We need clarity on who we are and who we are not. Regardless of what "game" our opponent gets from us, we absolutely define our identity and our integrity.
What do we want from our team? Education changes behavior. How we educate our players determines how they behave.
Each of us controls our ATTITUDE. Be warm and demanding. Fight for a culture of positivity and work. "The magic is in the work."
DISCIPLINE implies focus. "The main thing is the main thing." Everyone must understand the direction and goals and work collaboratively to support their execution. Punctuality reflects discipline. We spend our time or we invest it.
EFFORT ultimately is self-directed. When we apply the whip consistently, we are more likely to break the spirit than to promote its growth.
Basketball is TEAMWORK. "It's the scoreboard not the scorebook." Teamwork is the product of culture and connection and caring.
RESPECT the game. Respect translate into specifics - treating people right. That means policing the locker room and the bench, playing the game right. Respectful players play smart, play hard, and play together. Cooperate with the officials. Help your teammates execute their assignments and know your responsibilities and your teammates'.
GRATITUDE matters. Grateful players appreciate the opportunity their families give them. Grateful players 'take care of business' at home and academically. Grateful players don't 'blame, complain, and defend mistakes'.
Young people often have 'egocentric' behavior. We have the obligation to show them another path, bringing reason amidst the chaos of emotion. More than just sports, we coach life.
