Blue Collar Basketball stopped in at Whitefield Academy on Monday, December 5th, to check out some of the talent and visit with Head Boys Basketball Coach Tyrone Johnson. Coach Johnson has built the Whitefield program into a perennial contender for state championships at the single A level in Georgia high school basketball. He has put together a very impressive run since 2002 with two State Championships, four State Runner-Ups, and six Region Championships in the last ten seasons. This year's team features UGA signee Kenny Gaines. Check out what he had to say about this year's team along with his general coaching philosophy:
BCB: Blue Collar Basketball
TJ: Tyrone Johnson
BCB: How did you get started in coaching?
TJ: I was fired as a production manager and a lady at church asked me about doing some volunteer coaching.
BCB: Where do you draw most of your coaching influence and philosophy from?
TJ: A few places. How I was raised - tough upbringing - My dad expected a lot.
Dr. Levan Parker (Central Park Christian, Birmingham, AL) - I learned that kids perform better when comfortable and kids are more comfortable when they think less. I want practices to be uncomfortable and get to players' core.
BCB: What do you like your teams to be known for?
TJ: (1) known for willingness to fight, (2) function under duress, and (3) cerebral style of play. I want my kids to be intelligent and don't turn it off when leaving the classroom.
BCB: How do you feel about this year's team?
TJ: Talented. The upside is off the charts but not proven yet. They need to start doing things because it is right and not because I said so.
BCB: Coaching, particularly in-season, can be very demanding of your time. How do you find balance between your job and personal (family) time?
TJ: It's pre-determined. I set boundaries before the season starts. Secondly, the Holy Spirit. The Lord lets me know when I'm out of balance.
BCB: What has been your favorite coaching memory?
TJ: 2003(1st State Championship). The kids on that team did the impossible. Did everything that was expected and more.
BCB: What do you love most about coaching?
TJ: Competition - see how kids grow into men.
BCB: Dislike the most about coaching?
TJ: Parents.
BCB: What attributes do you like the most and value the most in a player?
TJ: Toughness. Love of teammates. Valor-valiant in efforts, having honor.
BCB: Has your coaching style/philosophy changed over the years? If so, how and why?
TJ: My philosophy hasn't changed. My techniques are different. Kids have shorter attention span. I teach more of the why than just do.
BCB: How has Georgia HS basketball changed in your time as a coach?
TJ: Worse skill level. Athleticism is over-valued. More kids have mindset of "what can game do for me instead of what can I do for the game".
BCB: You've coached some great players here. What do you think makes a player great?
TJ: Number one, innate ability, God-given ability. And then here, it's having those core values of toughness, sacrifice, love, honor, respect, and valor.
BCB: Coach, thanks for your time and allowing us to take a peek into Whitefield basketball. We appreciate your time and wish you the best of luck this season!
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