The mind of an AAU coach: West Michigan Lakers' Joe Soules

Fresh off their tournament championship in the 17u division of their invitational, the Tulip Tip-Off in West Ottawa, the West Michigan Lakers are finally starting to hit their groove.  They are one of the most talented AAU basketball teams in West Michigan on paper, and recently that talent has begun to manifest itself on the court.

Much of this success has to do with the Lakers’ two head guys, Kevin Tringali and Joe Soules.  They teach a brand of basketball that is in many ways different than what AAU has become.  In a section of the sport dedicated to showcasing individual talent for college scouts, the Lakers have found success teaching team.  Coach Soules caught up with WMA in the week before the CDBA Invitational in Lansing to talk about the season, and provide an inside perspective into the mind of an AAU coach.

WMA: So how did you and Kevin get started in all this? How did the Lakers get formed? What’s the story there?

JS: Kevin started this program 9 years ago after being out of high school basketball for a year. He wanted to get back in and started the West Michigan Lakers. He loves basketball and helping young men succeed not only on the floor, but in life.

WMA: And then how did you get involved?

JS: The real story?  I was 22, just finished off my second season as an assistant coach at Forest Hills Northern and wanted to learn more, continue coaching and learn as much as I could. I got online, looked for some AAU teams and found the Lakers. I emailed Kevin at midnight (I had no clue who the Lakers were or what they really were about either, but I loved the website and the info they gave me). He called me at 8am the next morning and we had lunch that day. 6 years later, here we are. I did one year of 15u and then went to the 17u team to help him and now, with the help of great young men, great families and support, we are making strides to be one of the best organizations in the Midwest.

WMA: Speaking of the hierarchy of AAU teams in the Midwest, people assume there’s a rivalry between you guys and the Grand Rapids Storm. Is that legit? What’s that like?

JS: (Laughs) No comment.  There is a rivalry, no question.  The Storm have a history of being one of the top clubs in Michigan. We are just a few years younger, but the competition is very healthy.  Just like in any sport or business, you need that competition to keep you on your game. That said we both do things differently in many aspects. And there are a lot of great teams now. Darryl has a great program (CDBA), I’ve got a ton of respect for what he and his organization do. And ACB and Central Michigan All Stars as well.

WMA: You’ve named some really great AAU clubs around the area, and there are even more than that too.  You’ve spent time in both the AAU and the high school basketball ranks.  What in your opinion is the role of AAU?

JS: It can be two different animals. There is no doubt that AAU is faster, because you are taking some of the best players from every school and placing them on one team. I truly believe that you have to place yourself against better competition to get better — whether it is for the next level (college) or you just want to go back to your school team and enjoy that season.  In high school you have 5 months to mesh players and teach players the game. In AAU you have very little practice time.  I love both sides of the game. I love to teach the game of basketball and have a team work as a single unit. Sometimes it takes longer than you’d like, but you have to teach.  I guess I don’t know if there are enough teachers of the game in aau yet. That may be changing slowly, but I believe basketball in general would be better if more high school coaches became involved in AAU and taught these young men how to play even more.

WMA: You teach a team oriented brand of basketball.  In that environment, who has been stepping it up for you this season?

JS: Our whole team has really stepped up. That’s the base of who we are — everyone does their job. Colin Meadowcroft has been a very solid combo guard for us, playing with a very steady hand and hitting big shots when called on.  Our two point guards, Thomas Hendricks and Xavier Watson have been outstanding in leading our team and making sure everyone is on the same page.  Those two are definitely unsung heroes for us.  Justin Pepper has been a steady force, with a good face up game, and now learning to dominate the glass.  Ladon Carnegie just rejoined the squad this past weekend (from the Mustangs) and, as everyone knows, he can effect the game in so many ways. Ladon just makes everyone around him better.  And then we also have our junkyard dogs. Caleb Bosch, Bryce Lutke, David Evenhouse. They do whatever it takes to win on both sides of the floor and enjoy doing it.

WMA: I love to watch the guys who just go pedal-to-the-medal all the time.  Personal preference.  So to wrap up our chat, do you have anything you want to add?

JS: Organization, structure, doing things the correct way.  Those are rules you can live by not only on the floor, but in life. And for all the young players out there, remember that the whole is greater than the sum of its individual parts.  Me for we.

WMA: The proof is in the results, I would say.  Thanks again for taking the time today, coach.  Look forward to covering you more this season.  Good luck at the CDBA tournament this weekend!

JS: Thanks. We love everything you do for the kids in the West Michigan area. Anytime you want to talk, just let me know.

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