Intangibles inform leadership. Yes, coaches see talent and how talent impacts winning. Nobody wins without talent. Coach K didn't change from criticizing Calipari to becoming one-and-done for nothing.
Leadership skills inhabit players long after graduation. Which makes teaching those essential.
1) Be punctual. Younger players (developmental) need transportation (parents). Older players mostly lack that excuse. Remember "Dean Smith Time," where early is on time. Carolina guard Phil Ford set his watch ten minutes ahead.
2) Never be a distraction. Don't be drama queens at home, in school, or on the team. Nobody wants to hear it. Even if you're a productive player, think Draymond Green, be accountable.
3) Be positive. Negativity doesn't build positivity. Everything won't reap a "Panglossian" life, "all is for the best in this best of all possible worlds." But everyone isn't against you.
4) Energize. Activate yourself and teammates. Verbal encouragement, touching, and consistency elevate people around you.
5) Outwork the competition. Set the tone. Be the hardest worker in school and on the court.
6) Communicate. "Silent teams lose." Verbal and nonverbal communication count.
7) Model excellence. "Your actions speak so loudly that I cannot hear a word you say." Mentor underclassmen, don't 'dog' them.
8) Share. I can't better Phil Jackson's, "basketball is sharing." Share the work, share the ball, share the shots.
9) Be a great teammate. Everyone can't be a great player but everyone can become a great teammate. Think empathy, how actions feel from the other person's perspective.
10) Be coachable. Listen. Have great eye contact and a firm handshake. Great players want to be coached. If you don't want coaching, you won't be great.
11) Excel in your role. Everyone cannot be a star. Coach Erik Spoelstra reminds players that most players, even in the NBA are role players. "There is always a pecking order."
12) Commit to daily growth. Whether called "growth mindset" or commitment to become your best, do the work.
Lagniappe. Wisdom from Coach Collins.
Lagniappe 2. Crazed to see players start by shooting twenty footers?5. Show respect to coaches, officials and opponents
— Steve Collins (@TeachHoopsBBall) January 14, 2024
6. Speak up when necessary.
7. Always have your teammates' backs
8. Lead by example on & off the court
"If you want to be a great shooter from 25 feet, you better be a great shooter from 4 feet first"
— Coach Mac 🏀 (@BballCoachMac) January 14, 2024
- Steve Kerr