Ceilings and Floors

Sports 'talking heads' like to talk 'ceilings' and 'floors'. What does that mean?

Floor is the expected "low end of performance" and ceiling is the highest potential. Coaches have a natural belief in our ability to raise everyone's game, but athleticism, size, skill trajectory, and the 'head game' determine minutes, roles, and recognition.

An experienced coaching staff led by Scott Celli raises both the floor and the ceiling of MVB. Talent, experience, commitment, and even luck decide where the 'deck' and the 'overhead' end up.

Brave AI informs commentary about ceilings and floors: 

Determinants of Ceilings:

1. Talent and Skill Level: Exceptional athletes with superior skills, such as speed, strength, or agility, tend to have higher ceilings.
2. Game Script and Matchup: Favorable matchups, favorable game scripts (e.g., blowout wins), and opportunities for high-scoring situations can elevate a player’s ceiling.
3. Consistency and Reliability: Players with a history of consistent production are more likely to reach their ceiling, as they demonstrate the ability to perform at a high level over time.
4. Team Context: Players on strong teams with effective offenses or defenses may have higher ceilings due to increased opportunities and support.
5. Coaching and System: Players in systems that emphasize their strengths or have innovative coaching approaches may see their ceilings rise.
6. Injury and Health: Players’ ceilings can be affected by injury history and current health, as well as the likelihood of sustaining future injuries.
7. Development and Growth: Young players with room for improvement or those experiencing a breakout season may have higher ceilings as they continue to develop.

Determinants of Floors:

1. Talent and Skill Level: Players with lower skill levels or limited athleticism tend to have lower floors.
2. Game Script and Matchup: Unfavorable matchups, close games, or defensive-heavy situations can lower a player’s floor.
3. Injury and Health: Players with chronic injuries or health issues may have lower floors due to reduced playing time or effectiveness.
4. Team Context: Players on struggling teams or those with limited opportunities may have lower floors.
5. Consistency and Reliability: Players with inconsistent production or a history of underperforming may have lower floors.
6. Role and Usage: Players with limited roles or playing time may have lower floors, as they are less likely to contribute significantly.
7. Age and Decline: Older players in decline or those nearing the end of their careers may have lower floors due to natural aging and decreased performance.

What don't you see among either? 

• Media coverage. Teams win on the court not with print or electronic media. 
• Public relations. Hype will not earn honors. 
• Friends and family. Confidence comes from proven success. A good support system has value but won't raise your ceiling.  

There's a saying about 'the curse of unlimited potential'. Control what you can control and focus on process over outcome. The numbers eventually take care of themselves.