Kevin Eastman Coaching U Clinic Notes 2013 by Jonathan Gatlin

Written by Coach Peterman

I have coached at the NCAA Division 2 (Southwestern Oklahoma State University), NAIA (USAO), and JUCO Levels (Blinn College and Carl Albert State College) as well as high school. I just felt that fellow coaches especially young coaches need to constantly work on their “game”. Just like the basketball players that we coach. We as coaches need to improve ourselves. That is my story and why I do this blog.



Basketball Coaching | Basketball Coaching Clinic Notes



0 Comments(s)



October 29, 2013

Kevin Eastman Coaching U Clinic Notes 2013

Kevin Eastman is an assistant coach of the Los Angeles Clippers with 10 years of coaching experience on the NBA level. During his first 9 years he was an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics; Coach Eastman helped the Celtics win their 17th championship in 2008. He has coached on the collegiate level as a head coach for Washington State University, and University of North Carolina Wilmington; and as an assistant at University of Tulsa, Virginia Commonwealth University, Colorado State University, and University of Richmond. Coach Eastman is the co-founder of Coaching U Live, where he gives back to the game and helps basketball coaches learn and grow in their profession.

Defense is the main emphasis of these clinic notes; Coach Eastman explains the elements of having a successful transition defense. He explains that it is necessary to have the right “Mindset” when applying an effective transition defense. I think mindset is key in all areas of basketball, whether it be the coach’s mindset or the players’; mindset is extremely key to success. For example with the coach, a successful mindset would be to teach the right way; to instruct your players effectively on offense, defense, etc. As a coach, where is your mind on these things? The right mindset allows the coach to coach effectively, teach effectively, motivate, and inspire effectively.

Coach Eastman also gives some teaching points for all coaches off the court. “Don’t just network, build relationships”, “1 full year of giving before you ask a favor of someone”. I actually think these are important life lessons, because these principles are effective within your program and on the outside. One other quote I would like to point out before you coaches really dive into this material is when he states, “Opportunity is everywhere, its just that you are not”. Ask yourself what that means to you, and enjoy these notes.

Jonathan Gatlin is a recent graduate of North Carolina State University finishing with a major in Sport Management and a minor in Coaching Education. He has worked for AAU programs, coached intramural athletics, and worked various basketball camps. He is a student of the game looking to further his coaching career as a Graduate Assistant. “Teaching the game, Training for life”