Some excerpts:
"Competition should inspire you in everything you do. Can't simply go through the motions and reach the standard of excellence."
Who sets the standard? "The standard is much higher than any opponent on the schedule. You want to leave here knowing you competed every possession."
"I think you have to play the best to be the best...a great teaching moment."
"Are you underachieving or overachieving?"
"Influence your opponent: by being competitive, you can affect how your adversary performs."
"Competitiveness is the opposite of complacency. It's disquieting and uncomfortable."
"It's every coach's dream to have their team rise above expectations."
"Honest and direct...Give people what they need, not necessarily what they want."
My thoughts:
Summitt's concepts echo some of my core coaching values:
1. The key to sustained success is competing THIS moment, this drill, this possession.
2. How you play reflects how you live your life.
3. Find players who "need" to play, not those who want to play. Casual attitude translates to casual effort.
