The best player on a team isn’t always the player who scores the most. Sometimes it’s the player who has a high IQ or a diverse/versatile skill set or a player who is unselfish & coachable or who knows their role inside & out. Basing “good” only on points scored is a big mistake!
High school basketball isn’t rocket science, but it does require relentless effort:
- Communicate non-stop on defense.
- Move without the ball like your life depends on it.
- Dive for loose balls even when you’re up 20.
The best high school basketball players don’t shine because they get every shot or steal.
They shine because:
- They sprint back on defense after a turnover.
- They make the extra pass without hesitation.
- They treat practice like it’s the playoffs.
Don’t confuse your role with your value.
Championship players don’t count minutes; they make their minutes count.
A good teammate will never be defined by their role.
A good teammate will be defined by their willingness to excel in that role.
RESPONDING TO MISTAKES
"I'm letting the team down because I turned the ball over ... missed a shot ... blew a defensive assignment. No, you're letting the team down when it parlays into 4 or 5 possessions after that.
Pick yourself up... You're playing a game that's imperfect."
Appreciate the NOW.
Rick Pitino nails it. Every player’s hourglass runs out faster than they think.
One day, the practices, the games, the grind…it’s all gone.
Cherish every rep, every moment, every opportunity.
Don’t waste your sand. ⏳
Accountability
“Eh, it doesn’t matter if we go hard in practice.”
“Eh, it doesn’t matter if we don’t get our in shots today.”
“Eh, it doesn’t matter if we lift today.”
Too often, “It doesn’t matter” keeps a lot of teams and players from achieving what they’re actually capable of achieving.
The strongest cultures have high standards and they hold members accountable to those standards.
Confidence comes from action. Practice makes confidence. It takes time. Be patient with others and yourself as you, over time, practice and develop skills.
Master the boring:
🏀jump stops
🏀stride stops
🏀pivots
🏀pass fakes
🏀bounce passes
🏀shot fakes
🏀free throws
🏀closeouts
Doing those things vs. not doing those things often means the difference between winning and losing.
This changed my shot forever 👇
- Change my hand positioning
- Gained more control
- Stopped thumbing with my off hand
Hand position is so crucial. And can be easily misunderstood 🏀
I’m booking my spring / summer camps right now! Reach out to set up a camp with your team! 📆
It takes what it takes! This is what I walked into at 7 am on a game day. There were more people than this before I got there. The work is the work. I’m very proud of their understanding of the work & investment required. Special thanks to scout guys, managers, support staff that show up to rebound and pass! #ITWIT #EarnWhatYouWant
Coaches have favorites.
But, it's not personal; it's performance.
It's about who works hard, is coachable, and delivers consistently.
It's about who embodies the team's values and drives everyone forward.
Be that player, and you'll be the favorite.