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Kalaheo’s Second-year Coach Thomas Talks Basketball

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Jac Thomas, head coach for the Kalaheo girls basketball team. Photo by Nathalie Walker, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

The so-called “transition year” that goes with a coaching change seems a long time gone now for Kalaheo head girls basketball coach Jac Thomas. Last year, he was the Mustangs’ third coach in three seasons, but a productive off-season has helped him to put his own stamp on it. When the team had its first official practice last week, hopes were understandably high. Thomas recently took some time away from his busy schedule to answer some questions from MidWeek.

What is your earliest basketball-related memory? My first team and my first basketball. I was 7 years old and entering a sport I only saw on TV. The league was K.Y.A.C. in Kailua, and my team was the Cougars. That was a great time, and the teammates I made friends with are still friends till today. Also, Christmas was during the season and my granddaddy bought me a brand-new basketball. I practiced in our driveway every day and even when the sun went down.

Who has had the biggest impact on you in your life? My father. He taught me do things “right.” Never do something half-way even if you don’t like it. He taught me do things with my heart. I practiced and played with conviction because I wanted to be good at what I do. I wasn’t as talented as other kids, but my heart was stronger, which gave me the edge.

When did you know that you wanted to be a coach? When I was in high school. I did volunteer work at Aikahi Rec. and coached elementary boys in an after-school program. It also is in my blood. My father coached Kailua High JV football in the ‘80s. He was the head coach and won two OIA JV championships. The staff would have meetings here (at school), and I would just sit and listen to them.

Who are your mentors in coaching? How have they influenced how you run your own program? No. 1 my Dad, No. 2 Pete Smith and No. 3 Pat Summit/Tara VanDerveer. My father taught me the simplicity of coaching and relating to kids. He showed me how to be fair but strict. Simple rules makes it easy for the player to decide what impact they want to make. Pete taught me to understand the impact of simple shots and defense; he expressed points in the paint and a pressure defense to create points. Very simple rule for four quarters. Pete would write on the chalkboard 12/8: He taught us to score a minimum of 12 points per quarter and only allow 8 for the opponent. At the end, you will find yourself winning 48 to 32. A very realistic goal. Pat and Tara are college coaches. They have a winning percentage that I admire. Reading their books and watching video only reassures me that what I teach is what I have learned (which) is still being practiced at a higher level. I know I am leading my girls in the right direction fundamentally.

You mentioned over the summer that your girls were disappointed to be shifted to Division II. Will this be a rallying point in terms of maintaining the work-ethic you’re seeking from them? I thought the demotion would cause that determination or drive. It did not happen. They just want to play basketball.

How much further along do you feel the program is now that you have a had a full season and off-season on the job? I feel so much more confident in my girls, and they are a lot more comfortable with the plays and style of coaching. Last season was a huge growing pain. The program is moving on pace. Off-season training was great. We have a foundation to grow from, and that was a key element. Our players and future players have more to look forward to than just season basketball.

Your daughter, Kourtni Thomas, figures to be one of the top players in the OIA. What is it like coaching a family member? Response after the season.

What aspect of your team do you feel best about as you begin the new season? Role playing. Everyone knows their role, their previous experience and their off-season playing. Even the players on the bench know their role. My bench players will be strong and also understand the plays.

Who on the Kalaheo roster will surprise people in 2008? I think the surprise will be the bench. The matchup of the sixth player will be the tactical facet of the game. I feel confident to match talent with talent, and this year I think I have more talent down my roster than most teams.