirty-five years ago, Canada was fourth in the world with an American coach, but the game has improved everywhere since then. You'll probably never get all eligible players on board, life is just too complicated. But kudos to the players (and coaches) who went to Argentina. I watched all the games and always felt they were giving it their best effort. You can't really ask for more than that, can you? Has any enlightened network decided to pick up the Euro final? PS: Glad you remembered "Gimme Shelter" and "Don't Look Back".

Blogger's note: The women start their final camp in Mississauga Saturday, you'll be reading a lot about them between now and the start of their qualifier later this month in Colombia.

[Jay H]

I am of a different vintage and this is a recently released doc about a band of similar vintage to the grunt of a certain vintage...

http://whenyourestrangemovie.com/

Never seen before footage and you can't go wrong with Johnny Depp narrative!

[GM]

Not to bash a man when he's down, but I've got a few thoughts on Mr. Rautens as coach. Doug, I think it's a bit disingenuous to cite his national team coaching (7 years) as experience when his detractors don't mean it that way. Maybe it's semantics, but I think they mean no *prior* coaching experience. And while 7 years sounds like a long time, how many games was that exactly? It's hardly a full-time job.

I would also take exception to this line: "there isn’t a guy who had, or has, more passion for the program than Leo." Really? Ken Shields? Jay Triano? Neither had more passion for the program? Maybe it's semantics again in that they didn't have more, but not less either. But you have to consider how your words will be taken. One often forgotten time in Leo's history is that he quit the team and threatened to play for Lithuania, only he wasn't able to. And I've heard rumours that he threw his jersey on the floor and stepped on it. Okay, fair enough, maybe it was in the heat of the moment. My point is those aren't exactly the actions of someone who has had the most passion for the program.

And finally, not to get too nationalistic, but Leo has lived in New York state since his college days and raised his family there. Andy is Canadian because Leo is, not because he spent much time here as a kid. So it could be interpreted that he cares not as much about developing basketball in Canada as he did in (understandably) trying to further his career, a la Triano.

That being said, I do think Leo was one of the very best players in his prime the national team has ever had. And I think he's great for the game.

[Andrew Gregg]

Hi Doug:

This is worth a read:

http://nba-point-forward.si.com/2011/09/09/nash-doesnt-owe-team-canada-anything/?sct=nba_t11_a0

It brings up how Steve Nash was pretty angry when Triano was fired in 2005. People haven't' forgotten that, and I think it's one of the reasons Rautins got criticized for not being able to field the best Canadian players. In that context, it wasn't really all Rautins' fault: he didn't fire Jay.

But something is wrong, and I suspect it begins with the bureaucracy at Canada Basketball. Bureaucracies, as invaluable as they are, are not designed to cater to the needs of individual, high performance athletes. For as long as I have known about Canada Basketball/Basketball Canada, it has been fraught with structural and organizational problems. I worked there for awhile a long time ago and it was a mess, just like it is again today.

AG, Toronto

[Peter Brown]

Nash gets a pass. He's done his bit for Queen and country. It's all of the other top Canadian guys who don't want to play for Canada that is a disgrace. We should be condemning them as we would hockey players who don't want to play Team Canada. The NBAers should be booed off the court every time they visit the ACC.

[Christopher Marchant]

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