Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Basketball: "No Comment" Generates a Lot of Commentary

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt." - Abraham Lincoln

We don't need to share an opinion on everything. Sometimes we lack the facts, the background, or the competence. 

Other times we lack gravitas or experience such that our opinions will come across as naive or overstepping. "Who the hell do you think you are?"

Many issues polarize those around us. Our opinions may feed controversies over sports, politics, economics, or religion. Weigh the value of sharing our thoughts against the chance of losing friends or antagonizing others. Better to remain silent and to remain friends. 

What issues are hot buttons? 

  • Shot clock mandates
  • AAU
  • Zone defense in youth basketball
  • Comparisons ("Comparison is the thief of joy.") - across eras, players, coaches
  • Winning versus development
  • Officiating 
  • Anything money-related

Speaker of the House John McCormack held everyone in "high regard," although his enemies he held in "minimal high regard." We may not like "so-and-so" but criticizing them may compromise chances with their best friend. 


Fundamental attribution error. People often judge others based on assumptions about their character, while assessing ourselves based on circumstances. Fewer comments are better. 

Abraham Lincoln's "hot letters" (never signed, never sent) were a form of "no comment" that allowed him to dissipate emotion with time. 

"No comment" is better than throwing a teammate under the bus. Coaches should know that criticizing one player can sometimes lose a whole team. 

Comments can hurt because they're personal. Even worse they can be racist, sexist, or elitist. 

Comments leave scars. Insulting fans, communities, coaches, or players is a losing strategy.  

Comments end relationships. "Don't lose $140,000 scholarship over 140 characters on social media." 

Praise for one person can leave another feeling unappreciated. 

Criticism of one player can destroy an entire team. Be aware of 'second order' effects (ripple effect). 

Work to remember the acronym THINK. Is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Kind? 

Lagniappe. 

Lagniappe 2. We played a lot of small-sided games in youth. Do more.  

Lagniappe 3. Practice isn't enough. 

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