An Icemen Exclusive....Ed Goorjian
Talked with "Coach Ed" Edward Goorjian today. He makes me smile and laugh any time I can speak with him. Born in 1926 he told some great stories about WWII and just missing being sent to Normandy. After they dropped the bomb, he spent his time after Japan surrendered working at POW Camps in Philippines, where he guarded Japanese prisoners until freed. Coach is going to talk to his son about some of the drills he did and get back to me but here is a snippet of today.
He thought the reason his sons were such good shooters was amazing stamina. Greg dribbled everyday to school about a mile, and would leave house two hours before school to get in gym and shoot. He jumped rope everyday. Ran everyday. He would make up drills. He would full court dribble either to top of key, wing, baseline and shoot it. He would get rebound and full speed dribble to other side and do same. He had to hit 100 shots before he was done. His son Brian (who is a pro coach, Australia Nat'l Team) was just as good of a shooter, but his front line at Crescenta Valley was 6'10, 6'10, 6'8 he told his son Brian, the ball goes inside.
Coach also stated to his son Greg. If your the best shooter on team you also have to lead us in Assists. So that year he lead CIF in assists too.
I asked Coach, what if there was a 3 point line back than. He said, Greg, boy he might've averaged a lot more. (Believe me, I say about 10 points more per game) One game Greg was 23 of 27. Also, he said Greg would throw ball out and catch it pivot (a different foot and move each time) and shoot it. So his FOOTWORK was great. A key to shooting Coach Goorjian shared was great footwork. They also did the Daily Dozen drills everyday at CVHS and other places he coached.
Coach Goorjian used to work for the Shot Doctor and spent time teaching in New Mexico, Arizona, Texas and all over the country. All his teams shot the ball well. He did mention one year he had a guard named Mark Palmer, who went to USC. Coach said, he had 5 shots one game. He was like, he's the best player and he got 5 shots. He said, he didn't care if he was double or triple teamed, "your best player needs the most shots." It's your job to figure out how to get him them.
Lastly, he said, John Thompson told him once. That a coach is the director. You fill the cast (team) with role players, leading men, etc. The best guy always gets the girl. But we all have roles to fill on a team. I'm still smiling.
This Saturday with Don Casey. Life is Good fellas!
- Todd Malecki
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