Total Pageviews

Thursday, August 8, 2024

Basketball: Greatness

What is your definition of greatness?

“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” Brave AI comments: 

This quote is from William Shakespeare’s play “Twelfth Night,” Act 2, Scene 1. It is spoken by the character Malvolio, who is tricked into believing it is a letter from his mistress, Olivia, praising his virtues. However, the quote has taken on a life of its own, becoming a famous phrase often used to describe the different paths people can take to achieve greatness.

Some interpretations suggest that:

  • “Some are born great” refers to those who are born into positions of power or privilege.
  • “Some achieve greatness” refers to those who work hard and earn their success through their own efforts.
  • “Some have greatness thrust upon them” refers to those who are given opportunities or responsibilities that bring them greatness, often unexpectedly or against their will.
Wonderful quote that doesn't explain greatness. 

Great players make everyone around them better. They model excellence. They impact winning. They lead. 

In other words, it's how they affect others. Jackie Robinson said, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”

Kobe Bryant's quote at the top suggests a chain of greatness. Find models of greatness who inspired many - Russell, Jordan, Wooden, Dean Smith, Newell, Meyer, Knight. They leave legacies. 

Apply their approaches where we can. Bryant worked to do so. 

Lagniappe. Often teams break the game into pieces, 2-on-2, 3-on-3. That shows up in a variety of ways - Chicago, Pistol, Triangle, etc. 

Lagniappe 2. Great coaches teach and energize. 

Posted by at