Being Professional

Matt Painter on what he excepts from his players who aren’t getting a lot of minutes

"I don't want them to be happy, but be professional. When you get mad and stew, when you get your opportunity you won't do as well"

(Via @Rick_Sports10 🎥)

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— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) November 15, 2023

"Do more to become more; become more to do more."

Coaches want players to be mature, to become 'professional'? A player might respond, "I'm sixteen years old. How can I be professional?"

• Take care of business at home. Be responsible to your family as they support your journey.
• Achieve academically. I don't mean 'show up'. Shine. 
• Always be on time. 
• Never be a distraction. 
• Be coachable. 
• Be a great teammate. 
• Model excellence. 
• Make everyone around you better. 
• Be the hardest worker at practice.  
• Put the team first. 
• "Always do your best." 

I'm proud to have coached Sadie Jaggers as a young basketball player and to see the person and athlete she has become. 

And I'm proud to have her former teammate Cecilia Kay sign her National Letter of Intent today to play at American University. 

Both embodied the attitude, belief, and character needed for success. They and their families deserve the credit. 

When you coach, your family never stops growing.