Basketball independence is a myth. Because our success depends on relationships, how we cultivate them defines us.
Coaches rely on players. Players rely on complex networks of family, teammates, coaching, and teachers. Entire programs need administrative support; they flourish with community and fan loyalty.
Our in-house program requires effective culture to build an identity. Kevin Eastman says, "fight for your culture every day." Great culture includes commitment, respect, accountability, learning mindset, teamwork, opportunity, and defined roles. Players and assistants must be valued to feel valued. We feel valued when people listen and thank us for our contributions.
We create and enhance our public face, our brand, according to our process, product, consistency, and perception. Transparency helps us 'get to' acceptance. In The Politics of Coaching, Carl Pierson addressed a parental concern about team selection. He showed the parent that their daughter was at the bottom (among over forty players) of the three measured dimensions - speed, strength, and jumping.
I've wrestled with how to evaluate players with learning disabilities. An athlete with some athleticism and skill may struggle to understand the game and their assignments, despite having a good attitude. That's another dependency variable. When games reach critical stages, dependability matters.
Our process isn't just wins and losses. How we carry ourselves, practice, compete, and communicate with each other and community matters. Communities can't support low character teams. Sports allows us to be part of something greater than ourselves. We can't allow counterfeit emotions to overrule interdependence.
