As head coach, I've had two full (three-year cycle) middle school girls classes and two potential Division 1 prospects emerged. The former (Samantha) has 13 D1 offers and the latter (Cecilia) was all-scholastic as a freshman and is ranked sixth in New England in the Class of 2024 by a ratings service.
What spawns excellence?
1. Unrequired work. "Winners do extra." Both are "basketball first" athletes who participate in other sports but devote extraordinary time and resources to become their better versions.
"The magic is in the work."
Avoid the 'deadly S's' - sloth, softness, selfishness.
2. Physical gifts. Among the pentad of size, athleticism, skill, game knowledge, and emotional makeup, both are six footers (plus) with the quickness and toughness to impact the game.
"The race is not always to the swift or the battle to the strong, but that's the way to bet." - Damon Runyan
3. Growth mindset. Both see today as the opportunity for a better tomorrow. They understand growth as part of adding value and being great teammates.
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less” – C.S. Lewis
4. Mentoring. Both connect with strong offseason coaches. Samantha worked with Ushearnda Reynolds who played for Tennessee and Seton Hall and coached in college before taking a private school (Brooks) to a state title. Cecilia plays for Ted Cottrell, who played for John Calipari at UMASS and went to the Final Four.
Coach Cal with Coach Ted
5. Curiosity. Samantha was always in her notebook. Even while recovering from surgery, she was at practice taking notes. Cecilia, an elite student, studied video since middle school. Both are constant learners.
"Become a learn-it-all not a know-it-all." - Kevin Eastman
6. Physical training. Samantha transformed her physique to build quickness and endurance. Cecilia is building strength and conditioning twice weekly during the offseason to improve 'athletic explosion' and play through contact.
YouTube video of Samantha.
7. Coachability. Both receive instruction and criticism enthusiastically. Maybe they're rolling eyes and talking back under their breath, but I haven't seen it. Excellent players want coaching.
College coaches have enough headaches without adding your selfishness or neediness.
8. Professionalism. How do young players show professionalism? They show up early (Dean Smith time), listen attentively, and don't skip steps. They don't cut corners.
"Don't cheat the drill."
9. Support system. Both have families making the time and financial sacrifices needed to advance.
"It takes a village to raise a child."
10.Ambition. In Drive Dan Pink emphasizes the triad of autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Exceptional players seek excellence every day.
"How you do anything is how you do everything."
Lagniappe. Teamwork.
"Teamwork: a matter of recognizing that your personal ambitions and the ambitions of the team are one and the same"
— Coach Mac 🏀 (@BballCoachMac) June 6, 2021
- Pat Summitt
Lagniappe 2. "The best players in the world don't like to play in traffic."
1. Where is it set?
2. Who is involved?
3. What is their alignment?
4. What is our communication?
5. What's our coverage?
Lagniappe 3. Jon Chaney explains his secret. (Caution: colorful language)