Word: jacksonism
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...Jackson, 54, has come a long way himself. He was born in Deer Lodge, Mont., and reared in Williston, N.D. His parents were ministers, so he became drawn to issues of spirituality at an early age. His career path, however, was secular: he was a star basketball player at the University of North Dakota and a role player (nicknamed "Action" Jackson) in the NBA, where he was a member of title-winning New York Knicks squads in 1970 and 1973. There he became close friends with teammate Bill Bradley. Indeed, Jackson was being touted as a possible head coach...
...Jackson's interest in Eastern thought and Native American mysticism (hence Sacred Hoops) increasingly informed his approach to coaching. Drawing from Buddhism, he speaks often of rejecting selfishness and egotism. In winning six championships with the Chicago Bulls, he emphasized selfless movement without the ball in a pattern known as the triangle offense. The triangle forced defenses to stretch, to cover everyone, everywhere--and that left the opposing team vulnerable to Michael Jordan...
...Jackson's players often talk about his contributions in abstract terms that reflect his thoughtful outlook on the game. Bryant credits Jackson with helping him to become "more aware" of what's happening on the basketball court. "It sounds like a minor thing," says Bryant, "but it's very big when you're playing at this level to really be aware of everything around...
...Neal, he has shown fresh dedication to solving his problems at the free-throw line, a place where he has laid down enough bricks to qualify for union membership. "He's much better," says Jackson. "He's been dedicating a lot of time off-hours to just shooting free throws. His poise, his confidence, his touch are better. He has some fundamental things wrong with his shot, but he's trying to correct those...
...Jackson's positive attitude has helped O'Neal's confidence. "He's a top coach who makes the right moves," says O'Neal. Truth be told, Shaq's not really that much better at the line--his .502 free-throw percentage is down slightly from last season. But lately he's been shooting better, especially in big games...