Hold These Truths to Be Self-Evident

In 1995, Erik Spoelstra was a video coordinator for the Miami Heat.

In 2008, he became the team’s head coach, won 2 NBA titles, & is one of the best coaches in NBA history.

Get your foot in the door—and put in the work. pic.twitter.com/96vjnSvzxb

— Andrew Moses (@andrewhmoses) May 20, 2023

"It takes what it takes." - Nick Saban 

What do great players have in common? 

They do what others don't. 

From Anson Dorrance's "Vision of a Champion"

• They do unrequired work. 
• They say 'yes' to growth opportunities. 

They are relentless. 

• They show up early and stay late. 
• They do not quit.
• They never cheat the drill. 

They make everyone around them better.

• Excellence impacts winning. 
• Greatness isn't always scoring.
• Great players end possessions - get stops, scores, rebounds, assists. 
• Consistency matters. 
• You know it when you see it. 

They bring intangibles every day. 

• Toughness is a skill.
• Basketball IQ is their calling card.
• They embrace challenges. 
• Coachability...they want improvement.
• They make winning plays. 

Envision players in four 'now' and 'future' categories:

- Lottery picks

- First round draft choices

- Second round draft choices

- Street free agents

It's possible to move up or down a level but tough to go up two levels. When one team has multiple 'lottery picks' or rosters studded with first round picks, they have a formidable edge. 

As a player, move up a level.

• Become more athletic...strength, conditioning, explosiveness.
• Find a mentor. Get suggestions on 'need' areas. 
• Play a lot, including against better competition. 
• Outwork everyone. 
• Work on skills with a partner.
• Be a tracker. Constantly seek personal bests.
• Become your own coach.  
• "Invest your time, don't spend it."
• Edit the physical and mental mistakes out of your game. 

Greatness is a cruel master. 

Lagniappe. Try something different?