U-M's Beilein, Other Division I Coaches Join Coaches vs. Cancer Effort in Bloomfield Hills

Some of the best and highly regarded basketball coaches in the state, and those that want to earn that designation will converge on for the on Sept. 22.

The half-day clinic for local coaches of any age group or level features instruction and demonstration in several facets of the game for $35. All proceeds will be donated for cancer research as part of the Coaches vs. Cancer effort. More than $3,000 has been raised through the clinic since 2009.

"We've all been touched in our lives one way or another by cancer, and it doesn't discriminate," said event founder and current director Paul Galbenski, the former head coach of the boys varsity team.

Galbenski, who is now an assistant with the Detroit Country Day girl's varsity team, unveiled the line-up of this year's speakers on his website Tuesday.

"The coaches know it's for a great cause and see it is a way for them to give back and share their knowledge with others in the profession," he said.

Here's the list of speakers:

John Beilein, University of Michigan

Head Men's Basketball Coach

• 2012 Big Ten Champions
• 2007 National Invitation Tournament Champions
• 7 NCAA Tournament Appearances
• 4-Time Coach of the Year

Topic: Michigan Offensive Skill Development

Jeff Smith, Central Michigan University

Assistant Men's Basketball Coach

• 2005 & 2009 NCAA Tournament Appearances
• 2005 Mid-Continent Tournament Champions
• 2009 Mountain West Conference Champions

Topics: My Favorite Sets, Drills and Special Situations

Jim Christian, Ohio University

Head Men's Basketball Coach

• 2003 & 2004 Mid-American East Division Champions
• 2006 & 2008 Mid-American Champions
• 2006 & 2008 Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year

Topics: Offensive and Defensive Drills that Add Variety to Practice

Klint Pleasant, Rochester College

Head Men's Basketball Coach

• 2012 NAIA Coach of Character Award
• 2012 USCAA Division 1 National Championship Runner-Up
• 2001-2002 Elite Eight NCAA Tournament Appearance

Topic: Pressure Defense: Does it Still Work?

Need to Know

• The Knights Basketball Coaching Academy runs from 8:15 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Andover gym.
• Each coach will receive an academy t-shirt; basketball notebook; basketball Internet web sites; BCAM (Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan) and CAP (Coaches Advancement Program) information; a list of must-have basketball books and DVDs; on-court player demonstrations provided by the Rochester College USCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship team; coaches’ prize give-a-ways from Nike; Winning Hoops and many more valuable basketball resources.
• The cost is $35 per person for those that register by Sept. 15. Registration at the door will be $45. More information is available at the event website, and anyone with questions should contact Coach Galbenski at 248-506-4373, or by email at coachg@mail.com.