Q and A with Derek and John

Here's something different. We recently had a quick Q and A with the coaches for the White Team, the ever charismatic and full of energy Derek, and John Wang.

Q: What are your overall impressions of the team and season so far?

John: I'm very proud of my players because of the fast improvement that have shown as a team. It tells me that everybody is motivated to get better, and so far the results have been pretty impressive.

Derek: The team seems to be doing better.

Q: How good has Mark been? Anybody else that should be recognized?

John: I think what makes Mark so effective is his confidence. He is very athletic and knows how to use it to his advantage. Calson is another player that should be recognized. He wants to learn to be a better player, he is very supportive towards his teammates, and he's the key to our defense. He's a much better player compared to last year.

Derek: Mark's scoring's been crazy, putting up 20 in a half. Gavin Lin's starting to step up when he was put at point guard when Mark was sitting out.

Q: How have they improved since day one?

John: Compared to our first tournament game with the red team, they are a whole different team. There is no more confusion & standing still. Everybody is a threat. They understand what they have to do in different situations offensively and defensively.

Derek:  Calson's form has been looking a lot better on his put-backs, starting to jump up and going up strong.

Q: How much of it is playing weak teams and how much of it is doing what you guys do well in terms of your record?

John: We understand that playing in division 9, there are a lot of short cuts and advantages we can take to get baskets. What we are doing to get better is definitely working. In the beginning of the season, we were getting wins and even took a lost. Now we're showing our potential and we're able to put teams away early in the game.

Derek: I think this team has the most talent in this division and all these games they play are winnable, if not a must win.

Q: Is it tough to stay focused knowing this is such a weak division?

John: It's a little hard to stay 100% focused knowing we are in a weak division. Taking a lost early in the season was more of a positive thing, because now we understand that there are teams that we have to compete with to win, and that we are never over confident.

Derek: I think because this is a weak division, they lack the drive needed to play a good game. A lot of these games end up in blow out victories and they just don't pose a threat to them.