They commented about the need to distinguish between ordinary and extraordinary performance. They noted how one contestant seemed unwilling to leave her comfort zone and fell behind other competitors. Creativity mattered. A losing contestant still shaped a marvelous 'biscuit box' shaped like a fire engine. But the "Star Baker" combined fundamentals such as baking texture consistency with superior but not overwhelming flavors.
Bill Russell reminds us that "imagination leads to innovation leading to differentiation." Exceptional performance reflects special actions and effort. Last night we chastised some of our players for lackluster defense. Some responded with temporarily amped up concentration and effort that were readily apparent. I quietly counseled one that full effort can't be random. Defensive intensity must be existential.
After the game I shared my beliefs that basketball isn't played by halves or quarters but by possession. The best players commit to succeeding each possession, getting or preventing quality shots. That demands extraordinary commitment and leads to confidence earned by proven success.
Players' and coaches' inputs determine their collective destiny. You will never become a complete player by allowing yourself defensive complacency while saving energy for offense. We know it when we see it.
I lose respect for players who are quicker offensively than defensively, who go to the o-boards yet don't block out defensively, and who hunt shots instead of open teammates. As a player what do you stand for and as a coach what will you stand for?
