Getting to Know FBA Coaches

Article & Photos: Elise Leepin //  elisenoell.com

"Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best in which you are capable."
-John Wooden

Coaching is a high privilege, a position that requires someone who can be a leader, teacher and role model all in one. The coaches at FBA are just that, as they lead athletes to not only bettering themselves at the game of basketball but also at life. To kick off the season, we sat down with a few FBA coaches to talk basketball, what it takes to be a solid athlete, and the role of coaching.

Fryer Basketball Coaches:
Jeff Fryer- Executive Director
Jonah Ganz - Head Coach
Brett Matsen - Assistant Director & Coach

 






What are you looking forward to for the upcoming season with FBA?

Jeff: I can't wait to see the kids improve and continue to lean how to be the best teammates they can possibly be.
Jonah: I'm looking forward to working with all of the players, both new to the program and the returning players. I am excited to help the new athletes develop and improve upon the skills of the returning athletes.

Brett: I'm excited to build off of the success from last year. There are quite a few returning players which is a huge indication of these athletes being excited about the program. We are going to continue to grow and develop.

Describe your style of coaching in three words / phrases.

Jeff: Have fun, work hard & be positive 
Jonah: Hard work, energy & positivity
Brett: Energy, communication & trust 

What do you look for in a solid basketball player?

Jeff: A good athlete is tough, smart, and unselfish. I also believe that athletes need to be a good teammate.
Jonah: I look for an athlete who is coachable and willing to learn as well as improve. Being a good teammate is so important, whether it's giving a teammate a high five on a good play or helping pick guys up when they're down.

Brett: I believe a solid player is unselfish, energetic, passionate. They should always hustle hard.

Two favorite basketball coaches of all time:
Jeff: John Wooden (UCLA) & Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat)
Jonah: Steve Spencer (Orange Coast College) & Doc Rivers (Los Angeles Clippers)

Brett: Mike Krzyzewski (Duke University) & John Wooden (UCLA)

Favorite NBA role model: 
Jeff: Kevin Durant 

Jonah: Steve Nash 
Brett: Steve Nash

Choose a starting 5 dream team of current players.
Jeff: Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Kevin Love, and Hassan Whiteside 
Jonah:  Russell Westbrook, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and DeAndre Jordan

Brett: Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis

What's your favorite part about coaching?
Jeff: It's incredible to watch the development of these athletes. I enjoy being a good example and light in their lives as well.
Jonah: I love to see the players' reaction when they see themselves improving. 

Brett: I enjoy connecting with players and building a journey from a vision. It's amazing to be a part of a group that is bigger and more important than yourself.

2016 NBA champions?
Jeff: Miami Heat

Jonah: San Antonio Spurs
Brett: Cleveland Cavaliers

What's your best piece of advice that you give to athletes?

Jeff: Get your priorities straight: God, family, school, and friends. 
Jonah: Work as hard as you possibly can at whatever you love most.
Brett: If you want to be happy, make someone else happy.