I’m going to tweet this & pin it to my page so I can watch it every single day
When MJ talks about winning & leadership has a price, he’s talking about sacrificing a part of who you are for all that your team can become.
A Championship Standard!!
Want to Know What a Great Team Captain Looks Like?
Read The Captain Class by Sam Walker.
Then watch Jalen Brunson.
In The Captain Class, Walker studied some of the greatest teams in sports history. His conclusion was surprising:
The most important leader on championship teams was rarely the most talented player.
Instead, they shared a common set of leadership traits.
When I watch Jalen Brunson, I see many of those same characteristics.
1. He Leads by Example
Brunson doesn’t ask teammates to do things he isn’t willing to do himself.
His preparation, consistency, and professionalism set the standard.
Leadership starts with actions.
2. He Competes Relentlessly
Walker found that elite captains possessed an almost obsessive competitive drive.
Brunson may not be the biggest or fastest player on the floor, but few compete harder.
His edge shows up every possession.
3. He Stays Composed Under Pressure
The best leaders are thermostats, not thermometers.
They set the temperature.
Big game. Bad call. Tough stretch.
Brunson remains steady.
His team follows his example.
4. He Holds Teammates Accountable
Accountability isn’t about yelling.
It’s about protecting the standard.
Brunson has earned the right to challenge teammates because he holds himself accountable first.
5. He Puts the Team First
Great captains care more about winning than recognition.
Brunson consistently shares credit and shines the spotlight on others.
The mission is bigger than the individual.
6. He Builds Trust
Championship teams are built on trust.
Teammates trust Brunson because he is consistent.
They know what they’re getting every day.
Trust creates influence.
7. He Elevates Everyone Around Him
The ultimate test of leadership:
Do people perform better because you’re around?
Brunson makes teammates better.
That’s what great captains do.
8. He Raises the Standard Daily
Culture isn’t built in speeches.
It’s built in daily habits.
Effort.
Preparation.
Communication.
Toughness.
The standard is the standard.
And Brunson lives it.
The Lesson for Coaches
Too many coaches choose captains based on talent.
The Captain Class teaches a different lesson.
Look for the player who:
▪️ Leads by example
▪️ Competes relentlessly
▪️ Stays composed
▪️ Builds trust
▪️ Holds others accountable
▪️ Makes teammates better
Those players change programs.
Those players build culture.
Those players win.
That’s why Jalen Brunson is one of the best leadership examples in sports today.
🏀 Keeping it in the family ✊
Lance Westberg ‘13 has been named the 7th head coach in @unwmbb history! A 4-year letterwinner for the Eagles under @CoachGrosz, @CoachWestberg comes home to UNW after 9 years as an assistant at UW-River Falls.
Welcome home, Coach!
Full story ⬇️
🏀 Coaches and Staff of all levels!
‼️ If you are returning to the same program for next season… this should be a personal priority this off-season:
Step 1️⃣: Take your Job Responsibility sheet and start taking notes of what you accomplished last year, how to improve in these areas and how to be more efficient.
Step 2️⃣: Brainstorm areas within the program that if given more intentional effort this area could vastly improve. This can be any facet (camps, baseline out of bounds, season ticket sales, recruiting visits, locker room upgrades, player development etc.)
Step 3️⃣: Choose 1-2 of these items of importance to you. Do Research.. Start building out a pitch on how to improve that area and Create the entire new model. Complete the entire process, pick it a part, ask questions and continue to build until it’s bullet proof.
Step 4️⃣: Ask your head coach to meet about upgrading that area within the program. Give your pitch with something visual to show and explain.
• It’s okay if your Head Coach says “No” to the update, it’s their program… but from experience, if you identify a growth area and create a full solution to improve it without much of their time your HC will likely say “Yes”.
• Just know, if you are not fulfilling your Job Responsibilities well as laid out in Step 1️⃣ then don’t expect your HC to be excited about you venturing beyond what they’ve asked of you. Built Trust is important and that initially comes from being great at what they’ve asked of you!
Step 5️⃣: Go complete the plan! Once done, come back and show your HC the results. This continues to create a stronger form of Trust. This also shows you can be a self-starter and grows your knowledge of building a program.
"This is a group that wants to be better, they want to be pushed, they want to pursue excellence"
- @CoachCast11 discussing his roster outlook entering year 1 as the Onalaska boys basketball head coach.
"This is a group that wants to be better, they want to be pushed, they want to pursue excellence"
- @CoachCast11 discussing his roster outlook entering year 1 as the Onalaska boys basketball head coach.
Former UW-River Falls player Isaac Castellano has been hired to replace Craig Kowal as the varsity boys' basketball coach at Onalaska. Castellano is a science teacher at the school and former assistant under Kowal.
We are excited to announce that Coach Isaac Castellano has been selected to lead the boys basketball program moving forward.
Coach Castellano will continue building on the strong foundation and sustained success established under Coach Kowal. He brings valuable experience as
When you're in the lab, working on your "bag" this offseason, remember...
- 50% of your shots come with no dribble (catch and shoot)
- 20% of your shots come with 1 or 2 dribbles.
And don't forget, the more dribbles you take, the lower your shooting percentage gets.
No Dribbles - 1.19 Points Per Shot
1 Dribble - 1.07 Points Per Shot
2 Dribbles - 0.99 Points Per Shot
3+ Dribbles - 0.98 Points Per Shot
With a side note, lay ups are by far the most efficient shots in basketball, so use that dribble to get to the rim if you need to!
This data was taken from an 24-25 NBA season. It barely changes season to season.
March Madness just got faith-filled! Introducing the FCA Kingdom Bracket, where every matchup is paired with a powerful Bible verse to inspire and encourage coaches, athletes and fans throughout the tournament.
📖 Download your own FCA Kingdom Bracket and fill it out with your picks and favorite verses. https://t.co/DHypWzvFbi
💬 Share your bracket and let us know which verse speaks to you the most. Use Hashtag #FCAKingdomBracket
📍 Follow @theFCATeam on instagram, X or our facebook page for updates and reflections throughout the tournament!
🏆 Let’s play with faith, focus and purpose. Who’s in? 🙌
#FCAKingdomBracket #MarchMadness #FaithAndCompetition
DON'T LOOK BACK AND WISH YOU HAD:
- worked harder
- been a better teammate
- overcome your doubts and fears
- not been your own worst enemy
- listened to your coach
- been in better shape
- taken advantage of the offseason
- appreciated what you had
DO THEM TODAY!
#CultureWins
In the National Championship postgame show, Scott Van Pelt & Rece Davis discuss how faith in Jesus Christ played a central role in Ohio State’s season
“These guys were baptizing people on campus…[Faith] made guys selfless. I think that’s the power in it…”
- Rece Davis (@ReceDavis)