Lutz to coach the troops in Kuwait

to Bobby for agreeing to do this.

Lutz To Participate in Operation Hardwood,
Charlotte 49ers Mentor Among Group of Coaches Headed to Kuwait
Charlotte49ers.com
August 19, 2005

Washington, D.C. - The America Supports You campaign, a nationwide Department of Defense program that showcases America's support for the men and women in the Armed Forces, announced "Operation Hardwood-Hoops With The Troops" a basketball tournament in which 8 NCAA coaches and sports personalities will travel to Kuwait to coach military basketball teams at Camp Arifjan.

Eight 13-member military basketball teams from camps throughout Kuwait will participate in the tournament from August 27-31. In addition to working with the soldiers, the coaches are planning to visit a local sports clinic to meet and coach Kuwaiti children who are learning the game.

Rick Kell, Executive Director, Operation Hardwood, in conjunction with the America Supports You team, has arranged for the following NCAA coaches and sports personalities to participate in the tournament:
· Jay Bilas, ESPN commentator and former player, Duke University
· Bobby Cremins, former head coach, Georgia Tech
· Mark Gottfried, University of Alabama
· Tom Izzo, Michigan State University
· Mike Jarvis, ESPN commentator and former coach, St. John's University
· Bobby Lutz, University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Charlotte 49ers)
· Dave Odom, University of South Carolina
· Kelvin Sampson, University of Oklahoma

"The idea for Operation Hardwood came in a moment last winter at a University of Maryland basketball game. Several troops that had recently returned from the Middle East were being honored and the basketball connection was apparent. With the help and encouragement from a number of friends, we launched "Operation Hardwood-Hoops With the Troops," said Kell.

"I am honored to be chosen to participate in this project," said 49ers head coach Bobby Lutz. "I am excited to be able to give a little something to our military who do so much for us in protecting our freedom and way of life."

Allison Barber, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs said, "Operation Hardwood is a unique example of how Americans are showing their support for our military men and women in uniform. America Supports You is proud to be a part of this basketball tournament, and we look forward to the start of the games."

This double elimination tournament will feature the best military players in Kuwait who have honed their skills in their off-duty time for the chance to work with these top-level coaches. The tournament will take place over 3 days and will include a 3-point shot and slam dunk contest prior to the start of the championship game. Nike Inc. assisted with recruiting the coaches and has donated shoes and uniforms for the teams.

"We're all very excited about the opportunity to get training and advice from some of the best coaches in basketball. This is truly the chance of a lifetime, and we're looking forward to bringing our best game," said Camp Navistar team coach Staff Sergeant James Price.

The event will conclude with a championship game that will determine the tournament winner.

About Operation Hardwood "Operation Hardwood-Hoops With The Troops" is an initiative launched to boost morale among U.S. military men and women serving in the Middle East, and give thanks to the people of Kuwait for their continued support.

About America Supports You Since the launch of the America Supports You program last November, more than one million Americans, including individual citizens, businesses and organizations, have logged onto AmericaSupportsYou.mil to register the activities and projects in their communities that show their support for America's Armed Forces, especially those serving in harm's way.

 

That's cool. Glad to see coach helping out. The troops deserve a little fun.

 

Update:





Coach visits the troops


Bobby Lutz visits Kuwait to coach during Operation Hardwood

Lutz Among Eight NCAA Coaches Who Meet Troops

Sept. 1, 2005

Camp Arifjan, Kuwait -
By Spc. Robert Adams
Desert Voice Assistant Editor

Bobby Lutz, Charlotte 49ers head men's basketball coach, along with seven other NCAA basketball coaches flew over to Kuwait to coach in the Operation Hardwood basketball tournament Aug. 27 - 31. Lutz coached American troops from Camp Virginia, Kuwait. His team lost its first two games in the tournament, but Lutz enjoyed his experience with the players and his time with the troops.

"I can honestly tell you that I have never felt as honored to be an American when I came and experienced this with all of you," Lutz said. When Lutz wasn't coaching his team, he was out in the crowd signing autographs and taking pictures with troops. He was very thankful for being able to attend the event and meet with servicemembers.

"From the bottom of my heart I want to thank you for what you do, and we are going to make sure that every one at home appreciates what you do everyday," Lutz said.

The Operation Hardwood "hoops with the troops" tournament started with teams of servicemembers from the eight Kuwait military camps. The double elimination tournament was won by the Camp Arifjan team, coached by Tom Izzo. Arifjan's victory wrapped up the three-day tournament that showcased a double-overtime victory by Camp Doha over Camp Ali Al Salem to advance to the championship game, a last second basket for a Camp Navistar victory, as well as exciting dunk and three-point contests. The other coaches were Tom Izzo, Michigan State Univerity, Mark Gottfried, University of Alabama, Dave Odom, University of South Carolina, Kelvin Sampson, Oklahoma University, Mike Jarvis, former St. Johns, and Bobby Cremins, former Georgia Tech, and Jay Bilas, ESPN analyst.

 

The story from Columbia...


Gamecocks coach has "life-changing" trip to Kuwait
Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Dave Odom's proudest moments as a coach might have come a half-world away from South Carolina's campus.

Odom joined several other coaches in "Operation Hardwood," a basketball tournament in Kuwait for U.S. military members fighting in Iraq. The Gamecocks' coach and the others were told by commanders at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait there would be a moment during their stay that would thrill them and remain with them forever.

For Odom it happened early as he prepped his Camp Navistar team for the tournament's opening game. The call came for the national anthem, and Odom looked behind to get his players lined up as he typically does with the Gamecocks.

Instead, Odom found his team at attention, eyes on the American flag as Whitney Houston`s version of the "Star Spangled Banner" was played.

"You could have heard a mouse crawl across the floor" it was so reverent at the court, Odom recalled Friday. "This was the moment."

The only thing that topped it, Odom said, came in the tournament final, when he served as an assistant to Michigan State coach Tom Izzo's tournament winning Camp Arifjan team. All the coaches, dressed in military uniforms, marched to the center of the floor before the game. This time when the national anthem started, Odom could see the 1,500 troops there to watch look as respectful as his team did only days earlier.

"It's like I told them, for me there wasn`t one moment, there was two," he said.

Odom, who turns 63 next month, called the weeklong visit a life changing experience.

He mixed with U.S. personnel from all over, but sought out those from South Carolina. Most knew how Odom`s team won the NIT title last March and that Steve Spurrier was preparing for his Gamecocks debut - a 24-15 win over Central Florida on Thursday.

What Odom found was a group that believed deeply in their mission and is prepared to do what it takes in Iraq. Odom says he didn't make the trip for political reasons, but he was pleased to see the high morale and purpose in America's troops.

"I did not meet one soldier who questioned whether the war was right or wrong," Odom said. "You can tell whether people are genuine and they are committed to following through. I am so proud of those people. America`s in great shape."

Other college basketball personalities on the trip were former South Carolina player and Georgia Tech coach Bobby Cremins, Alabama coach Mark Gottfried, Oklahoma coach Kelvin Sampson, ex-St. John`s coach Mike Jarvis, Charlotte coach Bobby Lutz and ESPN analyst Jay Bilas.

Odom says he got to ride one of the base's camels and drive a tank. He also gave out duffel bags full of South Carolina hats, shirts and posters to eager Palmetto Staters dreaming of home.

Some of Odom's most revealing and memorable moments were talking with soldiers about their roles in Iraq. Odom talked about meeting two women who transport tanks and heavy vehicles into Iraq, one driving, the other as a gunner.

"How often do you get shot at?" the coach asked.

"Oh, every time we go," came the response.

"How often you shoot back?" Odom continued.

"Every time they shoot at us," they told him.

"I thought, 'Oh my goodness, this is real,'" Odom said,

Odom spent much of the 22-hour flight back from Kuwait sketching how best to bring the lessons he learned to his team.

"How do I make them understand how fortunate they are," he said.

Odom says his Gamecocks are great people, but concerned with things most college players are - like per diem money and playing time - not about sacrifices people in the military make to keep them safe and free.

"I don`t know that I can do it," he says, "but I`m going to try."


And from East Lansing...


Izzo Leads Camp Arifjan Team To Victory In Operation Hardwood Championship, Spartan coach ends once-in-a-lifetime trip with victory
Sept. 1, 2005

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Michigan State men's basketball coach, along with seven other NCAA basketball coaches, flew over to Kuwait to coach in the Operation Hardwood basketball tournament Aug. 27 - 31. Izzo was the coach of Camp Arifjan, who won the tournament over Camp Doha. Arifjan's Reginald "Hawk" Hawkins and Derrell Bowman scored in double figures to defeat Doha 54-39 in the Operation Hardwood championship game Aug. 31 at Camp Arifjan's Zone 1 Fitness Center.

Arifjan's victory wrapped up the three-day tournament that showcased a double-overtime victory by Doha over Team Ali Al Salem to advance to the championship game, a last second basket for a Team Navistar victory, as well as exciting dunk and three-point contests.

"When we won the national championship, it was an incredible run and an incredible week, but when I walked off the airplane, and pulled up to the hotel and someone pokes his head in the bus and says `thank you', I knew what this was going to be about," Izzo said.

Izzo earned the players' respect right away with his college basketball resume.

"Tom Izzo is a great coach. He has been to the Final Four and won a national title," said Christopher McKelvey, Arifjan's center. "We listen to him knowing he is a winner and a leader."

"We want to win this for all the fans and the pride of Camp Arifjan," he added.

The championship game stayed close during the first half with each team trading baskets. Hawkins had eight of his 10 points and Demetrius Cattle made two three-pointers in the first half to lead Arifjan to a slight 30-27 advantage at halftime over Doha.

Then Arifjan opened up the score to 41-34 with eight minutes remaining in the second half after a Christopher McKelvey blocked shot and point guard Jamail McGlome's basket. Arifjan finished the game by hitting 9-of-9 from the free throw line.

"I knew from the start we were going to win this," said Hawkins, who also won the dunk contest.

Arifjan dominated every opponent throughout the tournament, with the closest game being a 53-46 victory over Team Ali Al Salem. Arifjan had already defeated Doha, 48-37 earlier in the tournament, behind a strong performance by Hawkins.

"I would like to thank my team," Izzo said. "It is hard being the favorite, and I appreciate that these guys hung in there and found a way to win."

Izzo was extremely appreciative of the opportunity to coach a team in Operation Hardwood.

After the tournament, Izzo got the chance to thank the rest of the troops as well.

"The opportunity I've had here ... the chance to meet every one of you ... the chance to wear this uniform ... I thank you for letting us be a small part of it," Izzo said. "We will never give you as much as you've given us, but we will promise you to spread the word and tell what you are all about when we get back home."

The Operation Hardwood "Hoops With The Troops" tournament started with teams of service members from the eight Kuwait military camps. Each team was coached by different NCAA basketball coaches, who flew overseas to coach and mentor the players as well as visit with troops.

The other coaches were Oklahoma's Kelvin Sampson, Alabama's Mark Gottfried, South Carolina's Dave Odom, UNC-Charlotte's Bobby Lutz, former coaches Mike Jarvis and Bobby Cremins and ESPN Analyst Jay Bilas.

- courtesy of Spc. Robert Adams, Desert Voice Assistant Editor

 

Camel jockey?