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Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Basketball - FOMO

“Lord, make me chaste but not yet.” - Saint Augustine 

FOMO, fear of missing out, inevitably drives bad decisions. Successful people choose high reward, lower risk actions. The less successful often chase opportunities without reward. The dog that chases cars is an example. 

Beware "get rich quick" schemes, the Dr. Feelgood way.

FOMO is not a new phenomenon. In June 1876, General Custer attacked combined Native forces of Lakota Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes. In addition to underestimating Native forces, he underestimated their capability and was in a rush to prevent them from escaping and attacked early. The entire force directly under Custer's command was killed. 

Len Bias, the Maryland phenom and Celtics' top draft choice, suffered a fatal overdose celebrating his selection. Celtics fans can only dream about what might have been. 

FOMO can result in legions of flawed decisions. 

Some pro players join the cult of bad choices...choosing 'The Life' over the work needed for sustainable competitive advantage. 

Coaches impatient for a head job may take the wrong job with flawed management, a dearth of talent, or a community too-heated or too-disinterested. 

Players choose the wrong school, more concerned about their sports future than about the overall fit with the school. If basketball goes south because of ability, injury, or coaching, the player is left with no alternative but to transfer. 

Choose the wrong friends who lack a seriousness of purpose or misguided moral compass and a young person's future can spin out of control. 

FOMO implies impatience. Sometimes results take time. The freshman who expects a big return in minutes, role, and recognition may have to wait her turn. The best advice may be, "Don't just do something, stand there."

“Too much competency and no gumption is no good. And if you don’t know your circle of competence, then too much gumption will get you killed.” - Charlie Munger

Wait for your pitch.

Lagniappe. Changing the spacing with player movement may move the help. 

Lagniappe 2. Watching film may help us and players think about alternatives.  

Lagniappe 3. Play with enthusiasm and emotion but under control.  

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