Part of one summer I worked as a counselor at Sam Jones' basketball camp at Stonehill College. I focused on helping the young kids improve as my "basketball playing career" was done. Without a doubt, amidst a bunch of D1 players, I was multiple cuts below their athleticism and skill.
That didn't prevent me from adding value, owning my role.
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Former SEAL commander Jocko Willink shares leadership principles in his book Extreme Ownership. Here are a few to prioritize that work for sports and life:
1. "You own your paycheck."
Our input translates to results. The results may not always be what we want, but we own our process.
2. Don't traffic in excuses.
Basketball courts have no place to hide. Bad shot selection, "Dead Man's Defense" (six feet under the ball), and unengaged transition defense stand out like a sore thumb. Coaches see it real time and "The Truth Machine" (video) exposes the guilty.
3. Believe in something bigger than ourself.
Put the team first. Model excellence in all things whether it's practice, pregame, live action, or cleaning up the bench area and locker room after the game. Nobody is too big to help with the small things.
4. Focus.
Few things in sport are more painful than mistakes made through lack of attention. Missed assignments, failed blockouts, unawareness of situation (time, score, plan), and frustration fouls arise from lack of focus and lack of mental toughness. Be in the game whether on the court or on the bench.
5. Set the standard.
"Ability and reliability." Be the "foxhole guy" that coaches and teammates can count on to outthink, out hustle, and outfight the other guy. Be different to make a difference. "We make our choices and our choices make us."
Lagniappe. Be hard to guard.
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Lagniappe 2. Lloyd Pierce explains what it takes to play NBA defense.
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