“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view...until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." - Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird (1960)
Ascribing intent to others chases a fool’s errand. That goes for management, coaches, and players. We generally say and do what will make the world look upon us favorably. Sometimes that makes us hypocrites.
Dissatisfied with a coaching hire? We speculate about the back room politics, favors, horse trading, search parameters, competence, prejudices, and alternatives. We usually lack clarity on the process. But we’re insider or outsiders.
Unhappy with coaching philosophy and game management? Again, do we know their origins, inspiration, and rationale? Do we have input? If we don’t then we’re spinning our wheels. Control what we can control.
Are you chafing at your minutes and role? Heed Kevin Eastman’s wisdom, “you own your paycheck.” Ask the coaches how you can contribute more to the team and what you can do to improve.
In Usher’s MasterClass on performing, he recommends studying those who inspired those who inspire you. For example, he says that a James Brown and Jackie Wilson served as models for Michael Jackson. Usher uses many sources, from Stevie Wonder to Gene Kelly. Dean Smith mentored Michael Jordan. Studying Smith helps understand Jordan.
Who inspired your favorite coaches? History has history. Concepts from John Wooden and Smith impacted my coach, Sonny Lane who prioritized multiple defenses and limiting turnovers. Wooden studied English at Purdue and Smith was a math major at Kansas. Both were socially conscious, enduring educators.
We know that elite college hoop coaches are about winning not truth. "Pass the hair gel."
Use coaches' words and actions as their standard. Coach Mike Krzyzewski says, "There is more than one way to run a business, and just appreciate the expertise of all the people doing it in these ways." On Krzyzewski's website, he writes, “In our program, the truth is the basis of all that we do. There is nothing more important than the truth because there’s nothing more powerful than the truth. Consequently, on our team, we always tell one another the truth. We must be honest with one another. There is no other way.” Dillon Brooks might disagree.
Lagniappe: Celtics Zone Defense against inbounds