Here is an interesting chart I found on basketballprospectus.com that depicts both distance of shots per game and the field goal percentage of those shots. It is important to note that shots within 5 feet from the basket have not been included in this chart. This makes sense because those shots are easily the most variable ranging from a difficult off-hand hook shot to an easy dunk or layup.

A link to Ken Pomeroy’s article can be found here or by clicking the image above.

This then leads itself to the argument of how much a team should focus on the 2 or 3 point shot. After all, a 3-pointer is worth 50% more than a 2-pointer, and it seems that the percentage of those shots are higher than shots taken from the three point line all the way in to 5 feet from the basket. However, it is important to realize that many of those 5 foot shots are probably much more contested.

I would argue that the 3 point shot definitely has its benefits and its place; however, although I haven’t worked up any of the data, I feel that the number of positive results that can come from driving to the basket might be higher. For one example, there is a chance of a foul, both with and without hitting the shot. Either way, the offensive player is sent to the free throw line, and the defensive player is one foul closer to leaving the game and subsequently has to play more cautiously.

Game theory would argue that some combination of both 2 and 3 point shots would lead to the most optimal outcome; however, finding this balance is the real challenge. From longer rebounds on a 3 pointer leading to more offensive boards to getting the and-1 from under the basket, both have their time and place. The trick is finding when that is.

Yesterday was sunny, warm, and just about the perfect weather for a trip to Napa Valley. So that was exactly what we did. We started at a private vineyard and had a delicious lunch, then we were able to make it to two other vineyards before having a fun pizza dinner.

At one of the vineyards we went to, they complemented their wine with chocolate, almonds and strawberries. It was hard to tell, however, if the chocolate was making the wine better, or if the wine was making the chocolate better.

Although not all pictured above, all 30 of us who ventured to the depths of Napa Valley had a great time! Click on either of the above images to see for yourself.

Thank you to Stanford and to the Italian Department for sponsoring the trip.

Although after some good, hard volleyball, we didn’t walk away with the victory, we had a good time and that’s what intramural volleyball is all about. If you don’t believe, click on the image below for more pictures.

And of course, I couldn’t let such an event go by without taking a couple pictures. Click on the picture below for more.

Realizing that I have yet to put these pictures up online, I have now added my 100 favorite pictures from my trip to San Miguel, Mexico. Please click the image below to view more photos.

We spent New Year’s in San Miguel and it was a lot of fun. They had their own version of Times Square, NY right in the middle of town. We all got sparklers and watched the fireworks explode directly above us. It was definitely a memory that will last a while!

It’s that time of year again… when the whole family comes together, sings songs, and eats lots of food.  I tried to document as much as I could in order to keep up my role as the family historian.

We also celebrated my mom’s birthday!  Happy Birthday Mom!  (p.s.  She only looks 40.)

 Click on the image below for more pictures.

Below is a letter that Coach J wrote to the Stanford 6th Man Club:

Dear Stanford Family,

When I came to Stanford, my hope was to coach here until I retired. While that isn’t able to happen, I will always cherish my seven years on the Farm.

As many of you have probably heard, I have accepted the head coaching job at Louisiana State University. Before I am off to my new home, I wanted to share a few things with you:

I believe in Stanford.

I believe in the University. I have always thought that the professors trying to cure cancer or solve major world issues would be more important than the basketball coach. Stanford is much bigger than one person and particularly when that person is some guy who gets to coach basketball for a living.

I believe in Stanford Basketball. One of the first things I did when I became the head coach at Stanford was to try to reinvigorate the basketball alumni—which I think we did. We had record attendance at our first ever alumni weekend in 2005. I was very excited about the big event in the works for this September. I was proud to be able to continue and, thankfully I believe, add to the program’s tradition.

I believe in Stanford student athletes. I have never been around a more impressive group of young men and women. I have always tried to surround myself with the best people possible. Specifically, I can honestly say I am better individual and coach because of this group of young men. I want to thank our players–and our staff–for making my job easy.

The Stanford community has been incredibly gracious to my family and me. During my time as an assistant and most recently as head coach, the fans have been great supporters of our program. I will miss the many friends I made here.

I also want to give a big plug–and a big thanks–to the 6th Man Club. You guys made Maples an absolutely brutal place to play for our opponents. You were fantastic supporters of our players and our program. Also, I always enjoyed the post season dinners with 6th Man members—you guys helped keep my job fun.

There are too many people for me to name that have made my time here extra special and are responsible for our success, but I am confident that they know who they are. Thank you.

Just know that I will always be cheering for the Cardinal—and I wouldn’t mind if you did a little cheering for the Tigers either.

Thank you again for a wonderful seven years and the opportunity to be a part of something so special.

Warmest Regards,

Coach J

What better way to see who comes to something than take a sweet close-up of their mug . Click here to see them.

Spring Break 2008! included some sun bathing, cooking, dining, hiking, and some general fun in the sun.  Something about only worring about meals and what activity to entertain ourselves with between meals was extremely satisfying .  Click image below for more pics.