Coach of the Month – Korisliiga

For this one, the choice was between being practical and being sentimental. Looking at the league table, there really was only one contender through that.

But having seen all the teams play, seeing the results – many surprising ones, I could have chosen a number of coaches for this one. The way that teams like Kobrat and Korihait, have surprised outsiders with their early season form. With Korihait snapping the big win against Kataja (sure – you can go on about Kataja playing a lot and traveling and injuries.. but you can only play against the team that is put in front of you). And Kobrat taking a road win against Seagulls and then convincingly winning at home against last years champions KarhuBasket. Or the attacking process of Pyrinto, under their coach.. five games played and both home and AWAY!!! their points average is over a hundred!! Not sure what the stats are in Korisliiga – but I’d like to know when was the last time a team did that!!

Still, with only one defeat in seven games in October, the accolade must go to Joonas Iisalo of Salon Vilpas. Their only defeat coming on the opening day of the season, at the repeat of last years Final match-up in Kauhajoki. Where KarhuBasket had most likely had the better preparation for the game, with BCL qualifying games. And Vilpas only just slotted in Jamie Skeen.

Unlike last year, coach Iisalo doesn’t necessarily have the flashy players (Jones, Hawkins) in his roster this year. So the style of play is maybe not so flamboyant or thrilling – but like Germany in soccer. They might not play like Brazil – but .. they get the wins, which in the end is all that matters when you look at the league table.

The nice alley-oop pass on the third quarter – that doesn’t give you two points and the W. But grinding out the baskets in the paint and sinking the three pointers… those are the ones that mean that most.

Having said all that – the season is long, and from experience I know that each teams game will look TOTALLY different come February/March time. The players start to know each other and the ‘fist down’, four down’ or ‘flash’ .. will be engrained to the spine of the players.. and those dunks and alley-oop plays will come 🙂

So, that concludes my choices for October – the easiest month to choose these. And hey.. I am just a guy with a camera who sees the game through the lens.. so my choices might not be to everyones liking.