The Detroit Pistons have hired assistant coach Michael Curry to take the place of Flip Saunders who was recently fired as head coach. MLive.com has a story on Curry’s son, Deon who happens to play basketball and football at Michigan State and what the younger Curry thinks about his dad moving over a few inches on the bench to take over the head job with the Pistons.
“He’s going to be a leader that has his players follow him toward an NBA championship,” said Curry, a senior receiver for coach Mark Dantonio. “You will see hard work, more than anything — a team that doesn’t quit and keeps going.”
I have seen Curry in person – not as a coach, but as a player, acting like a coach.
A few years ago he would visit Michigan State and play pick up ball with some of the MSU players in the off-season. A few things I noticed about the professional player before, during and after the games with the young, eager Spartans.
1-He would stretch before the games. I don’t mean your typical touch your toes, reach for the sky, Jack LaLane type stuff. I mean this guy really stretched! All parts of his body – he was focused on stretching! You’re probably saying what does stretching have to do with anything? I will tell you – when you stretch, it shows you care about your body and most of all your preparation. I see players who just walk into the gym and want to start playing. Stretching is preparation, a vital trait for the coaching business.
2-During the pick-up games he’d pass, pass and pass some more. He was moving without the ball, setting screens to free teammates up and most of all, his teams usually won. In most off-season pick up games, pro players like to shoot, and shoot often; especially against college guys. But Curry made sure to involve his teammates.
3-Last but not least, after the games he was always coaching the MSU players on the side with small tidbits on the game; Instructing, pointing things out, and giving advice when needed. Curry wasn’t talking trash, or even imposing his will. He wasn’t sticking his chest out and saying, ‘Look at me, I’m in the league’.
Michael Curry is going to do a fine job in Auburn Hills.
Filed under: Deon Curry, Flip Saunders, Michael Curry | Tagged: Basketball, Deon Curry, Detroit Pistons, Football, Michael Curry, Michigan State, MLive, Sports
[...] are won and lost on in-game adjustments — but Michael Curry is taking this literally. From Coach’s Network: A few years ago he would visit Michigan State and play pick up ball with some of the MSU players [...]
Thank you Detroit Bad Boys…