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Veteran's Camp
1/13/2007
By Bill Fleming
General Manager of the USBL's Scranton Breakers

Bill Fleming, the President and GM of a minor league team, cuts dozens of pro players every year. In this article, Fleming focuses on how to act once you've made it to Veteran's Camp. Although, specifics deal with those looking to reach the pros, the techniques apply to all levels of players trying to make the team.

Congratulations! You have made the first leap and made it to the Vet’s Camp. By now the open portion players are gone home to work on their skills and parts of their game the coaches think they need to make the team next time. (If this is you keep playing and working as you may just get the call again sooner than you think!) Each player invited to vets camp has a purpose. To some it’s to push the returning player or high profile vet while others are pegged to stake a spot on the roster already.

Your goal is to get one of the 10 to 12 spots on the team. Here is a list of Do’s and Don’ts that will help you at this important stage.

Don’t

· Don’t go into this phase thinking you are on the team and let up playing as hard as you can.

· Don’t think about a starting spot, only a spot on the team.

· Don’t talk to the other players and fool around while you are not playing, keep your mind on the game at hand and watch the players that you are competing with.

· Never go to the coaches about playing time or the position you are playing.

· Don’t hurry to leave after practice. (be the last on the court)

· Don’t bring your friends, family or agents to practice. If you are not staying overnight and need a ride home bring 1 person only.

· Don’t’ ever quit playing, act as if it’s the National Championship and are going to shoot the last basket. (Coaches are looking for the guy that wants to win and is willing to work his butt off in order to succeed.)

· Don’t shoot around outside of your position. Work on what you will shoot during the game.

Do’s

· Be early to the practice.

· Get to the trainer for any needs first. GET on the court.

· Always go over to all coaches and shake their hands each day.

· Work on the worst part of your game before practice.

· Be a team player. Look to help out in any position you are put in. Coaches will tryout players in different positions to see if they can fill more than one spot in a pinch.

Overnight stays in camp

· Don’t go out on the town, rest you body. You are not there to socialize or pick up anyone!

· Eat the right foods for you. Drink lots of water to refresh your body.

Look for my next article focusing on what to do once you make the team.