Every player wants to be seen, be heard, and belong.
Maslow's "Hierarchy of Needs" postulates "belonging" at Level 3..."the need to feel loved."
Refer back to Erik Spoelstra's comment, "There is always a pecking order." At the highest levels of sport, when players have transcended to self-actualization of stardom and financial independence, does being part of the team still apply? In other words, can "self-actualization become self-absorption?"
Players and teams should wonder, "Self-actualization can quietly become self-expression. Self-expression can become self-interest. And self-interest can eventually eclipse shared vision, shared goals, and shared sacrifice."
"What gives us the best chance to win?" can become "What's in it for me?"
Great players like Jordan, Duncan, and Curry were able to prioritize winning. Bill Russell said, "My ego depends on the success of my team."
Coaches work to align values and standards in the manner of John Wooden. John Wooden wrote, "The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team."
As coaches, a key question becomes:
How can I best align the interests of the team with the best interests of the 'stars'?
"If you keep playing games at work, you will become addicted to games, too." - Deputy Manager Oh in Misaeng
That brings us back to the sign in the UNC Women's Soccer team room, "Excellence Is Our Only Agenda."
Simple is never easy.
Lagniappe. Value our assistants.
Assistant coaches are the unsung heroes.
— Greg Berge (@GregBerge) July 28, 2026
They develop players, build team culture, make tactical calls, and do the behind-the-scenes work that keeps everything running.
Teams don’t succeed without them. 👏 pic.twitter.com/C0v0s47vSk
