Basketball: What Really Matters?

Players may think that coaches are laser-focused on stats - points, rebounds, assists. That's never what they ask me. 

Pivot back to what's important as a player.  

Create value for yourself. How? Sometimes a coach asks me about a player. They're not asking whether then have a good opposite hand or block out. It's a question about them as a person. 

1. "Ethos." Character is job one. 

• What is the player like as a person? 
• Is she high character, a good teammate, a good person? 
• What is her work ethic? 
• Do they show up ready to go, physically and mentally prepared?
• Is she a good student? You can be the greatest athlete in the world and you don't go to the Ivy League without the academic resume. 

2. "Logos." Logos is reason, the 'there' when there's a there there. 

• How does the player impact winning? 
• Do they play both ends of the court? 
• Do they make good decisions passing and in shot selection? 
• What is their attention to detail on the court and in the classroom?
• Is she accountable, "holding herself to high standards?"

3. "Pathos." Pathos is emotion. 

• What is her passion and purpose? 
• What is the player's commitment level both in the season and the offseason? 
• Does she bring energy to the court and energize teammates? 
• What is she like with her family? 

Age doesn't bring a lot of benefits. As a young player, I heard Coach Sonny Lane tell us his expectations and priorities: family, school, and then sports. Nothing has changed in over fifty years. 

Lagniappe. The Boston Globe shares an article about Bill Belichick at the LSU 'pro day'. Note their concerns about fundamentals, competition, interviews, and character.