Monday Morning Fresh

Monday Morning Fresh this week brings you a Q&A with iHoops.com CEO Len Elmore who talks to us about his new endeavor, youth basketball, Don Nelson and the Warriors. Also catch up on the latest of WarriorsWorld TV featuring Marcus Thompson II & Corey Maggette. Hit the jump to get started.

Q&A with iHoop.com CEO Len Elmore

For those who may not be familiar, what iHoops.com is all about? What does it mean to you to be named CEO?

I feel honored that the confidence of the NBA and the NCAA was placed in me to help lead the challenge to find a unifying force and voice in pre-collegiate basketball. The mission to establish a better structure, develop better programs and to enhance the athletic, educational and social experience of those young people, who participate, is vital to the growth of the game of basketball. Equally as important are the individual opportunities for furthering education, absorbing life skills and promoting good health offered by the game of basketball. The challenge is steep but the goals are very worthy.

What do you envision your toughest challenge to be as you take on this new endeavor? How will you conquer those challenges?

The foremost challenge is telling our story in terms of who we are, why we are and how we will effect the change we seek. There are a lot of moving parts to the challenge such as effective use of our website and the need to inform, teach and build community, Our communications strategy for getting the word out must remain disciplined and unrelenting so that we can be viewed as the committed program for coaches, players, parents and officials. In short, the iHoops challenge is one of value changes. It is a paradigm shift towards placing first the health, safety and welfare of youth basketball participants allowing them to gain full benefit of their experience. iHoops will find that tipping point.

Youth basketball is such an important part of our sports community, what areas would you like to see improved in that realm?

Greater emphasis on developing fundamental skills and using those skills as a basis for talent development and maximization. Kids rely too much on athleticism without understanding fundamental moves and nuance. I also believe that too much emphasis is placed on becoming a “pro” instead of viewing basketball participation as an opportunity to step up to another level of education and achievement. Universities are charged with developing leaders. The NBA is in the sports and entertainment business. The vast majority of the elite players in high school who have a chance to attend college will never be NBA players but they have a chance to lead and excel in other areas of life if education is valued. There is life beyond basketball. Then there are those of us who found a way to do both…

Do you think AAU basketball is beneficial or a hindrance to the youth basketball players?

First of all, I think it is unfair to use AAU as a pejorative. Some of the issues in non-scholastic or grassroots basketball spring from the actions of some AAU coaches but there are other organizations that experience the same deviation from principles. But as it is currently structured, there are too many opportunities for young people to be exploited for adult gain. There are too many teaching moments left unused to the detriment and spoiling of elite players with leadership potential. There is not enough emphasis on the values of team as opposed to individual glory. The quality of coaching and mentoring must be improved. That is where iHoops can be a unifying force in establishing standards and galvanizing those who wish to see the value change occur.

You’ve been around the game your entire life, what are the main ways in which basketball has changed since your college/pro days?

Given the training and nutrition methods and humanity’s overall physical evolution, today’s players are more athletically gifted. That has been both a blessing and a curse. Without the requisite fundamental skills only the supremely physically gifted player moves on to a higher level. Those that master fundamentals and are maybe less athletically gifted still have a chance to progress to higher levels. Moreover, coaches in my day seemed more committed to playing team basketball as opposed to allowing one-on-one play to dominate a game.

Most underrated player in the NBA? Why?

I have several:

John Salmons, Milwaukee Bucks-He makes big plays on both ends without being spectacular. He is an underrated “queen” on the chessboard who does a bit of everything.

Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls and Kendrick Perkins, Boston Celtics-You can’t be a playoff caliber team without guys who do the dirty work day in day out. They guard in the paint and they offensive rebound. Little style but huge effectiveness.

Goran Dragic: Consistent bench spark on offense. In 18 minutes/gm averaged 8 pts. 3 assists 45% FG and 39% 3pt FG

What was your take on Stephen Curry going into the NBA? Has that opinion changed at all after his successful rookie season?

I always believed that Steph would be a solid NBA player and he may be exceeding that level. He is a prime example of what I spoke of previously. He is not a freakish athlete but has mastered fundamentals, especially shooting. He is a better than thought of passer and has a high basketball IQ. As Kevin Durant has proven, you don’t have to be a physical specimen to be an NBA standout. Skills, fundamentally sound skills make the difference.

From afar, what’s your take on the Golden State Warriors? Do you think they can successful with the style of basketball they play?

I played for Don Nelson in Milwaukee. He was as much an innovator then as he is today. However, the style works with the right personnel. Without depth and consistent scorers the pressure is on the defense. When not scoring and playing light D you give NBA teams that many possessions game in game out without matching them and there will be trouble. The Warriors need some lock-down defenders and a go-to post player who will allow them to play a half court brand of ball when necessary.

Youtube’n It

WarriorsWorld TV feat. Marcus Thompson II