NICEVILLE – Steve Forbes isn’t a “me” guy.
Never has been.
So no sooner had he accepted the head coaching position at Northwest Florida State College did Forbes reach out to a pair of familiar faces in Jason Shay and Brooks Savage to gauge their interest in joining him in Niceville.
And while it is Forbes that has twice been named the Panhandle Conference’s Coach of the Year, first by the league, then by its media members, and most recently the Region VIII men’s Coach of the Year earlier this week, the first-year Raiders coach routinely shrugs off the praise and instead points to his assistants.
As NWF State (29-1) enters today’s NJCAA national tournament opener against Navarro (Texas), it has been the collective work of the three that has the Raiders on the precipice of playing for perhaps its second-ever national championship.
“I’m very fortunate to have those guys with me,” Forbes said. “I think it’s important on any staff, that you don’t have a lot of the same, that you have diversity.
“I think we do have that. It’s a good mix. I think the chemistry of our staff has been really important since we got this job.”
Forbes took over the Raiders program last April after being let go from his assistant coaching post at the University of Tennessee in wake of an NCAA investigation into the recruiting practices of former Volunteers head coach Bruce Pearl.
Shay, who was also on the Volunteers staff, was also relieved of his duties.
“I wanted to coach,” Shay said. “I didn’t want to get out of coaching.”
He didn’t have to.
Forbes asked Shay to join in him in Niceville, where the two could continue what was a successful partnership for five seasons in Knoxville. Forbes would be in charge of the Raiders’ defensive game planning and calls while Shay, in a role similar to the one he held at Tennessee, would run NWF State’s offense.
“For me, it’s tremendous,” Shay said of the free reign Forbes has allowed him. “A lot of head coaches, they want to control it themselves or display that they’re in control. Steve is not that type of guy.
“He knows what my strengths are; he knows what his strengths are. I call almost every single offensive play call, so he has great confidence in me, which in turn, I don’t want to let him down.”
For Forbes, it’s about letting someone he considers to be “one of the most brilliant minds in basketball, at any level,” to do his job.
“I didn’t hire him just to hold a clipboard,” Forbes said. “I hired him to do a job. I think he’s really good at what he does and he’s proven that year in and year out.”
Savage, who served on Pearl’s UT staff as a student assistant and, later, a graduate assistant before leaving for Tulane in 2010, said the opportunity to rejoin Forbes and Shay was too good to pass up.
“As soon as he got (the NWF State job), it was a no brainer for me,” Savage said. “It was an easy decision for me.”
With NWF State, Savage has taken a lead role in the Raiders’ recruiting.
“Brooks reminds me a bit of myself at his age,” Forbes said. “Aggressive recruiter who likes to recruit, he’s a good coach and he’s learning his craft. He has a passion for it.”
Together, NWF State players say they have arrived at practice every day to find a detailed itinerary awaiting them. Practices during the week are often times more demanding than actual games. In short, the Raiders’ staff has developed a culture that demands attention to detail and maximum effort.
“They’ve been to the Elite Eight … they’ve done all that,” sophomore Teraes Clemmons said. “They have a specific task for everything, they don’t’ take anything light.
“Everything is detailed, everything is planned out. That’s paid off.”
"Jason Shay's Impact at Northwest Florida State College: A Coaching Journey and FAQs"
In the world of college basketball, the influence of a dedicated and skilled coach can shape not only a team's success but also the lives of the athletes they mentor. Jason Shay, a prominent figure in the college basketball community, has made significant strides in his coaching career. His tenure at Northwest Florida State College (NWF) has been marked by achievements, mentorship, and a commitment to excellence. In this article, we will explore Jason Shay's impact at NWF, his coaching journey, and answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) to shed light on his remarkable career.
The Coaching Journey of Jason Shay
Jason Shay's journey as a basketball coach is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. Here are key highlights from his coaching career:
1. Early Coaching Years: Jason Shay began his coaching career as an assistant coach at St. Ambrose University in Iowa. His commitment to player development and strategic acumen quickly caught the attention of peers and mentors.
2. NCAA Division I Experience: Shay gained valuable experience as an assistant coach at the NCAA Division I level, working with programs like the University of North Dakota and the University of Tennessee. His time at Tennessee, under the guidance of head coach Rick Barnes, honed his coaching skills and deepened his understanding of the game.
3. The Move to Northwest Florida State College: In 2019, Jason Shay took on the role of head coach at Northwest Florida State College, a respected junior college with a rich basketball tradition. His arrival marked the beginning of a new era for the Raiders.
4. Success at NWF: Under Shay's leadership, the NWF Raiders experienced remarkable success. His coaching style, emphasis on player development, and strategic approach propelled the team to excellence.
5. Player Development: Shay's commitment to developing student-athletes extended beyond the basketball court. He emphasized academics, leadership skills, and personal growth, preparing his players for success in life.
6. COVID-19 and Leadership: Jason Shay faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, but his leadership shone through. His thoughtful approach to navigating the pandemic earned recognition and respect from the basketball community.
7. Transition to the University of Tennessee: In 2021, Jason Shay made a significant move back to the University of Tennessee, rejoining the program as an assistant coach. His return to the Volunteers marked a full-circle moment in his coaching journey.
Jason Shay's Coaching Philosophy
Jason Shay's coaching philosophy is rooted in the development of well-rounded individuals both on and off the court. Some key aspects of his coaching philosophy include:
1. Player-Centered Approach: Shay places a strong emphasis on the needs and development of his players. He believes in tailoring coaching strategies to maximize each player's potential.
2. Team Cohesion: Building a strong team dynamic is a cornerstone of Shay's coaching philosophy. He values teamwork, communication, and trust among players and coaches.
3. Academic Excellence: Shay emphasizes the importance of academic achievement, instilling discipline and responsibility in his players to excel in the classroom.
4. Life Skills Development: Beyond basketball skills, Shay is committed to helping his players develop life skills, leadership qualities, and a strong work ethic that will serve them beyond their playing days.
FAQs About Jason Shay's Coaching Career
Let's address some frequently asked questions about Jason Shay's coaching career:
1. What are some of the notable achievements of Jason Shay's coaching career?
Jason Shay's coaching career includes notable achievements such as leading NWF to success in the junior college basketball scene and his role as an assistant coach at the University of Tennessee.
2. How does Shay approach player development?
Shay's approach to player development involves tailoring coaching strategies to the strengths and weaknesses of each player. He places a strong emphasis on skill development, teamwork, and leadership.
3. What is the significance of his return to the University of Tennessee?
Jason Shay's return to the University of Tennessee is a significant milestone in his coaching journey. It represents a homecoming and an opportunity to contribute to a high-profile NCAA Division I program.
4. How did Shay handle the challenges of coaching during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Shay's leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was marked by adaptability, communication, and prioritizing the safety and well-being of his players and staff.
5. What can aspiring coaches learn from Jason Shay's coaching philosophy?
Aspiring coaches can learn valuable lessons from Shay's player-centered approach, emphasis on holistic development, and dedication to academic and personal growth.
Jason Shay's coaching journey is a testament to the impact a dedicated coach can have on both the game of basketball and the lives of the players they mentor. His time at Northwest Florida State College showcased his ability to lead and develop student-athletes, preparing them for success on and off the court. As he continues his coaching career at the University of Tennessee, his influence in the basketball community remains significant, and his commitment to excellence and player development continues to inspire aspiring coaches and athletes alike.
No comments:
Post a Comment