Are you thinking of joining the MVHS Basketball team? Well this year is the best year to do it! Our two head coaches Mr. Herbold and Ms. Barber will be dual coaching with the one and only LaMelo Ball.
Yes, you’ve read that correctly, our administration has confirmed that NBA star; LaMelo Ball will be joining our basketball program as a co-head coach for the upcoming 2026-2027 season.
“I think LaMelo brings a lot to our program.” Coach Herbold told reporters. “His confidence, skill, and stats are all reasons why we need him here.” Ms. Barber agreed adding, “Most teams focus on drills like dribble knockout and five-spot shooting. LaMelo suggested a new drill called, ‘just shoot,’ which involves all of the players to stand around the free-throw line and essentially … .just shoot the ball. It’s unconventional, but we’re excited to see where it goes.”
Students looking to try out next year seem to be hype about the news. Justin Case says “If LaMelo Ball tells me to shoot the ball, I’m shooting that ball.” Another adds, “At first I thought it was a joke, but after hearing about his new drill, I know we are taking home that CIF title.”
All of our staff and faculty are 100% on board with this exciting opportunity and are hopeful that this will inspire MVHS students not just in basketball but in school spirit as well.
I had the privilege of interviewing LaMelo and asked where his head is at going into this coaching season. In response he said, “Just ball and making sure everybody feels confident, if you think it’s going in…shoot it.” I then asked him what he thought his greatest weakness might be or why he might “fail” as a coach. Ball paused for a moment and replied, “I answered the question, it was that pause, no weaknesses, negative, zero, nada.” That response, that confidence, is why we need him as a coach.
After talking about his plan for next season, I wrapped up the interview and asked him what the best form of contact would be if players had any questions or concerns. I mentioned that most students usually use email. LaMelo shrugged while saying “Ion run it.” When I asked what they should do instead, he laughed and said, “Just pull up to the gym.”
Tryouts will begin later this spring, students interested are encouraged to come out and, in LaMelo’s words, “shoot their shot.” Whether you’re a seasoned player, or someone who likes to play a little ball from time to time, this could be a perfect opportunity to join the team and get one-on one coaching from a professional NBA player.
MVHS basketball is entering a new chapter, and if LaMelo’s philosophy is true, we can expect a whole lot of wins this coming season.
