Basketball Success Isn't Random

"Shanahan and Lynch had constructed a talented, well-rounded team whose players valued attention to detail, selflessness, and relentless physicality and effort." - The Why Is Everything, by Michael Silver

Teams with specific processes built around detail, discipline, decision-making and force have a chance to win with 'enough' talent. 

Force shows up in rebounding, defense, Transition, and hustle plays. 

A lack of force shows up as 'softness' and lack of effort.

Attention to detail shows up virtually anywhere but particularly in:

• Shot selection
• Turnovers
• Communication
• Player and ball movement

Cal defensive back coach discussed Patriot draftee Craig Woodson, via ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss. "I think the biggest thing is the hard work and character of the person," Watson said. "His diligence to be a pro. His ability to tackle in open space. Just physicality and finishing. I think he exemplifies what the Patriots organization has always been as a competitor, as a human and as someone blue-collar who is going to show up day in and day out."

Demand more. 

Lagniappe. Form begets function. 

10 Best Basketball Form Shooting Drills You Need To Know

Flat arc. Slingshot release. Thumbing the ball. Shooting from your hip. Sound familiar?

A lot of shooting problems happen from the waist up. These problems often involve things like hand placement, elbow alignment, and… pic.twitter.com/s5tIAeye3g

— Joe Haefner | Breakthrough Basketball (@BreakthruBball) June 2, 2025

Lagniappe 2. Be true to ourselves. "For Shanahan, the goal was to coach without regret. If he prepared as hard as he could, and, on game day, stayed true to his plan—and his instincts—he could live with the result, even if it tore him up." - from The Why Is Everything