Sunday, May 28, 2023

Unbleeping Basketball

Sport is a microcosm of life. Basketball has problems. They don't rise to earth-shaking levels like climate change or political polarization. 

Respect. Sportsmanship includes respect for officials, teammates, coaches, and opponents. Respecting the game includes real toughness not fake toughness of stare downs, cheap shots, and worse. If a girls' AAU game isn't over, boys, stop encroaching on the court, dribbling during live play. 

Respect the officials. Some coaches start "working the officials" at the tap. Your bad behavior spreads to the stands like napalm. It makes for a worse experience for everyone. 

Lack of uniformity among rules. Uniform rules between the US and FIBA seem destined. I understand the strategic difference between shot clocks and not, but I think the game is better with the clock. Many disagree. 

Haters. Everyone can't be a fan or broadcaster favorite. The philosopher Epictetus had the perfect reply, "If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: “He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned.” 

Hate for national broadcasters is on the rise. If our team isn't playing well, don't blame the announcers. Unless, of course, it's J.J. Redick. 

Social media. Anonymity brings out the worst in us. As Stoicism reminds us, "you don't need an opinion on everything." Reminder, "Don't let 140 characters rob you of $140,000 in scholarship." Professor Adam Grant shared life lessons. 

Dignity and decency. No matter how famous, rich, or successful you are, there's no place for racist, sexist, or homophobic comments. Epithets say nothing about the target and everything about the source. 

Muffet McGraw hired only women. Her candor was refreshing...men get preference everywhere, so she hired women at Notre Dame. 

Understand 'development'. Everyone wants to win. But if you want to win long-term, teach kids to see and play the game. More attention to fundamentals and limiting the percentage of zone defense in youth games would be worthy starting points.

Help kids learn to drive. Don't drive them away from the sport you profess to love. 

Lagniappe. Terminology. Horns chest.



Lagniappe 2. Educate. Help players communicate better. 


 

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