wfan

Contest runs from (December 12, 2011) through (December 15, 2011) at 11:59PM EST ("Promotional Period") and is sponsored by Washington Wizards ("Sponsor"). Contest is open only to legal residents of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.  Entrants must be 18 years of age or older to enter.  Employees, officers, directors and representatives of the Washington Bullets LP, Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, Lincoln Holdings LLC, Monumental Sports &amp; Entertainment, Verizon Center, DC Arena LP , National Basketball Association ("NBA") and its corporate affiliates, and those with whom such persons are domiciled, are not eligible.  Void outside a 75 mile radius from Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20004, Virginia and Maryland, and where prohibited by law.  Contest subject to all federal, state and local laws. Contest rules may be amended any time for any reason, without Notice.

1.  HOW TO PARTICIPATE: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY:

To enter, prospective contestants will register on the online entry form by (December 15, 2011 at 11:59PM). Prospective contestants can sign up at https://info.washingtonwizards.com/forms/Wiz-FanFestContest12-08-11 or, on a plain piece of 3"x 5" paper, hand print your complete name, street address (no P.O. boxes), city, state, ZIP code, date of birth (mm/dd/yy) plus daytime and alternate phone numbers. If you do not have a phone, indicate "No Phone". Failure to comply with this or any other Official Rule will result in disqualification. Mail entry in a hand-addressed, business-size (#10) envelope with first-class postage affixed to: Jeff Neal c/o Washington Wizards: Fan Fest Promotion, 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20004. No mechanically reproduced entries permitted. Limit one (1) entry per person, regardless of method of entry. Ill-legible, incomplete or postage-due entries are void.

Contestants will be selected at random by The Washington Wizards from all eligible entries received by (December 15, 2011, 11:59PM). Limit one (1) per person/household.

The number of eligible entries will determine the odds of winning.  In Sponsor's sole discretion, a selected winner may be required to forfeit a prize and an alternate winner may be selected in accordance with these Official Rules from among the remaining eligible entries for that prize if selected winner (i) is not present, (ii) declines or cannot accept, receive or use the prize for any reason, or (iii) fails to comply with these Official Rules.

Each contestant will be assigned one player from the Washington Wizards. That player will shoot a half-court shot during the Wizards Fan Fest on December 17, 2011. If the contestant's assigned player makes the shot, the contestant will then win a prize.

1.	1.	Two (2) round trip flight vouchers on American Airlines for any destination American Airlines flies in the continental US. Vouchers expire 9/1/2012.

The prize IS NON-TRANSFERABLE AND IS NON- REDEEMABLE.  Prize winners are responsible for all taxes (local, state, and federal).  Winner agrees to allow photos taken from the game and biographical information to be posted to the Washington Wizards Facebook page.

4.	 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND GENERAL CONDITIONS:

By participating in this Contest, entrants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the judges, which are final and binding in all respects. By entering, each entrant agrees to release, discharge, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Sponsor (Washington Wizards), Lincoln Mystics LLC, Washington Bullets LP, Washington Mystics, Lincoln Holdings LLC, Monumental Sports &amp; Entertainment, Lincoln Hockey LLC, Washington Capitals, Washington Sports &amp; Entertainment LP, Verizon Center, DC Arena LP, NBA and each of its parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries and advertising and marketing agencies and each of their respective employees, officers, shareholders, directors, representatives and agents (collectively, "Releasees") from and against any claims, damages or liability involving or arising out of  (i) late, lost, delayed, misdirected, postage due, mutilated, incomplete, unreadable, inaccurate, garbled or unintelligible entries; (ii) telephone system, technical or computer malfunctions, lost connections, disconnections, transmission or other errors of any kind whether mechanical, human, electronic or otherwise; (iii) data corruption, theft, destruction, unauthorized access to or alteration of entry or other materials; (iv) any injuries, losses or damages of any kind caused, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by the prize or resulting from acceptance, possession or use or misuse of any prize or from participating in the Contest or any Contest related activity; or (v) any printing, distribution, typographical, administrative, human or technological errors involving or associated with the Contest. Sponsor disclaims any liability for damage to any computer system resulting from participating in, or accessing or downloading information in connection with the Contest.

Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to modify, cancel or suspend this Contest (or any portion of the Contest) should any virus, bug, computer problem or other cause or problem corrupt or inhibit the administration, security or proper operation of the Contest and, in such situation (or in the event of any type of error), to select the winner from eligible entries received prior to the action taken or in such manner as deemed fair and appropriate by Sponsor. In no event will Sponsor be liable for more than the stated number of prizes in these Official Rules.  Sponsor may prohibit entrant from participating in the Contest or winning a prize if, in its sole discretion, it determines entrant is attempting to undermine the legitimate operation of the Contest by cheating, hacking, deception, or other unfair practices or intending to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other entrant or Sponsor's representatives. Releasees have not made and/or are not responsible for any misrepresentation or guaranty, express or implied, in fact or in law, relative to the prizes. By accepting a prize, winner agrees and acknowledges that Sponsor may use winner's name, voice, biographical data, likeness and city name in any and all media throughout the universe and in perpetuity for promotional purposes without additional compensation or remuneration, except where prohibited by law. .  By entering the Contest, entrants agree that: (1) any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or connected with the Contest, or any prizes awarded, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action; (2) any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out of pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering the Contest, but in no event will attorneys' fees be awarded or recoverable; and (3) under no circumstances will any entrant be permitted to obtain any award for, and entrant hereby knowingly and expressly waives all rights to seek, punitive, incidental or consequential damages and/or any other damages, other than actual out of pocket expenses, and/or any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased.

Winner shall complete "Prize Winner Affidavit and Release." If winner fails to complete "Prize Winner Affidavit and Release" form, he/she may be disqualified and the prize forfeited.

For the names of the prize winners, available after (December 17, 2011) or a copy of these Official Rules, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Wizards Fan Fest Promotion,   601 F Street NW, Washington DC 20004. Please specify "Official Rules" or "Winners List." Requests must be received by (December 23, 2011).

washington-wizards-official-rules

Washington Wizards Official Rules

Decorate A Vet event on Wednesday, December 7th. Help make the Warrior in Transition Unit at Fort Belvoir light up with holiday spirit!

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Download the picture.
2. Print the picture.
3. Color the picture as creatively as you can!.
4. Mail your colored pictured to:
Wizards + Mystics Marketing
Verizon Center
601 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004

holiday-coloring-scene-instructions

Holiday Coloring Scene Instructions

Past Youth Basketball Coach of the Week Winners

1.	What age is your team? Boys/Girls? Team's Record? What leagues do you play in?
13-14, 12-1, LUYAA

2.	When did you know you wanted to coach basketball? How long have you been coaching? Wow! My father had been a long time coach and I valued the impact that he had within our community. I’ve just started out but I really appreciate the influence that you can have on these kids on and off the court. I’ve coached for 3 years, 34-2 over that time.

3.	What do you enjoy most about coaching?
I enjoy having the ability to add a little bit of edge and direction to the lives of our youth. These kids have grown up during a period of large-scale technological advancement. So they don’t necessarily have to participate physically in order to socialize. Some powerful attributes are lost in that tradeoff. It’s important for my generation to help provide and build that mental edge.

4.	How do you go about motivating your players?
I am more of an x’s and o’s coach and we compartmentalize our responsibilities on all of our teams. In my opinion, it depends on the players. Some players welcome challenge so adding to that challenge is a source of pride, but then there are others where you have to break things down into smaller quantities in order for what you are teaching not to become overwhelming.

5.	What skills/characteristics do you look for in your players?
Aggression and length.  Any basketball coach will tell you that having taller kids who play tall are an advantage to any team.  I can get around not having shooters or even unpolished basketball players, but it’s extremely difficult to alter a player’s personality from being passive to aggressive. Usually kids have developed a long running series of habits by the time they reach me and certain behaviors can require more time than what is allotted to unravel.

6.	What is the biggest challenge you've had as a coach and how did you overcome it?  Injuries!!! Our two loses in this league were directly related to losing two very good players each year. When you push a system of compartmentalization and unique formations injuries which require a player to do something they are not used to can really have an impact on the outcome of your season. We had to move players around and switch up our system and we were able to maintain our dominance after a period of close games.

7.	What advice would you give to new coaches?
Patience… Not with the kids, but with how you should respond to them. Frustration can be a cancer for a person’s reputation and motivation. You should learn from them as much as they learn from you and sometimes you have to take some hits before you can swing effectively.

8.	What is your favorite Bullets/Wizards player of all time? On this year’s team? 
John Wall all around. He came on to the team as the 1st overall pick with very high expectations.  He wasn’t very polished to begin with and struggled with jump shots.  He suffered w/ injuries and dealt with organizational changes.  He received a maximum deal and took criticism regarding his effort and skill and overcame all of it by practicing and working on his weaknesses. He thrived after receiving the maximum deal and proved why he was the number one pick.  Now he is one of the best point guards in the league and has led his team to the playoffs.  He has made basketball exciting and fun again in Washington

9.	What has been your most memorable Bullets/Wizards moment?  The most memorable Wizards moment that I have was the opportunity to take these kids to a Wizards game and partake in all of the exciting activities that the Wizards have to offer. The kids had a blast.

1.	What age is your team? Boys/Girls? Team's Record? What leagues do you play in?
Currently 7th grade boys. getting ready to start this AAU Season and will pay in the DMV Elite Winter league, Then or the spring the Potomac Valley Basketball Spring league. And I normally play up one age group.

2.	When did you know you wanted to coach basketball? How long have you been coaching? Wow! Good question. Always wanted to coach football, which I really enjoyed, but like most parents I stated just helping a basketball Coach at Hillcrest Hghts  Rec Ctr  when my son was 7 years old, around 1991 0r 1992..

3.	What do you enjoy most about coaching?
Coaching is so amazing; and being able to help influence the young fellas in a positive way along with giving them a chance to travel and experience different areas outside of DMV region. At the end of it all I enjoy creating memories for them and myself.

4.	How do you go about motivating your players?
As a Coach I love to WIN! And by recognizing that this game is about fun at this level and it’s about teaching. Which I do by teaching them the this: We will play hard, Play tough, Play smart, Play as a team that never quits and always compete…then we have won and winning will take care of itself.  By doing this above this allows my parents and players to have fun and stay motivated

5.	What skills/characteristics do you look for in your players?
That would be the ability of a player wellness to be taught the game the correct way. A lot of players have skills, but is it that the correct skillset or mindset to increase their desire to learn and respect the game. As for characteristics, that would be players who are very honest and the capability to listen and learn as much as possible.

6.	What is the biggest challenge you've had as a coach and how did you overcome it?  Well being able to balance Coaching and my Family Life is the greatest challenge because I love both so much. It’s a continued work in progress, and communication with my wife and a lot of advance planning.

7.	What advice would you give to new coaches?
Always be honest, fair with yourself and the players within your program.  Need to have tough skin but not cold temperament.

8.	What is your favorite Bullets/Wizards player of all time? On this year’s team? 
Caron Butler!!!  For this year it is Marcin Gortat. The way he competes... He seems to make everyone around him work harder.

9.	What has been your most memorable Bullets/Wizards moment?  I do not have any…but if I must speak about moments…it goes back to Wes Unseld and it would be the way he rebounded and passed the basketball getting the team into their transition.

1.	What age is your team? Boys/Girls? Team's Record? What leagues do you play in?
I coach the U12 Fort Detrick team and we play in the Monocacy Youth Basketball Association.

2.	When did you know you wanted to coach basketball? How long have you been coaching? I actually grew up playing football and my appreciation of competitive sports grew from there. Once I had kids of my own, I started volunteering with their teams and eventually just took over as coach and I’ve now been a coach for six years.

3.	What do you enjoy most about coaching?
I really enjoy the teaching/learning aspect of coaching the age group I have. I remind myself that not every kid is at that level yet and it’s a reward to help each person achieve their individual goals. Also, since we’re a military community, it’s great to be able represent our military families and community as we play other teams.

4.	How do you go about motivating your players?
I try to pick up on what kids are in to and use that as a point of reference. Whether it’s a football reference or a show they all watch, I use those moments to connect with my players. They don’t always understand our world so sometimes you have to understand theirs.

5.	What skills/characteristics do you look for in your players?
One of the first things I look for is for my players to show an understanding of the game. High basketball intelligence is one of the biggest factors of success.

6.	What is the biggest challenge you've had as a coach and how did you overcome it?  One of the biggest challenges I face is that, since we’re a military community, a lot of my players and their families rotate in and out every 2 – 3 years. It’s hard to develop continuity when you aren’t able to keep a core group together for more than a few seasons. The best way we overcome that as a team is to focus on the goals we set as a team. This focus allows us to perform even if we lose key pieces from season to season.

7.	What advice would you give to new coaches?
I would tell new coaches to always keep it fun. Remember the recreational aspect of the game and that many players are still learning the game of basketball. It’s about everybody learning and having a good time. If you’re no longer having fun with this then it’s time to move on.

8.	What is your favorite Bullets/Wizards player of all time? On this year’s team? 
My favorite Wizards player is John Wall. He played well last year coming back from an injury and I’m just looking for more.

9.	What has been your most memorable Bullets/Wizards moment?  I’m not originally from this area but I look forward to the team making the playoffs this year.

1.	What age is your team? Boys/Girls? Team's Record? What leagues do you play in?
8th grade Girls AAU (16-8), / 2nd-5th Sertoma Off-Street (co-ed) (7-1) / 8th grade Girls Basketball for Mid-Maryland League(Thomas Johnson Patriots) (15-3)

2.	When did you know you wanted to coach basketball? How long have you been coaching? Started coaching when my now 18year old daughter was in 2nd grade. I coached both my son and daughter in the Sertoma League.  So probably around 10+ years.

3.	What do you enjoy most about coaching?
Teaching kids the fundamentals of basketball.

4.	How do you go about motivating your players?
I usually have a pep talk with my players, and either warm-up with stretching and a game of knock out.

5.	What skills/characteristics do you look for in your players?
I really do not look for skills in a player because not everyone is basketball oriented, but everyone can learn to play the sport with lots of practice.

6.	What is the biggest challenge you've had as a coach and how did you overcome it?
Getting my team to play with heart, especially when they are up against an older team.

7.	What is your most successful coaching moment of the season so far?  Winning Championships!!!

8.	What advice would you give to new coaches?
MUST have patience

9.	What is your favorite Bullets/Wizards player of all time? On this year’s team? 
I guess John Wall, is my favorite player now, but I loved when the Wizards had Michael Jordan, he is and always will be my favorite player, I wish I would have got the chance to meet him personally, when he played. But John Wall is also my son's favorite player, so I will go with him also- (laughing)

10.	What has been your most memorable Bullets/Wizards moment?  Taking my daughter to see the WIZARDS/MIAMI game years ago. Hoping to take both of my kids to see more Wizards games this season.

1.	What age is your team? Boys/Girls? Team's Record? What leagues do you play in?
Capital City Public Charter School, Girls Middle School Basketball, grades 5th- 8th and Assistant Coach for Our Lady of Good Counsel High School.

2.	When did you know you wanted to coach basketball? How long have you been coaching? I have been coaching basketball for a little over 10 years.  My father was an exceptional Football and Wrestling Coach and coaching was always in my bloodline.  Basketball was my favorite sport to play and analyze. .  Even as a teenager my friends and I ran basketball camps for Elementary School kids.

3.	What do you enjoy most about coaching?
Without a doubt it is the relationships you develop with the young ladies.  It is wonderful to get to understand what motivates them and to create an individual environment where they can feel comfortable enough to expand their thinking.  From a basketball perspective, I am a gym rat and love the player development component of coaching.

4.	How do you go about motivating your players?
Put your trust into the players and they will reward you!  I believe in being honest with players, setting realistic goals and offering them the chance to see success in their individual skills and team success.  Also, it is important to tap into a players competitive spirit.  I try to make almost every drill a competition.

5.	What skills/characteristics do you look for in your players?
COMMITMENT TO GETTING BETTER!  I want players to want to get better and are willing to put in the work to get what they want.

6.	What is the biggest challenge you've had as a coach and how did you overcome it?
Playing Time.  It is hard to see a young lady who works so hard in practice not getting the time on the floor she so much desires.  Balancing my commitment to play every player In every game with the need to play the right players at the right time is always a challenge.

7.	What is your most successful coaching moment of the season so far?  From a competitive standpoint, Winning the 8th Grade AAU Super Regional and Finishing 2nd in the tournament overall.
From a coaches standpoint, seeing my team come together as a unit and as friends.

8.	What advice would you give to new coaches?
It isn’t about YOU!  It is about your Players.

9.	What is your favorite Bullets/Wizards player of all time? On this year’s team? 
Elvin Hayes!  I loved the Big “E” from the time I was very young.  Listening to Bullets games on my transistor radio hoping my parents didn’t hear and come in and make me turn it off 
He had that great Turn Around Jumper and was a great rebounder.  #11

10.	What has been your most memorable Bullets/Wizards moment?  The Championship Playoffs!  Beating The Iceman and Dr. J in back to back series to then take the Sonics!

Coach of the Week: Elle Carne and Daniel Thorpe, Capital City Public Charter School

1.	What age is your team? Boys/Girls? Team's Record? What leagues do you play in?
Capital City Public Charter School, Girls Middle School Basketball, grades 5th- 8th.

2.	When did you know you wanted to coach basketball? How long have you been coaching? Coach Daniel: During college l started coaching a local recreation team and l have coached for three years.
Coach Elle: I helped coach 8th grade basketball as a junior and senior in high school while playing as well. I have been coaching on and off since then but this was my first year at Capital City.

3.	What do you enjoy most about coaching?
Coach Daniel: Seeing a team come together and work as a team.
Coach Elle: Seeing players progress through the season and develop their basketball and leadership skills.

4.	How do you go about motivating your players?
Coach D: Knowing what motivates the player and giving individual encouragement.
Coach Elle: It depends on each situation and the players for the team, some do well with just the competitiveness while others need positive feedback.

5.	What skills/characteristics do you look for in your players?
Coach D: Self-discipline, tenacity and giving 100%.
Coach Elle: Respect, teamwork, effort and attitude.

6.	What is the biggest challenge you've had as a coach and how did you overcome it?
Coach D: Working with a young team that are new to basketball concepts.
Coach Elle: This was the first year we had a middle school only team so many players were new to the game-we started with the basics and moved up through the season.

7.	What is your most successful coaching moment of the season so far?  Coach D: Having a talented group of boys on a co-ed team support a teammate on her first basketball team to score her first basket.
Coach Elle: Having a player who didn’t want to play at the beginning say that she would miss basketball on the last day of practice.

8.	What advice would you give to new coaches?
Coach D: Have patience and keep drills challenging, but on the team's skill level.
Coach Elle: Have patience and make sure you enforce the fundamentals to make a strong foundation for the players.

9.	What is your favorite Bullets/Wizards player of all time? On this year’s team? 
Coach D: Michael Jordan
Coach Elle: Okafor-I remember watching him play for UConn and I also played post.

10.	What has been your most memorable Bullets/Wizards moment?  Coach D: Going to my first Wizards game last season and it was my first NBA game.
Coach Elle: When our MS and HS girls got to go down to the court to give hi-fives to the players before the game.

1.	What age is your team? Boys/Girls? Team's Record? What leagues do you play in?
8th grade, boys, 27-4, Potomac Valley, Middle School and AAU.

2.	When did you know you wanted to coach basketball? How long have you been coaching?
Once the ball stopped bouncing for me.  About 13 years ago.

3.	What do you enjoy most about coaching?
Seeing the guys improve their skill set and compete at a high level.

4.	How do you go about motivating your players?
Practice, practice and practice. They will see the improvement when they face the challenge in game situation. A little game film won’t hurt either.

5.	What skills/characteristics do you look for in your players?
Sportsmanship, confidence and passion for the sport.

6.	What is the biggest challenge you've had as a coach and how did you overcome it?
Make players and their parents to believe in the philosophy of the program. Time heals all wounds, they start believing the program once they see the results.

7.	What is your most successful coaching moment of the season so far?  Watching the boys win their middle school championship.

8.	What advice would you give to new coaches?
Be true to yourself. You will see sunshine at the end of the rainbow.

9.	What is your favorite Bullets/Wizards player of all time? On this year’s team? What has been your most memorable Bullets/Wizards moment?   
Phil Chenier (Old School) and John Wall. Seeing Chris Webber and Juwan Howard go to the playoffs.

1.	What age is your team? Boys/Girls? Team's Record? What leagues do you play in?
From ages 11-15 boys. Our record was 13-3, City Runner up 2012-13 (D.C. Public Schools)

2.	When did you know you wanted to coach basketball? How long have you been coaching?
After I pursued a basketball career after college. I’ve been coaching for 7 years.

3.	What do you enjoy most about coaching?
Giving back to the kids because I really didn’t have any guidance growing up as a youth.

4.	How do you go about motivating your players?
Stories of my past or of players I know personally.

5.	What skills/characteristics do you look for in your players?
Work ethic and dedication.

6.	What is the biggest challenge you've had as a coach and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge has been keeping the kids off the streets and into more positive things. I take some of the kids that are more likely to be in the street to games and other positive functions.

7.	What is your most successful coaching moment of the season so far?  Winning the Christmas Tournament we host every year. It was a way of showing the kids that hard work pays off.

8.	What advice would you give to new coaches?
Learn your players and the environment they come from. Always stay positive with the kids even if they are not. Try to be more than a coach for the player so he will always have someone to talk to.

9.	What is your favorite Bullets/Wizards player of all time? On this year’s team? Why? 
Gilbert Areas because I have played in some summer leagues with him and he is a real down to earth person.  He is very supportive of the kids. I would have to say John Wall this year because of the same reasons.

10.	What has been your most memorable Bullets/Wizards moment?  
When Jordan scored 40 at the age of 40.

1.	What age is your team? Boys/Girls? Team's Record? What leagues do you play in?
I coach a 2nd Grade Boys basketball team called Gold Thunder in Vienna Youth Incorporated (VYI) league. (NOTE: At this age group there are no scores or standings)

2.	When did you know you wanted to coach basketball? How long have you been coaching?
I knew I wanted to coach youth basketball as soon as my son Jason started dribbling and throwing a basketball at two years old. I have been coaching basketball for three years since my son Jason was in Kindergarten.

3.	What do you enjoy most about coaching?
I enjoy the boy’s enthusiasm and excitement to learn the game of basketball.  Coaching youth basketball is like the “fountain of youth” because as a coach you feed of their energy and excitement making me feel like a kid again!

4.	How do you go about motivating your players?
I try to make it fun for the boys at practice and during the games which really helps motivate them.  The other key thing I try to do with the boys is always be positive and encourage them following many of the tips from the Positive Coaching Alliance.

5.	What skills/characteristics do you look for in your players?
I look for someone who listens and plays the best with intensity.  I have been very lucky coaching a great set of boys the past three years who listen well and really play the game with a lot of intensity.

6.	What is the biggest challenge you've had as a coach and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges when the boys are starting out is to ensure all the boys have a chance to shoot the basketball.  I overcame this challenge by designing simple plays and having the boys practice and execute them in the game for all team members.

7.	What is your most successful coaching moment of the season so far?
In the fourth game of this season watching the boys execute the concepts we went over in practice in the game to perfection. There shooting percentage for the 1st quarter was excellent and they really focused on taking quality shots.

past-youth-basketball-coach-of-the-week-winners

The McKinley Technology High School's girl's basketball team, a member of the DCIAA, has been named this week's Wizards and Mystics Team of the Week in recognition of their academic excellence and commitment to the community.

Last year in his first season as head coach, Greg Bacon fought an uphill battle with a short bench all season long.  Despite having only seven girls eligible to compete during the 2010-2011 season, the Trainers earned a berth in the conference playoffs.  More impressive is what came as a result of the new requirements that Bacon set for his players off the court, academic excellence and community involvement.  The team has risen to the challenge and boasts a team GPA of 3.13.  In addition to the commitment to academics, community service is also very important to the team.  Last season the Trainers unselfishly served DC's Central Union Mission assisting in making beds for homeless men in the Nation's Capital.  They also volunteered with programs aiding battered children in the DC area.  Bacon says that, "more important than the wins and losses is that my players graduate from high school as responsible young adults with a set of good core values and a sense of responsibility for the community in which they live."

past-youth-basketball-team-of-the-week-winners

Past Youth Basketball Team of the Week Winners

The 1977-78 season was one that Washington basketball fans will never forget, as the team shocked the world to take home the franchise’s only NBA Championship. Leading the way was legendary coach Dick Motta, who coached in the NBA for 25 years and currently sits in the top 10 in victories all time. Coach Motta took some time to talk about the championship team and other topics in this week’s alumni spotlight.

Q: What are you doing now that you are retired from coaching basketball?Dick Motta: Well we spend our time in Fish Haven, Idaho – it’s a lake on the border of Utah and Idaho. It’s a 30 mile lake and half of the lake is in Utah and half is in Idaho. It’s a little cold and snowing here today and when it gets to be a foot deep here we go to Las Vegas. We have a place there; when it turns 100 degrees we come back. When I moved to Chicago [to coach the Bulls] from Weber College in 1969, we came home to Utah that summer and decided that if we were going to stay in the NBA and work that way we better find a home spot in zion. So we looked in three different places on the lake. My wife and I have a really neat place here with the Bed &amp; Breakfast. Our son and daughter-in-law run it but we own it and we have about 10 rooms in it. I’m 80 years old. I’ve got more energy than I should.

Q: Do you keep in touch with many of your former players?Dick Motta: Once in a while. I coached so many different players, from junior high to high school to Weber College and then all the players in the pros and I keep in touch with some of them. My high school Idaho state championship team from 1959 had a big reunion about 8 years ago. Now I host a reunion at our place every-other year on the weekend after Labor Day with 14 of the 15 boys, one got killed in Vietnam, and their wives. I guess you’d say I do keep in touch with a number of my ex-players.

Q: Take us back to that magical run in 1977-78 leading the team to the NBA Championship. What do you remember the most about that team?Dick Motta: Well we thought we were pretty good. They had quite a great deal of success right before I came on board. Casey Jones took them to the NBA Championship I think twice. This was the first team that I had gone to that was pretty well established. All the other teams that I coached previously that were building teams – team that weren’t very good. You know that Elvin Hayes and Wes Unseld the basic core of that team were really good.
The thing that happened with us that year is that we had a lot of injuries and one time we took a trip on the west coast and I had to use [assistant coach] Bernie Bickerstaff in practice. We couldn’t dress 7 players and you had to dress 8, so [GM] Bob Ferry got busy. That year we had drafted Mitch Kupchack and Greg Ballard, and Larry Wright was a rookie also and with all of the injuries those kids had to play a lot.
We didn’t have a great record but we knew that we had a good team. We didn’t have success on the won-loss record during the season, and we had to open all of the series except the first one on the road. I don’t think we were overconfident, but we knew that we had a good team that would take a really good team to knock us out of the championship.
	We had in those days what we called the “Suicide Series” – it was a three game one. We won the second game down in Atlanta and we had to pack and go to San Antonio. We opened there and that went 6 games. We won that one and we we were definitely the underdog against Philadelphia but we knew that we could compete with them. After we won that and then we had to go against Seattle and again we opened on the road. That sucker went to 7 games, took 19 days to play that. It was the first championship team in the Washington area for like 40 years. We were probably one of the few teams to get invited to the White House because of the proximity.

Q: Was there a moment during the season when you knew the 1977-78 NBA Champion team was special?Dick Motta: Anytime that you had Elvin and Wes on the team there’s probably a story for that day. I remember we weren’t supposed to beat San Antonio because they were favored, we opened on the road and they had George Gervin and Coby Dietrick. When we won the game 6 we only had one day off, then we had to take the bus to Philadelphia to open with the 76ers. We had film of that game, and we usually have a film session for that afternoon. Then we were going to have a walk-through and a scouting report on Philadelphia. Then we were going to have the meal then get on the bus and go up to Philadelphia, bed down, and play them on Sunday afternoon game on national television. When we sat down for film I was so excited, the last thing on my mind truthfully was Philadelphia. I was still getting over the excitement of winning the San Antonio series. We got about two minutes into the film and I told Bernie “Shut the son-of-a-*#*!% off and let’s go eat! We can beat this team anyway, let’s go over and eat.” So we ate and we got a couple cases of beer and we went up there and celebrated on the way up.
We were two points ahead with one second to go and they called a jump ball at their end of the court and I remember the referee tossed the ball up to [76ers guard] Doug Collins and he flipped it up and it went in. It shouldn’t have counted but we were on the road so of course they counted it, and so we had to go into overtime. Thankfully we won the game in overtime. That thing of me saying, “We can beat this team, let’s go. We don’t need the practice, we don’t need the film.” The players all said that was a big confidence booster, just the fact that I had guts enough to say “Let’s go we can beat this team. Heck with practice.” That always stood out and the confidence that they had of winning. There are millions of stories but that thing stood out in my mind.

Q: You’re sometimes credited with helping popularize the phrase “The opera isn’t over ‘til the fat lady sings.” How did that happen?Dick Motta: I’d heard that phrase one time a year or so before. I thought it was stupid. I’d heard it originated that “the rodeo ain’t over ‘til they ride the brahmas (bulls).” We had just gone ahead of Philadelphia in that match-up for the Conference Championship – we went ahead 3 to 1 at home and they had a really good team with Dr. J and World B. Free. They had the home court advantage, so if it played on out they were going to get the seventh game on their court. We weren’t the least bit over-confident. The dressing room was full of reporters and this one young guy kept saying “How does it feel to play to be in the championship series?” And he must’ve repeated it 7 or 8 times and I was kinda exacerbated with him, so just to shake him off I said “You know it ain’t over ‘til the fat lady sings.” And I didn’t think any more of it. I came home that night and my wife said “You know of all of the dumb things you ever said in your life, that’s the most stupid one.” And for some reason it caught on and it got to be a battle cry and it’s on the championship ring. I still get a lot of references about the fat lady and my wife said “You know you’re gonna have every fat person in the world mad at ya.” It didn’t turn out that way, it turned into a fun thing to watch – they had contests throughout the championship series of people dressing up as fat ladies. When we went to the White House to meet President Carter and his wife, he walked across the East Ballroom and when he stepped up to the microphone and the first thing he said was, “Where’s the fat lady?”

Q: What are some of the fondest memories you have of your time as a coach?Dick Motta: When we won the World Championship, they threw the microphone in my face and they said “This has to be the greatest athletic experience of your life.” And I said, “Well yes great but right there the high school championship.” Not playing ball, not having to prove myself – even my dad would say “Why would they hire you? How come you get a job? How did you get that job?” Although it was only my 5th year as coach I reached the epitome of my profession at my level. It was not as much the thrill, but more of a satisfaction, a peace settled over me after that in my coaching. Finally I broke the barrier – it’s like a pilot breaking the sound barrier. It may sound corny, but in that moment I knew that I could coach, I knew that I was meant to do this. When you win a world championship you realize there are a lot of people who don’t have a ring. It’s a goal. The epitome of a pro-athlete right now is to get a ring, and to wear a ring and the same thing goes for the coaches. For a while there Riley and Jackson gobbled all of them up. There aren’t a great number of coaches out there even that can boastfully wear an NBA championship ring.

Q: How do you feel the game has changed over the years since you were coaching?Dick Motta: When I went into the NBA I made $22,000. My highest paid player, Bob Boozer – who was the captain, the player rep, and went on the Olympic team – was making $29,000. So they really loved playing, and because they didn’t make a lot of money, they satisfied their creative outlet. When the season was over most of the players went home to work. [Boozer] worked for Bell Telephone. Bob Cousy was an insurance salesman. Every guy went home to his regular job in the winter and they would come back to their hobby which was basketball. There was a true love for the game – there is today too but it’s a little different. Nowadays it seems like sometimes guys take it. They just played. If you didn’t come and answer the bell, there was someone else to take your place. Now they have guaranteed contracts. Let me put it this way, sometimes it’s harder to get out of bed when you’re wearing silk pajamas. That’s not a negative to the game, our society is different. That’s absolutely against the core value of the true athlete, of athletics and the meaning of to play to win, to compete, to excel in something is diluted a bit in this society.

Q: You have the distinction of being one of the few coaches in professional sports history to have never played high school, college, or professional ball. How do you explain your success as a coach?Dick Motta: I didn’t have time to play; I was too busy learning the game. I just studied it, I watched it, and I liked to play, but I got cut my senior year. I was just so dang short – I grew four inches out of high school and I’m still just barely five-nine and a half. I went out in college, and when he cut me I built up the nerve to go into his office and ask him why. I said, “I’ve got point guard skills, I make good passes, I do things.” He said that I was too short, I said “Isn’t there someplace in basketball for a short guy?” And he said “Yeah why don’t you coach?”
So I started and I watched him and I learned a lot about coaching and things that I wouldn’t do ever by watching him. I went to clinics – I made it a personal goal to attend three clinics every year from 1952 on. I’ve seen them all. I’ve sat in the audience and listened to Adolph Rupp. On every major court, I would go up to Denver, I would go to Sun Valley, I traveled all over the west United States if there was a coach clinic. I listened to Jack Ramsey, Ken Loeffler was one of my favorite ones, and then I would drive them nuts after the clinic I would go and talk to them. One time I drove over to the Air Force Academy and spent a week with Bob Spear who was the coach there. I considered myself a student of the game because I really respected the game and I still do in a lot of ways. Some of the game has changed but there are some of the things in the game that I don’t particularly care to watch anymore.
I studied the game and took chances with my career. When I started, a guy gave me a chance to teach 7th grade and coach junior high. Also I was the high school assistant football coach, in the winter I was the [high school] assistant basketball coach, and in the spring I was the assistant baseball coach. Then I went into the Air Force for two years, came back and the job opened at the high school. The superintendant gave me my choice at either football or basketball, they had an opening in both. I liked football a lot because it fit my personality more – hurry up  play, come back, organize, get ready, go again, and play another play. But it was Idaho in winter and it was a lot of work to get the fields ready and it was always cold. The gym was warm so I picked basketball.

Q: Do you think that’s still possible to become a professional coach the same way you did?Dick Motta: I doubt it. It looks like they’re headed in the direction of ex-players, people that “relate” to the players. I didn’t spend a lot of my time honing my relation to player skills. I was a pro coach. I drove the bus, I picked up the jocks, I had meeting with the parents, I had alumni meetings. I honed all of my skills from junior high all the way up, every ladder of expertise until I got to the NBA. Now there are a lot of kids. It’s nothing against modern day coaches, they have all of the film, they have all of the help, they have 15 assistant coaches. Except for two years of the 13 previous years I coached before I reached the NBA, I didn’t have an assistant. My first four years in Chicago, I did not have an assistant. The trainer, was part time, he worked in the summer with the Cleveland Indians and then he would come over to us in the winter and be my confidante, my traveling buddy, but I didn’t have an assistant. So now they have four assistants, five assistants, they all go out on the center court at the foul line and they have clipboards and they talk about what they are going to do during time outs.

Q:  Who would you say is the best player that you ever coached?Dick Motta: I can’t single out one of them. I’ve coached junior high, high school, junior college, college, the air force, and five different teams in the pros. I had a great player on every one of those teams and to single one out – it’s not apples and oranges but personalities and skills are totally different. Every team had its own standout and I was just fortunate enough that I got to coach a lot of great players. There are players that I’ve coached that are in the Hall of Fame. I’m not a politician either but I wouldn’t do that.

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Dick Motta: Coaching Legend

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Washington Wizards and Mystics have partnered with NBC4 for the Food 4 Families food drive to be held on Monday, November 21, from 6:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Fans are encouraged to drop off non-perishable canned goods at the F street entrance of Verizon Center. Monetary donations are also welcomed. Members of the Bullets &amp; Wizards Alumni Association will make a financial contribution to  the Food 4 Families initiative.

"We are excited to once again present the Wizards and Mystics Season of Giving," stated Wizards Executive Vice President of Business Operations Greg Bibb. "We look forward to collecting food this holiday season and we encourage our partners in the business and sports communities to join us in helping those in need."

It is the fifth consecutive year that the organizations have joined forces on this initiative. To date, 25,000 families have benefited from the program. The following non-perishable items are recommended: canned vegetables (yams, carrots, green beans, corn), cranberry sauce, apple sauce, canned fruits, soups (box and can) and dry goods (stuffing, rice, macaroni &amp; cheese, mashed potatoes).

"NBC4, the Washington Wizards and Mystics, along with our other Food 4 Families partners will help thousands in our community enjoy Thanksgiving. We are grateful to the Washington Wizards and Mystics for their support of the Food 4 Families campaign," said Jackie Bradford, President and General Manager, NBC4.

NBC4 is the #1 broadcast television station in Washington, D.C. (market #8) and  the home of NEWS 4, the area's most-watched local news.  The staff of NBC4 produces more than 50 hours of news and information programming each week.  The station is a  longstanding leader in community service and produces or supports more than 35 local community events each year, including the annual NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo, the largest free consumer health event in the country.  NBC4 is also known for its quarterly  free Community Shreds,  and the annual Food 4 Families, Camp 4 Kids and Backpacks 4 Kids campaigns.

The NBA’s Washington Wizards and the WNBA’s Washington Mystics are owned and operated by Monumental Sports &amp; Entertainment, which is one of the largest integrated sports and entertainment companies in the country with one of the most diverse partnership groups in all of sports. The company also owns and operates the NHL’s Washington Capitals and Verizon Center – the premier sports and entertainment venue in Washington, D.C. Monumental Sports &amp; Entertainment also oversees the management of Kettler Capitals Iceplex, the state-of-the-art training facility for the Capitals, and George Mason University's Patriot Center.

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WIZARDS & MYSTICS PARTNER WITH NBC4 FOR FOOD 4 FAMILIES

Last Minute JAY-Z & Kanye West Tickets Wizards Mobile Contest

Contest runs from (November 1, 2011) through (November 2, 2011) at 3:00 PM EST (“Promotional Period”) and is sponsored by Washington Wizards (“Sponsor”). Contest is open only to legal residents of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.  Entrants must be 18 years of age or older to enter.  Employees, officers, directors and representatives of the Washington Bullets LP, dba Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, Lincoln Holdings LLC, Monumental Sports &amp; Entertainment, Verizon Center, DC Arena, LP , National Basketball Association (“NBA”) and its corporate affiliates, and those with whom such persons are domiciled, are not eligible.  Void outside a 75 mile radius from Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20004, Virginia and Maryland, and where prohibited by law.  Contest subject to all federal, state and local laws. Contest rules may be amended any time for any reason, without Notice.

To enter, prospective contestants will opt-in to Wizards Mobile by (November 2, 2011 at 3:00PM). Prospective contestants can opt-in by sending “WIZARDS” via SMS to 43803, enter their mobile phone number on the entry form on www.WashingtonWizards.com or, on a plain piece of 3”x 5” paper, hand print your complete name, street address (no P.O. boxes), city, state, ZIP code, date of birth (mm/dd/yy) plus daytime and alternate phone numbers. If you do not have a phone, indicate “No Phone”. Failure to comply with this or any other Official Rule will result in disqualification. Mail entry in a hand-addressed, business-size (#10) envelope with first-class postage affixed to: Jeff Neal c/o Washington Wizards: Mobile Promotion, 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20004. No mechanically reproduced entries permitted. Limit one (1) entry per person, regardless of method of entry. Ill-legible, incomplete or postage-due entries are void.

Winners will be selected at random by The Washington Wizards from all eligible entries received by (November 2, 2011, 3:00PM). Limit one (1) prize per person/household.

The number of eligible entries will determine the odds of winning.  In Sponsor’s sole discretion, a selected winner may be required to forfeit a prize and an alternate winner may be selected in accordance with these Official Rules from among the remaining eligible entries for that prize if selected winner (i) is not present, (ii) declines or cannot accept, receive or use the prize for any reason, or (iii) fails to comply with these Official Rules.

Two (2) tickets to the JAY-Z &amp; Kanye West concert on November 3, 2011 at Verizon Center.

The prize IS NON-TRANSFERABLE AND IS NON- REDEEMABLE.  Prize winners are responsible for all taxes (local, state, and federal).  Winner agrees to allow photos taken from the concert and biographical information to be posted to the Washington Wizards Facebook page.

By participating in this Contest, entrants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the judges, which are final and binding in all respects. By entering, each entrant agrees to release, discharge, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Sponsor, Washington Bullets, LP, dba Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, Lincoln Holdings, LLC, Monumental Sports &amp; Entertainment, Verizon Center, DC Arena LP, NBA and each of its parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries and advertising and marketing agencies and each of their respective employees, officers, shareholders, directors, representatives and agents (collectively, “Releasees”) from and against any claims, damages or liability involving or arising out of  (i) late, lost, delayed, misdirected, postage due, mutilated, incomplete, unreadable, inaccurate, garbled or unintelligible entries; (ii) telephone system, technical or computer malfunctions, lost connections, disconnections, transmission or other errors of any kind whether mechanical, human, electronic or otherwise; (iii) data corruption, theft, destruction, unauthorized access to or alteration of entry or other materials; (iv) any injuries, losses or damages of any kind caused, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by the prize or resulting from acceptance, possession or use or misuse of any prize or from participating in the Contest or any Contest related activity; or (v) any printing, distribution, typographical, administrative, human or technological errors involving or associated with the Contest. Sponsor disclaims any liability for damage to any computer system resulting from participating in, or accessing or downloading information in connection with the Contest.

Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to modify, cancel or suspend this Contest (or any portion of the Contest) should any virus, bug, computer problem or other cause or problem corrupt or inhibit the administration, security or proper operation of the Contest and, in such situation (or in the event of any type of error), to select the winner from eligible entries received prior to the action taken or in such manner as deemed fair and appropriate by Sponsor. In no event will Sponsor be liable for more than the stated number of prizes in these Official Rules.  Sponsor may prohibit entrant from participating in the Contest or winning a prize if, in its sole discretion, it determines entrant is attempting to undermine the legitimate operation of the Contest by cheating, hacking, deception, or other unfair practices or intending to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other entrant or Sponsor’s representatives. Releasees have not made and/or are not responsible for any misrepresentation or guaranty, express or implied, in fact or in law, relative to the prizes. By accepting a prize, winner agrees and acknowledges that Sponsor may use winner's name, voice, biographical data, likeness and city name in any and all media throughout the universe and in perpetuity for promotional purposes without additional compensation or remuneration, except where prohibited by law. .  By entering the Contest, entrants agree that: (1) any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or connected with the Contest, or any prizes awarded, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action; (2) any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out of pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering the Contest, but in no event will attorneys’ fees be awarded or recoverable; and (3) under no circumstances will any entrant be permitted to obtain any award for, and entrant hereby knowingly and expressly waives all rights to seek, punitive, incidental or consequential damages and/or any other damages, other than actual out of pocket expenses, and/or any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased.

For the names of the prize winners, available after (November 2, 2011) or a copy of these Official Rules, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: JAY-Z &amp; Kanye West Tickets Wizards Mobile Contest,   601 F Street NW, Washington DC 20004. Please specify "Official Rules" or "Winners List." Requests must be received by (November 7, 2011).

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Past Youth Basketball Coach of the Week Winners

Past Youth Basketball Team of the Week Winners

Dick Motta: Coaching Legend

WIZARDS & MYSTICS PARTNER WITH NBC4 FOR FOOD 4 FAMILIES

Washington Wizards Official Rules

Pumpkin Stencils