Raptors Shooting Wizard Dave Hopla Joins The Wizards
By Walter DubowecRaptor fans are hoping that the team’s shooting numbers don’t decline in this upcoming season due to the departure of their in-house shooting guru – Dave Hopla.
Dave Hopla was hired as Assistant Coach of Player Development with the Washington Wizards. Hopla was a basketball development consultant with the Raptors last season. His specialty is teaching proper shooting form and techniques. Word is that Hopla was offered a full assistant position which is an upgrade over his full-time consulting role with the Raptors.
Hopla is regarded by many to be the top shooter in the world. He regularly knocks down 495 out of 500 shots. For instance, in 2005 Dave made an amazing 35,332 out of 35,979 shots during his lectures, which is 99.02 percent. Hopla is remarkably consistent. In 2004, he made 98.89 percent.
Here is a link to a half hour video shooting lesson which Dave provided in 2006. Not only is it extremely valuable for players of every age and skill level, but it is a must-see for fans who want to learn and understand the mechanics of shooting.
Dave Hopla Hoops Shooting Lesson
When you play this video, you have access to a tool bar that allows you to go directly to the chapter you select or to rewatch an important segment. This is what a few of the best shooters in the NBA have to say about Dave Hopla.
"Dave has not only helped my shooting but he improved my overall game. He has given me the confidence in all phases of my game."
Ray Allen, Seattle Supersonics
Ray Allen, Seattle Supersonics
"I never miss an opportunity to work with Dave. He's the best in the business."
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
"Dave has helped me achieve many of my goals and improved my overall game."
Gilbert Arenas, Washington Wizards
Gilbert Arenas, Washington Wizards
Let's hope the Raptors' players are watching this video!
Hoffa Signs In Russia
Rafael Araujo officially signed a one-year deal with the Russian Superleague team Spartak St. Petersburg- the same team which with Andrei Kirilenko played his first professional game.
Araujo's agents first started talking to Spartak about a week and a half ago and finalized the deal Thursday, which is reported to be for slightly less than the $800,000 he would have received if he had signed an NBA minimum deal. Hoffa’s goal is to see plenty of playing time and then attempt a return to the NBA as early as next season.
I just don’t see that a return to the NBA is in the cards for the under skilled former first round draft pick.
This news kinds sucked IMHO but I guess BC thought the team got what it could out of Hopla in one season.
I'm a fan of specialty coaching, I think it works on any level. I remember when Tiger Woods was at his peak and winning majors left and right he fired his coach because his form was not fundamentally correct. After that he went in a slump for about 2.5 years but look at him now, better than ever. True greatness.
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The link is now dead, does anyone have this video anywhere please?
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