Head Boys Bball Coach at Rothsay - Assistant Football Coach - Health/Physical Education Teacher - Teach life through a simple game #TigerTough#StayHungry
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.
Absolutely love March madness and seeing 2 of my favorite college coaches on the sideline at the same time. @NDSUmbb@CoachRichman@MSU_Basketball and Tom Izzo
From Jon Scheyer to Bob Richey to D2 coaches to NAIA coaches - they’re all talking about the “rollercoaster” ups and downs of coaching in today’s game.
It doesn’t matter who you recruit. Every year you bring in 3,4,5, or more new players. Recruit high schoolers, and it’ll take time for them to mature through college game reps. Bring in transfers, and it’ll take time acclimating to your program’s culture. The results will be ups and downs throughout your season.
Coaches can’t get too high with the wins or too low with the losses.
Strong cultures with transformational leaders and players who buy in and develop mental toughness will have the best chances for success.
Championships are built on relationships.
Trust is earned in the small moments: how you communicate, how you compete, how you hold each other accountable.
If you want to win together, you’ve got to connect every day.
Champions don’t react emotionally.
They respond intentionally.
Your response ability is your responsibility.
You control your attitude. You control your effort. You control your standard.
That’s what turns moments into momentum.
That’s what separates players from champions.
@msum_football Working with @msum_football is a fantastic opportunity that I was blessed to experience. A great way to connect with people, build skills for career and life and work with a wonderful staff. No matter your major I would highly recommend working with this program. #TheDragonWay
"The great ones want to be disciplined - want to be held accountable.
It's the other ones that don't."
If you can’t handle accountability and discipline, you won’t handle success.
The great ones understand that greatness isn’t given; it’s demanded every single day.
You can't beat fundamentals.
Elite performers go back to the basics often. Not so good performers think they are too good to practice the fundamentals.
“For us, Godfidence was a real factor” - Mark Pope
Seeing more and more coaches speak publicly about their faith
Really good trend in College Hoops
(Via @DylanBallard_UK 🎥)
To become great, you first have to go through stages of being bad and mediocre. If you're not willing to make mistakes and fail, you'll never reach your full potential.