Interview With Bruce Bailey

This interview is the first in a series with coaches that run the System. The first coach I questioned was Bruce Bailey the G-R Rebels Girl’s basketball coach. This was their first year running the system.

How did you get started coaching the system? What did you think of the System the first time you heard about it?

I wanted to up-tempo this season and I wanted to do more pressing and push the ball more. I had talked Coach Gillespie about the system and decided to jump into it with both feet.

I first heard about and witnessed the system about 5-6 years ago when we scrimmaged Dunkerton. I was not sold on the mass substitutions. I didn’t think I would have enough quality players to make it work.



Would you ever go back to traditional basketball? Why or why not?



I won’t say ever, but there is a 99.9% chance that I never will. I love everything about it! First of all it involves all players and gives them a chance to participate, contribute, and be part of the team. It makes poor players average, average player good, and good player’s great. The pace of the game is terrific. With the up-tempo offense and defense it is an exciting style of play that creates a passion for the game that is lacking in many other styles It is very goal oriented which allows players and coaches to focus on what is important to success.. It is fun to coach, play, and watch!!!!!!!!



What is the number one thing you enjoy about the system?



Watching the kids get into it and having fun playing basketball. It promotes a family atmosphere amongst all involved!



Do you or have you ever regretted changing to the system?


ABSOLUTALLY NOT



What do you have to do next year to go faster and score more points as a team?



I think we need to up-tempo our defense more by taking more chances and giving people different looks from line to line. We also need to become better at attacking the basket on the break and in quick hitters if we are initially stopped.



What was your most satisfying game this year as a coach?



There were a lot of satisfying games this season just because of where we were last year and how far we came this year. I will say our first game of the season because we won it and it showed me what the system could do and gave all of us confidence in what we were doing.




Where did you get the passion you have for basketball?



I really don’t know, I have loved basketball since I was a little kid. I think my passion for coaching began when my daughters first became involved in playing. It has grown ever since as I became involved with working with kids and seeing their desire to improve as individual players and as a team. They keep your passion young!



What are your thoughts about the years you invested coaching basketball at the high school level?



I can’t imagine doing anything more worthwhile or rewarding.



What is the biggest fish you have ever caught?



Usually it is at least one inch bigger than the other liar I am talking with.




Do you have any regrets about basketball?



I wish I had started coaching earlier in my life.



If you could change one thing about your time in high school basketball what would it be?



I wish I had cued into the system years ago.



Who are three people you would like to have dinner with?

John F. Kennedy, Bill Russell, George Halas