London Lightning Assistant Coach was built for one thing: Build great players.
I've known Doug for a long time. The guy was a groomsman in my wedding. I can tell you, he's as hard a worker as anyone out there. He doesn't skip steps and he's the type of gritty player we all loved having on our teams - and despised playing against. When we launched Academy Basketball together a couple years ago - I knew very quickly he was well on his way to an incredible career after his playing days. We had a chance to catch up with the London Lightning's latest coaching staff addition to chat about what the game of basketball means to him and dive in to what got him to this point. As expected, Doug Plumb didn't hold back.
Vancouver Basketball: Tell us a little about your childhood and the game of basketball. Vancouver-area is near and dear, you spent some time in the states, your pops was a huge influence and your brother is a ball player. Fill us in?
DP: It's been quite the journey to this point. I grew up playing for legendary Pitt Meadows coach Rich Goulet and that's where my love for the game was formulated. I still remember Goulet picking me up at 6 am and rebounding for me before school. This was probably the most influential period of my hoops life. It's where the steadfast work ethic I later learned was essential to be successful was engrained. I will be forever grateful to have have someone like Rich in my life from an early age. Not many kids get this type of a mentor at a young age. We need to celebrate the coaches who go above and beyond as they are few and far between these days.
After Pitt I made the move to Minnesota with my dad, Norm and my younger brother Colin to pursue a scholarship. I came in a skinny white kid and left the schools all time leading scorer and two time all-state. It was never because I was just better, it was because I just flat out worked harder. This was in huge part to the fact that for three years Norm would wake up and rebound for me at 530 a.m. before school. This is a major aspect which is missing in hoops here locally. Access is key. Our youth need to be much more resourceful in finding gym space. However, we criticize our youth for not putting the time in to develop a foundation of fundamentals yet we restrict access to gyms. It's completely ass backwards.
The major thing I learned in my time down south is that there is no substitute for time spent on your game. I came in as an undeveloped boy and after watching the diligence with which the americans attack their weaknesses is the main thing which separates them from us; I came out a man. There is not much that you can do if you don't grow to be 6'9" but thats no excuse. Understand that you have to work three times as hard because of it. We tend to still have an inferiority complex out west and search for reasons why not. If I can do it, no reason you can't. Living in the US undoubtedly lit the fire to the tenacity with which I still, and always will attack the game.
Vancouver Basketball: You’ve helped launch some local training initiatives in town. Individual, Academy Basketball programs, groups, camps, volunteering, etc. How important is that to you?
DP: Since I've been back from playing abroad I had to goal of trying to right the ship out here and get our youth to get back to the basics. Understanding that despite the instant gratification generation we see being bolstered through social media access that there are no short cuts, no hand outs was the main common theme we have tried to engrain into the minds of this generation of local athletes. That being a great player is fine, but means very little if you don't truly understand the importance of intangibles and being a sound, well rounded person. Mark Starkey and I teamed up founded the Vancouver Basketball Academy two summers ago and it really reconnected me with the youth aspect of the game and inspired me to get into coaching. Seeing how you can empower someone through a simple game and open up a multitude of options for that person has been extremely inspiring and has become my new 'why'.
Vancouver Basketball: It’s a big day for you being named a professional assistant coach. You’ve been a player both as an undergrad and a professional overseas. Talk to us about the new Coaching gig for the London Lightning?
DP: I'm very excited or the opportunity to work with the London Lighting. The league has somewhat flown under the radar in the country, mainly because the majority of coverage is out east but there is some very very real next level talent. The league is fast, very athletic and very physical. In London I will be assisting Canada Basketball Alum Kyle Julius. Kyle has done a fantastic job of establish a no nonsense culture out there which I feel I align with completely. I'm looking forward to the challenge and being able to transfer what I've learned from my time as a player both in the CIS and overseas into the minds of this years squad and helping us chase a championship.
Quote from Kyle Julius, Head Coach of the Lightning London:
"Adding coach Plumb to our organization is going to make us better on and off the court.
Coach Plumb has played at the highest levels and his coaching ability combined with his passion for development is 2nd to none.
Our guys will benefit tremendously from his knowledge and passion for the game.
We feel that coach Plumb will be a major piece to the puzzle in pursuit of our goals."
Vancouver Basketball: Favourite moment on court - hit us:
DP: My favourite moment on the court was probably playing against former Michigan State star Durrell Summers in my first year in Hungary. Coming into the game I knew who he was and was a little intimidated knowing I had to play perfect. After the game we came out on top and I had outplayed him. This really reassured me that doing the little things the right way with purpose and focus can overcome any shortcoming you might have as a player. Hype doesn't matter, producing does. Most often times it's about who just flat out wants it more, not who is more talented.
Vancouver Basketball: Favourite moment off court (related to hoops).
DP: My favourite moment off the court isn't one single moment there are too many great ones to recall. It would have to be without a doubt the relationships which have been created by way of the game. The game has truly been a vessel for me. It's taken me around the globe, opened my eyes to the ways of the world. It has made me inexplicably close to my family and has taught me about the importance of the things you cannot measure with numerical value: heart, tenacity, perseverance, passion, determination and consistency.
I owe a lot to the game. The game doesn't define me, but the lessons and the experiences I have had have undoubtedly molded me to become the man I am today.
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