Diary Series: Jeremy Ballard, Asst. Coach - Tulsa

At the University of Tulsa classes began for the spring semester on Monday, January 9th. If they have not already done so, many other schools around the country started then as well. This is notable because it marks the end of the one of the most important and unique portions of each basketball season - the semester break. While college basketball fans are busy enjoying high level Christmas tournaments, and in some instances, even early conference match-ups, coaches and players around the country are trying to make the most of the extra time that being out of school affords their respective teams.

The first and most obvious benefit to the semester break is the fact that players are not stressed about papers, exams, and any other form of school work. For about a month's time, players are absolved from late night study groups, studying for exams, or any other school related activity that requires time and results in a lack of sleep. And there is the magic word for nearly all college basketball players - "Sleep". They crave sleep, and seemingly operate from one nap or sleeping session to the next. Undoubtedly the extra rest directly affect performance on the court in a positive fashion. As a coach it is always a pleasure to see the players regain that energy and bounce to their step that is somewhat diminished by the flurry of Final Exams and end of semester papers and projects.

So while the players now have the time to catch up on much needed rest, there is also plenty of time to work on their individual skills. There are no classes or tutor sessions during the day, so the players can now devote all of their time to improving as players. Players now have the opportunity to come to the gym multiple times in a day to work on various skill sets while also studying film to improve as well.  So realistically, other than the off-season this is the best possible time for players to make major improvements in their game. Different from their off-season work, players can now actually be in the gym with their coaches to help
in their skill development. 

If you were to ask a room full of Division I college basketball players, "Who wants to be in the NBA", without fail, nearly everyone in the room would raise their hand. While a select few of these players may achieve that dream, the reality is that the semester break is the closest most basketball players will ever come to the NBA Lifestyle. In most instances, players receive per diem because campus dining halls are closed and as coaches like to tell the players, "Your only job is basketball!" Our players at Tulsa have made the most of this lifestyle by putting in the time to improve as players but also bonding as a team off the court. Since there are virtually no other students on campus, the players generally do everything off the court together as a team: eat, play video games, watch movies, hang out, etc. So while coaching staffs are reaping the benefits of improved skill level due to the extra time the players are putting in, the strengthening of the team bond and chemistry is equally as important.

While I know that everyone reading these diary entries are already knowledgeable college basketball fans, it would be an interesting exercise for you to pay extra close attention to your favorite teams during next season's semester breaks. See if you are able to pick up on improved skill level by certain players or new plays and sets that coaches have added to the playbook. The best coaching staffs and teams take full advantage of this break to recharge and improve for conference play and make their run for March Madness. Enjoy conference play and as always thanks for reading!

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