Basketball: Prequels, Learn the Origin Stories

"At West Point, I learned that failure was never a destination." - Coach Mike Krzyzewski, S2 E7, The Bear

Learn the backstory. Excellence does not sprout full-grown like Sandro Botticelli's Birth of Venus. What makes the Jimmies and Joes tick? 

The Bear informs many lessons about purpose and pursuit of excellence. Some players and coaches never "get it." Why are some people driven and others less so? 

Coach K explains leadership. 

Restauranteur Garrett tells Richie, "I don't think anyone knows your name...I love this so much...do you see their faces when they walk in? Every day here is the freaking Super Bowl...I need you to respect yourself." 

"We're not children. It's okay to make mistakes...we need to own up to them with immediacy, integrity, and honesty."

Nobody is above coaching. Sometimes it will be harsh, maybe too harsh. 

Learn origin stories. You want to understand Star Trek Captain James T. Kirk? 

Want to know Ben Franklin? He rejected learning the family candle-making business for a longer printing apprenticeship to learn the writing trade. For more depth, read his autobiography or Walter Isaacson's Benjamin Franklin. 

Naru burns to become a great warrior. No one supports her dream. No matter. 

Pro stars have origin stories. Spencer Haywood tried out at Detroit. The coach offered him a scholarship if he made 15 consecutive free throws. The rest is history for the Hall of Famer. Bill Bradley, son of a banker, practiced for three hours a day and all day Saturday from age twelve. Isiah Thomas played for hours in sweltering heat at hardscrabble parks to hone his craft. Larry Bird took 500 free throws before school. Steph Curry refined his jump shot thirty minutes before others arrived at AAU showcases. 

Process refines greatness. What price will you pay? 

Lagniappe. Become your own coach.