The 2nd Annual NAU Lumberjack's Basketball Coaches Clinic took place this weekend on the campus of Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. The event was held over two days and was hosted by the NAU men's basketball staff for coaches throughout the state of Arizona. While there were numerous coaches in attendance from throughout the state, there were also some coaches that made the trip from outside the state as well to hear instruction from some of the top coaches in the country.
The field of coaches for this year's event was impressive, as NAU head coach Jack Murphy and his staff brought out such top names as Sean Miller (University of Arizona head coach), Josh Pastner (Memphis head coach), Dave Rice (UNLV head coach), Derrick Clark (Metro State head coach), Sue Darling (NAU women's head coach), Jeff Rutter (Arizona Christian head coach) , Tim Grgurich (NBA legend), Chad Iske (Denver Nuggets-NBA), Damon Stoudamire (Univ. of Arizona assistant coach), Jim Saia (Cal State San Marcos) and, of course, Jack Murphy (NAU head coach).
Over the two-day event, each coach gave quality instruction about different aspects of the game of basketball. I was able to attend the event on Saturday, and was impressed with the hard work and preparation put into the event by the NAU coaching staff. I was also impressed by the knowledge and the attentiveness of the coaches in participation. There was a lot of interaction by the presenters and those in attendance, which created a nice learning atmosphere.
Since taking over the helm at Northern Arizona, Jack Murphy and his basketball staff have changed the perception of the NAU basketball program within the state - recruiting many more prospects in the state of Arizona and providing a viable option for top Arizona student-athletes to play for. The NAU coaching staff works tirelessly to create a winning tradition for the Lumberjack basketball program, and also looking to raise the overall level of basketball within the state with events such as their coaching clinic. While there were many coaches in attendance this weekend for the instruction, there should have been many more, as our state continues to be in need of better instruction and more quality coaching.
This is one event I will keep on my calendar annually, as I enjoyed it very much. Whether to gain some valuable information from a long list of quality coaches, or simply to support a basketball staff that deserves the support, this is a can’t miss event each year for coaches throughout the state.
"You can always get better at your craft," said Metro State head coach Derrick Clark - former NCAA D-II Coach of the Year.