Small Market? BIG BUSINESS

Here’s a good look at the shift to being online. The recent rumors of Lebron James getting a ridiculous bonus from Nike and other sponsors if he signed with the New York Kincks in 2010 are just that – rumors. Maybe Lebron will sign with the Knicks as they will have a lot of cap space, and will be looking to spend, but there will be no extraordinary Nike bonus coming his way.

The logic behind it works – in the 1970’s or 80’s. As the rumor went, it was pitched to Lebron that New York would be a better market for him to play in since it is the biggest market in the US. It would have made sense years back when there would be more people to wear his jersey and come to games, but with the internet and the media having much improved coverage, us fans no longer have to cheer for the home town hero. We can choose to root for whom ever we like.

Lebron is a Global Brand, and that’s probably why we would consider the insane mention of $50 Million per year to play overseas. Lebron is like Tiger Woods, no matter where he plays, everyone is watching him. I am amazed that he makes the Lakers look like a small market. Kobe gets pushed aside if there is a Lebron James story to be had on the evening sports. I can remember the days when the sports coverage was of your local team and Michael Jordan. That was it. Now its all at our fingertips – if you want to cheer for Yao Ming, and you live at the North Pole, you can get relatively the same coverage as someone in Houston.

The power of info in a split has brought fans much closer to these superstars night after night. Its great for markets like Canada. Heck, if Vancouver still had the Grizzlies and was drafting Steve Francis today, maybe he would have realized that he can still be a star, and Canada isn’t half way around the globe (but that’s a whole other story for another day)

Lebron is going to live and play where he has the best shot at the championship. He has all the ingredients to be at the top of the Athlete Superstar food chain, except for the championship ring(s). We’ll see what happens as the season progresses, is that illusive championship ring in the near future?

Basketball IQ

From a coaches persepective, there's nothing better than having a player who understands the game. The high school basketball season is almost underway, with our team having their first exhibition game on Tuesday. Steve and I will be coaching the Lions again this year and it should be good.

Ok, enough of a plug for our team, lets get back to Basketball IQ. Certain players have it, some players develop it as their game and skills evolve. I find that its instinctive for most, but interpreted very differently. This topic came to mind as I was thinking about the 'back door cut" that we're not taking advantage of in our half-court set. Some players see it there, and thrive to take advantage of slipping behind their defender and getting an open lay up (considering the pass can be made). Others don't realize that the opportunity is even there.

Court sense is a part that personally, I am having trouble teaching to our team. Knowing where there will be opportunities to score, space on the court (and getting to it) as well as anticipating what the other team will do. If you have any tips, suggestions, or drills, I'd love some feedback.

I've come across this series on Lebron James called Six Tips on Youtube. Its a feature on Lebron to as part of the launch of his new shoe, the Zoom Lebron VI. This installment mentions basketball IQ and Lebron's ability to adapt, and improve your game.

The differnce maker for me after watching the video, is how his team mates have picked up on this and see how he reviews his game, notices places to better himself, and applies it immediately. Although this is partly reactive thinking, its taking the initiative and being proactive to better yourself and better your athleticism. Sometimes I really wonder about LeBron and other top athletes: will they try to make the professional sports jump like Michael Jordan did? And could it actually work for them?