Each of us must find and embrace "simple truths" that extend and transcend basketball. What are your absolutes, which David Cottrell describes as "above all else" in Tuesday Morning Coaching.
For example, punctuality is a simple truth. Punctual people respect other people's time. Yes, exceptions and emergencies arise, but when we adhere to "Dean Smith time" (be early) we seldom go wrong. Young players are dependent on others' transportation so they come under a different standard, but practice starts promptly at 7:15.
Having a positive attitude and persistence add value to your life and your game. They are necessary but not sufficient to experience success.
I discuss the Ration Sisters as values. ASPI ration and INSPI ration help but the big sisters are PREPA-ration and PERSPI-ration matter most. "It's not the will to win but the will to prepare to win" that drives success. "It's the work."
Kevin Eastman shares his wisdom about truth - live it, tell it, and take it. We need to be able to tell players not only what they want to hear but what they need to hear.
Cottrell also discusses lagniappe, a French word meaning "a little more" or extra. Merchants would sell five pounds of sugar and add an extra scoop, demonstrating to their customers that they went "above and beyond." As coaches, we find ways to add more value and the best players "do more to become more." The extra wind sprint, extra set of weight lifting, and additional shooting practice are the lagniappe that defines excellence.
When we model excellence we share the simple truths with our players, with the reasonable expectation that they benefit and will share them going forward.
