Raccoon Valley Radio continues its interview today with long time Perry basketball coach Mike Long.  Club basketball and AAU teams are becoming more prevalent in central Iowa as kids play for these teams during the off season months to fine tune their skill.  Every club or AAU program is different and Long feels it can be beneficial if you find a club that specializes in defense.

“Sometimes AAU ball can be a hindrance for me because it doesn’t do much for teamwork or individual defense.  From my experiences, it is great for the offensive side of the basketball but I’m not sure if teamwork and defense is a top priority with some of the programs.  I know we won a state title because of our team defense.  We allowed around 30 points per game so I know if you play good solid defense, you’re going to have a chance to win a lot of games.”

Monday, we wrap up our series with Coach Long and ask him if he is planning on coming back next summer to coach Bluejay baseball.