Diary Series: Ben Johnson, Asst. Coach - Northern Iowa

As always, the basketball season seems to fly by. We are now entering conference play and getting ourselves ready to compete for a Missouri Valley conference championship.

This is a great time of the year because league play is what it’s all about. It is the reason why we as coaches try and put together a challenging, yet rewarding non-conference schedule. We want and need our team to be as prepared as possible for a challenging MVC schedule. This year’s MVC conference will be as good as it’s been in several years. Our league has done a nice job in the non-conference of winning versus “Bigger” schools.

When it comes to league games, our preparation and scouting becomes very valuable. We want our guys to feel as prepared as possible going into each game. Our support staff (student managers-video coordinator) do a great job with video exchange, making sure we have all the needed games for our breakdown tapes.

As assistants, it’s our job to find set and player tendencies for each opponent. Our “scout team,” does a great job of running our oppositions sets and mimicking their player personnel. Their attention to detail has really helped our players get a feel for what style of play/actions they will be facing versus the upcoming opponent. 

For these reasons, the grind to any championship or successful season takes total team commitment. That commitment is embraced by all, from our student managers to every person on our roster (redshirts, walk-ons, 30 minute players) to coaching staff. In order to really do something special it is very important that all involved take ownership and are driven for the bigger cause - TEAM SUCCESS!