Basketball: Excellence Equations, Escaping the Center of Gravity, Plus Celtics Actions

Learn across disciplines. We've discussed the Newtonian achievement equation: 

Achievement =  Skill x Time

Other physics concepts are elusive. Gravity is an irresistible force. Is there a natural pull toward excellence or mediocrity? 

Excellence requires attaining escape velocity from the distractions that defeat us. And escape requires direction and fuel. 

The non-intuitive formula for escape velocity is proportional to a gravitational constant and mass and inversely proportional to the distance from the center of the mass. 

How could that ever translate to basketball? We can simplify by thinking MASS as distractions, mediocrity, or mistakes and RADIUS is the potency of our habits or routine. Many distractions (Internet, socialization, goofing off) or mistakes provide a high escape velocity. If we have great ROUTINE (habits) we reduce the escape velocity. The best HABITS would reinforce a positive routine and reduce the MASS of distractions! 

Examine three players who used this formula to achieve greatness.

Michael Jordan told North Carolina assistant coach Roy Williams that he would work as hard as any player ever had to be the best Tarheel ever. Williams responded that he had to work HARDER than anyone had to become the best. 

Bill Walton was a free spirit at UCLA. But Coach John Wooden explained that Walton never tired of repeating what was necessary to achieve elite footwork that propelled him to a magnificent college career. 

A banker's son, Bill Bradley wasn't the most elite athlete. But at age twelve he embarked on full time training, three hours daily and eight hours on Saturday to hone his basketball skills. The Princeton phenom led his team to the Final Four, set a scoring record in the NCAA consolation game, won an NBA Championship with the Knicks, and became a Rhodes Scholar and US Senator. 

Develop the routine to overcome escape velocity if you thirst for greatness. 

Lagniappe. SLOB. The Celtics are notorious for ball reversal off SLOBs. Not always. 

Lagniappe 2. BOB. Celtics "Diamond, Double Backscreen). The Celtics set a pair of backscreens leading to a dunk off defensive confusion.