Dad to 3 KJ's | Husband to the incredible
@Kronai4
| Head College 🏀 Coach at MVNU
@Rulecougar
| Pursuing JOY |Psalm 125: 1-2 | Ronai➡️Tough, Together, Thankful
I really dislike when players look to the stands to their parents/family when things don’t go there way during the course of a 🏀 game. It shows insecurity, a lack mental fortitude, & the parent that doesn’t squash that immediately is hindering their son.
The NAIA level gives athletic scholarships.
I think a lot of times people equate NAIA to the D3 level. D3 is a HIGH level, but they do not offer athletic aid.
NCAA D2 & NAIA are much more alike than D3 & NAIA.
#Recruiting
💭’s
I am contacted every single day by guards 6’2 or less. If you are a smaller guard you must possess an elite skill. Elite shooter/scorer, on ball defender, creator, etc. There has to be something unique about your game, & you must compete w/ an edge to stand out. 🏀🏀
As a college coach, I want guys that WANT to be apart of our program. That get excited when we call/text. If I feel a sense of entitlement or lack of engagement we move on quickly. There are so many kids hungry for an opportunity to play college 🏀 . It’s not for everyone.
Welcome to the 🌎
Kolton Jersey Ronai ❤️❤️
6/1/2020 @ 11:20pm
Little man made his debut 5 weeks early due to some high blood pressure Kristin was experiencing yesterday. They are both still working through some issues so 🙏🏻 🙏🏾’s are appreciated. Overall they are doing well
Man oh man. Social media can really hurt you or enhance you in the recruiting process. Looking through a recruits twitter feed & I cant move forward in the process because of what I see. Unfortunate, but it’s reality. Be disciplined in what you like. It’s 👁 opening
I get EXCITED when I chat with a recruit & he talks about his teammates. I get REALLY excited when I chat with a recruit & he tells me how his TEAM is doing first & not just himself. That kind of stuff translates on multiple levels in multiple areas in a college🏀locker room.
In recruiting, You don’t choose the level. The level chooses You.
If you’re being recruited by D2/NAIA’s, then you’re probably a D2/NAIA player. If you’re being recruited by D3 schools, then you’re probably a D3 player. Self awareness is 🔑 in the process.
Coaching is NOT about winning & losing. Coaching is about relationships. Coaching is about teachable moments. Coaching is about the journey of growth you go on w/ your guys each & every year. There are good days & bad, but I LOVE what I do & the platform God has trusted me with.
My family would really appreciate your prayers for my beautiful wife, Kristin, tonight. She has had a rough few days. Please pray this episode passes, for the doctors wisdom, and for positive news in the morning.
❤️🙏❤️
Aaron Craft is such a fascinating 🏀 player.
•Bad shooter
•Struggles to his left
•Absolute elite defender
•Elite game manager
•MOST important player for Carmen’s Crew
When you play at a maximum effort, with awareness, you affect the game at a high level.
#TBTFinals
When I hear an AAU or HS coach tell me, “he would be great at your level”, I ask them to attend a practice or conference game the following season. More times than not that coach is STUNNED at how high the caliber of player there is on the floor.
#Areyousure
#CrossroadsLeague
I’ve been a D2 & D1 assistant & now a NAIA HC. I feel I have a good grasp of multiple levels of college MBB. Within D1 you have low majors to high majors. Different levels within the level.This is true in NAIA, D2, & D3 as well but not fully understood or acknowledged.
#🏀💭’s
I DVR’d Kobe’s last game 4 years ago & still have it to this day. I watched the final 4 minutes of the game after dinner & then found this clip. Just heartbreaking💔. Everyone says he was such a great Dad. What legacy he has left for generations to come.
Me: sweetie, I’m not sure if I want to go watch 👀 this recruit tonight. I’d much rather stay 🏡 & go to the Bradley’s house for dinner with you & the kids. 👨👩👧👦
Kristin: how tall is the kid?
Me: 6’8
Kristin: you’re going
That’s love ❤️🏀❤️
#CoachesWife
Deflection. Momentum takes him out of bounds to the 3rd row. Immediately sprints back into play all the way to the OPPOSITE corner to fly out Miller contest a shooter.
THAT. Is what winning 👀‘s like
These two ❤️❤️
If you don’t mind, please keep them in your prayers as they both continue to work through some things here at the hospital. Hoping for an afternoon of continued progress & good news.
Update on Kristin:
She’s currently getting a blood transfusion and will be having a surgery this afternoon to hopefully figure out some of the issues occurring. Please continue to lift her up in prayer if you are able. We are so grateful 🙏❤️🙏❤️
In today's environment, if you can play, a college coach WILL find you. If your character or your classroom performance are in question, that is when the pause button will be pushed. If playing in college is important, Character & Classroom will be of the utmost importance
What a journey it has been. Thankful for the ride on which this team has taken us. They were committed to excellence and each other on every step of the way, & most importantly kept Christ at the center of everything we did. Thank you, men. Well done.
#RULECougar
🥊🏀
ZERO of James Harden’s 163 points these last three games were assisted. ZERO. 🤦🏼♂️That’s incredible & awful at the same time. He’s an unreal offensive talent. However, not good for the growth of the game 🏀🏀
Learn to pass & catch kids. Stop dribbling & move the ball 🏀
PGs have to learn how to get the 🏀 out of their hands.
PGs that over dribble⬇️⬇️
➡️Turn it over more
➡️Allow D to 🔒 in off the🏀
➡️Stall movement & flow
➡️lower teammate engagement
➡️aren’t fun to play with
✅The more the ball moves the harder it is to guard
#🏀💭’s
A few recruiting 💭‘s for the day.....
1️⃣ You are the level that is recruiting you
2️⃣ Be careful who you take advice from
3️⃣ If you haven’t spoke to the HC I’m not sure that school is actually recruiting you, yet
4️⃣ it’s not a 4 year decision. It’s a 40 year decision
Educational leaders are in an impossible situation. They want students in the classroom & athletes on the field, SAFELY. Let’s extend them some grace & empathy. We should encourage & pray for them rather than complain & criticize them in 140 characters.
#FridayThoughts
💭
When we recruit the 1st thing that comes to my mind is my kids.
They mimic & 👀 every move. I’m not sure they realize it, but our players will help shape them.
We want the right guys. Not necessarily the most talented guys. The RIGHT ones. This is why.
Day
#6
in the hospital
Kolton:Has had positive improvement in last 48 hours.🙏🏻 🙏🏾his blood sugar levels stay in a good place. He’s TOUGH like his Mama
Kristin: my ❤️ is still working to find the right blood pressure medication combo to keep her #’s down.🙏🏻 🙏🏾we find that soon.
“Opting out” is just a new term for quitting. When those decisions are made, they create a crevice to “opt out” again when things get gritty & tough.
There is no “opt out” associated with with resiliance, determination, & focused endurance.
#Tuesday
💭’s
✅Mental toughness
➡️is having a short memory
➡️is going from frustrated to focused
➡️is going from angry to aware
➡️is going from complaining to competitive
Everyday you have a choice to make. “It’s hard” will rule your life one way or the other.
Absolute gold from Tom Crean
My Dad was my 🏀coach in HS. He was INTENSE 😤. He was EXTREMELY hard on me. He made me EARN everything, ➕more. When you’re 15, 16 yrs old you don’t quite understand at times. Today, I THANK him for being so tough on me.
#LoveTough
#MissHimCoaching
Man... nothing bothers me more than when I see a coach quit coaching his or her kids. I don’t care if you’re up 30 or down 30, you need to encourage, instruct, & motivate. Coach them! At ALL times.
Quitting is a learned trait. And kids are quick learners.
#Recruiting
💭’s
“It’s interesting, players think their coach decides playing time. Technically, yes, this is true. However, the player’s ability to contribute & on the floor value decides who plays. So really, the players decide, not the coach.” 🏀 💭
- College Head Coach
It is telling on multiple fronts, in evaluating, when you don’t make the obvious extra pass to an obvious better shooter. Making the right play is better on the 👀’s of a college coach than making a highly difficult shot that you won’t take at the next level.
My goodness. Can’t believe these 3 will be playing one last time in Ariel tomorrow. What a ride they’ve been on together. Thankful to be their coach.
Come out and celebrate this special trio tomorrow at 6:45PM!
@mvnu1968
@MVNU_Cougars
Update on Kristin:
She is in good spirits. She will be monitored through the night here at St. Anne’s & will have a an exam & blood test in the morning. We are hoping and praying for encouraging results to them both. If able, please continue to keep her in your prayers 🙏❤️🙏❤️
My wife was a phenomenal 🏀⛹🏼♀️. An all time great. It wasn’t achieved by accident. She led by HARD WORK & still does to this day. I am so proud of her. Well done,
@DaytonFlyers
, on a special Hall of Fame breakfast for a great HOF class.
Now, off 🚙💨 to Upland, IN
If you’re 6’5 say you’re 6’5.
6’5 has never equaled 6’7, ever. And if you say you’re 6’7 and you’re actually 6’5, it’s not a good look.
-every college 🏀 coach in 🇺🇸
We suffered our 1st loss of the season last night. Apparently, my 5 yo son absolutely lost it after the game. Couldn’t understand how we got beat
We had a great chat this morning. I love his spirit
SO many TEACHABLE moments in 🏀. Coaches/Dad’s/Moms-be READY for these moments
We were on the road🚗 🛣 to Dallas yesterday for the game but the storms forced us back🏡
Wish we could have been there to support Kari. So happy for her team & THANKFUL she chose to go to Ashland. So many lives affected by that decision
Watch this interview⬇️⭐️🙏🏼
@KRonai4
This 🏀 season will be a roller coaster 🎢. Postponements, cancellations, quarantines- All good. We’ll choose to find growth. Lift up our teammates. Keep Christ at the 🎯. Who we are becoming throughout the journey will always be the most important.
Year
#7
. Bring it.
Absolute Classic College 🏀 game. Gritty, gutsy performance by our men. The U in RULECougar stands for Unbreakable spirit. Our men showed tonight what that core value is all about. So, so proud of them. 🥊🏀
Tonight is the most important teachable moment I’ll have with our men all season long. Watching them on
@WNZR_Sports
from the hospital tonight with my bride as she heals. They are going to compete and play hard!!
#GoCougs
#RULECougar
We battled tonight, but came up short. No matter the outcome, I’m proud of our guys fight & unbreakable spirit.
Having Kyler with me tonight for the 1st time on a road trip was an experience I’ll cherish ❤️forever.
Thanks
@hmill25
for capturing these 📸’s.
As I 👀my last few AAU games of 2019, we really need to teach players to play off of two feet MUCH more consistently. Body control & balanced footwork needs to be emphasized. I’ve 👀 a plethora of out of control drives into either a 1 foot contested bad shot or a collision.
High school 🏀 is back.... That means the Ronai’s are out on the recruiting trail together. Mommy likes good attitudes. Kamryn likes competitors. Kyler likes scorers. Daddy likes toughness.
I used to go recruiting with my dad when I was a kid growing up all the time. We used to go to UD arena to watch district title games every year. Having him come with me is really special. Thankful for him!
Last night was one of the best basketball games I’ve ever been apart of as a coach or a player. Absolute classic battle. Kyler and and I were probably sweating as much as the guys on the floor. Proud of our men and so Thankful for my family.
#RULECougar
.
Good players do simple things really well. They catch with two 🤚’s. They jump stop when needed. They drive with their 👀’s up. They block out every possession. They communicate their coverage. They sprint the floor & sprint to screen. Simple is NOT easy.
So proud of our guys. They have come so far. They are a gritty group that never gives in. Excited to continue our journey.
MVNU community you were terrific! THANK YOU for your support tonight.
June is a separator month in summer player development. Most get out to a fast start in May. Now, the☀️is out more & summer distractions & procrastination creep in. Those that 🔒in this month will create a separation gap. Intentional daily disciplines are🔑
#PlayerDevelopment
💭s
Imagine the freedom a player would play with if they only knew their teammates,coaches, & family loved them NO MATTER how well they played or even if they got in the game?What if their identity was in Christ & their character & not wrapped up solely in🏀?
#FearlessCompetitor
What a college 🏀 game. Our young men have incredible resolve and grit. Excited to watch them continue to grow together.
Thank you
@MVNUCrazyCougs
!
You were terrific.
An instant classic in
@MVNUMbb
action, as the Cougars outlasted No. 5 Indiana Tech to start the 2018-2019 season! Ariel Arena was electric, especially after this Austin Jones jam! What a way to open the year
#MVNUnited
...
25 days 📆’s as a team in Oct/Nov in quarantine or shutdown. 10 straight games postponed. We’ve practiced for over a week w/ 6 guys. Do we feel sorry for ourselves?
ABSOLUTELY NOT.
We GET TO play a 🏀 game tomorrow, TOGETHER. And for that, we are THANKFUL.
PSALM 125:1-2 🙏🏼
Surreal moment.....
College 🏀 teams dream about sitting in front of a 📺 and watching their team selected to play in the National Tournament.
So much work put into this moment.
Really, really happy for our guys. Can’t wait to get to Sioux Falls.
Going into year 11 in college🏀.. 11 things I’ve learned...
1. Every player & team is different. They must be coached appropriately
2. Culture is built daily whether you know/like it or not
3. Getting old & staying old is 🔑
4. Entitled players come from entitled parents
“I got a new rule...if you’re shooting under 20% from 3 and you give a 👌🏼point sign.... automatic technical foul.” ➡️Jeff Van Gundy
I’m ALL for this new rule proposal ☝🏼I’d actually go 30%
💥Senior Night tomorrow night! Come celebrate a very special senior class. Our very 1st recruits 4 years ago. We’ll see everyone inside Ariel Arena!
#RULECougar
🥊🏀
So proud of our guys. Absolutely Resilient
🗣Recruits. The Crossroads League is one of the best small college conferences in the country. This was our 3rd straight top 10 opponent
Currently, our league has 4 top 10 teams & 6 top 20 teams. Such a UNIQUE, high level conference
Nice try Kyler. Momma’s got you.
A mother of 3. She still has hops!
Former 2 time Miss basketball 🏀 in Ohio. UD Hall of Fame. She’s a big deal, folks. That’s my bride 👰♀️❤️.
Illinois Wesleyan with a defensive clinic tonight over Yeshiva. Loved their senior leader’s answer on advice on the defensive end.
➡️Energy
➡️Effort
➡️Intensity
✅How much are you willing to GIVE
Well articulated by a senior who has been in a lot of big games & big moments.
So darn proud of this kid. Jacob epitomizes what our program & culture is all about on & off the floor. The 1st time I saw him on a side court at an AAU event I knew we had to have him in our program. A great teammate. Plays as hard as anyone in the 🇺🇸. He EARNED this milestone.
THANKFUL for JP, Isaac, & AJ. They have helped build the foundation of our program & culture. 84 wins in 4 seasons, back to back 20 win seasons, but way more importantly, they have become leaders & culture setters on our campus. They have represented MVNU in a 1st class fashion.
Can’t make it up....
a grandma came stomping down from the opposite side of the stands to approach the bench & tell the coach to put her grandson in the game. The assistant had to escort her away. UN-BE-LIEV-ABLE
Me:”Sorry we lost today buddy..”
Kyler James:”That’s ok, Daddy. I still love you. Will you shoot with me?”❤️
My wife & kids keep me balanced during the highest of highs & the lowest of lows of this beautiful profession as a college 🏀 coach. THANKFUL
When you’re a 6’0 & under you have to have a unique skill,or✌🏼, then be solid at EVERYTHING else to catch the 👀’s of coaches. The unique skill is usually⬇️
✅Elite shooting
✅Speed
✅Passing
✅On 🏀 D
You must understand how to use your size to your advantage.
#Recruiting
💭’s
Kyler James was not happy to take a pic because he wanted to keep running around the gym. But, we had to get our annual birthday pic in with the guys. Kyler turns 4 tomorrow!