Inside the Episode
We had the pleasure of sitting down with with Long Island Nets Assistant, Jimmie Oakman, this week on the podcast to discuss a range of valuable topics both on and off the court. Coach Oakman is well known for his humble and intelligent approach to the game, both of which were on display in this week’s conversation. Here’s a look inside the episode…
3 Key Tactical Concepts
- Producing Highly Efficient Scouting Reports: A great primer on the in’s and out’s of a great scouting report. Coach Oakman discusses what he likes to include, how much information and stats each player needs to know, and how he prepares players, teams, and fellow coaches for a variety of situations. An excellent deep-dive into how one of the best navigates this part of the game. Coach Oakman is passionate about this subject, in fact, he has an entire book out on the subject complete with scouting templates HERE.
- Establishing Standards vs. Rules: A conversation about effective ways of establishing player-driven “standards” rather than rules in a program. Coach Oakman talks about how these standards help establish team culture, keep players authentically bought-in, and allow flexibility for coaches when it comes to decision-making.
- Building an Authentic Coaching Network: Coach Oakman is well-known as a someone who is willing to share, listen, and learn from others at all levels, and he discusses his thoughts on why developing true connections with others is so important in a career. He delivers some truly powerful messages about how younger coaches can go about building a network in an authentic way.
2 Key Quotes from Coach Oakman
- On commitment to the craft: “I was in a situation not too long ago where I was at a clinic and I was the only one that didn’t have a name on my polo, and I couldn’t get a call-back from a D III GA spot….Over time, if you keep sticking to this thing, it’s great. You’ve got to be willing to dive in somewhere, sink or swim, whatever level you want to be, you’ve got to be all-in.”
- On efficient scouting reports: “To me, it all needs to be actionable, it can’t just be vague. We’re not writing a complete narrative on this guy…Let’s just give three things we’re going to do for this guy…Like, let’s jam him on rebounds in transition, keep him off the glass, and put him in pick n’ rolls. All three things can be pretty important for that player…Make it actionable versus writing a report.”
1 Interesting “Start, Sub, or Sit?!”
- Topic: “Assistant Coaching Traits that’ll get you fired or not hired?!” (which is the worst?)
- Choices: The “Monday Mornin’ Quarterback”, the “Always Moody Assistant”, or “Poor Boundaries with Players”
- Coach Oakman’s “Start”: The “Moody Assistant”