“In my three decades of coaching, I’ve learned that the process is much more important than the result.” - Nick Saban, in How Good Do You Want to Be?
Basketball secrets live in the public domain. You're not going to be LeBron, Harden, or Breanna Stewart. I can't be Dean Smith, Pete Carril, or Jon Chaney. Commit daily to be the best version of ourselves.
Michael Jordan told UNC assistant Roy Williams that he would work as hard as any player they've ever had. Williams responded that if Jordan wanted greatness, he had to work harder than that.
Whom do you want to be? If you need to be special, then separate yourself with the package of athleticism, skill, knowledge, decision-making, resiliency, and toughness. Do unrequired work, seek mentoring, and adjust.
What is your today plan? Without a specific plan and follow-through to address development, expecting results is unrealistic. Write it down.
Coaches, what have your top players done to raise their game? One player, Samantha Dewey, missed an entire season with knee surgery. She attended almost every practice and game, filling up her notebook. After two seasons in high school, she transferred to a private school, where she won a state championship and has at least four D1 offers.
- Develop your body with nutrition, conditioning, and athletic training.
- Be coachable.
- Maintain your notebook.
- Work on multi-level skill growth (e.g. inside, mid-range, perimeter).
- Study video. Knowledge never knocked on anyone's door.
- Play a lot.
- Maintain high academics. "There is no ability without eligibility."
- They were never discipline problems.
- They were never bad teammates.
- They were not problems at home.
- Show up. "90% of success is showing up."
- Be seen as a worker.
- Ask questions.
- Ask for help. Coaches want to help.
