As an ambitious young player, what should you learn early?
- Team First
- Control what you can control
- Attention is the first price paid
- Learn every day - be coachable
- Make those around you better
- Impact winning
- Attitude is choice
- Game day is too late to start preparing
- Enhance your value
- Never be a distraction
Team First
Selfishness destroys teams. As Adam Grant wrote in Give and Take, the most successful people are ambitious givers. Jalen Hurts summed it up: “Contribution over credit.” Great teams thrive when players value the team above themselves.
“It’s amazing what can be accomplished when nobody cares who gets the credit.” – Anonymous
Control What You Can Control
You control less than you think. But you always control your attitude, your choices, and your effort. That’s the foundation. Everything else is noise.
“Control what you can control.” – Woodenism
Attention is the First Price
Nobody can learn without attention. You can’t follow the team’s philosophy or execute the plan without it. Attention is a skill—one sharpened by mindfulness, film study, and intentional practice.
“Attention is the beginning of devotion.” – Mary Oliver
Learn Every Day
Coach Bob Knight said, “the mental is to the physical in a ratio of four to one.” Growth requires a plan and the discipline to track it. The game keeps evolving—you must evolve, too.
“When you stop learning, you stop leading.” – John Wooden
Make Those Around You Better
The best players elevate teammates. Skills matter, but so do the intangibles—energy, toughness, and work ethic. Winners are 'force multipliers'.
“A rising tide lifts all boats.” – John F. Kennedy
Impact Winning
Games come down to “scores and stops.” Top players are possession enders (scoring, rebounding, defending) and possession controllers (assists, decision-making). They tilt games by valuing each possession.
“The scoreboard takes care of itself.” – Bill Walsh
Attitude is Contagious
Positivity radiates. Negativity spreads. Choose which one you’ll bring into the huddle, the locker room, and onto the court.
“Your energy introduces you before you speak.” – Unknown
Preparation Separates Winners
Preparation is both mental and physical—film work, hydration, nutrition, recovery, sleep. If your body or mind is in poor condition, you can’t be your best. Discipline in the unseen moments defines champions.
“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” – John Wooden
Enhance Your Value
“Every day is player development day.” Whether adding a move, sharpening footwork, or becoming a better communicator, daily investment compounds.
“Get better every day; if you’re not, you’re getting worse.” – Pat Riley
Never Be a Distraction
You represent the team, your family, and yourself. Carry that responsibility well. Teams collapse under distraction but rise with unity.
“Don’t mistake activity for achievement.” – John Wooden
View on Threads
View on Threads
