"Talent Isn't Enough"

"If it were just about talent, recruiting would be easy.
Talent gets me in the gym to see them,but it's all the other things.
For me, are they unselfish?
Are they a great teammate?
Do they understand that it's not about them?"

Talent gets you noticed-character gets you recruited pic.twitter.com/zYgIjNWxMK

— The Winning Difference (@thewinningdiff1) March 17, 2025

Look at the exceptional players Melrose has watched through the years. The same features emerge - skill, athleticism, game understanding. But what separates the best has always been character. 

That goes by different names in different programs and sports:

"Competitive character" - Brad Stevens

"Football character" - Bill Belichick 

ChatGPT gives us a sampling across domains: 

Coaches across sports have different ways of describing a player's character, often tying it to their sport’s demands. Here are some notable ones:

• "Basketball character" (Gregg Popovich) – A blend of selflessness, mental toughness, and resilience under pressure.
• "Championship DNA" (Steve Kerr) – The intangible ability to perform at the highest level when it matters most.
• "Winning habits" (Nick Saban) – Discipline, consistency, and a commitment to preparation.
• "Gamer" (Baseball) – A player who thrives in tough situations and always competes.
• "Hockey IQ" (NHL circles) – Not just intelligence, but the grit and decision-making needed for success.
• "Professionalism" (NBA/NFL) – A mix of work ethic, preparation, and attitude, often used to contrast with raw talent.
• "Dog mentality" (Jalen Hurts, football) – Relentless competitiveness and refusal to back down.
• "Competitive toughness" (John Wooden) – The ability to fight through adversity and perform under stress.
• "Grit" (Used broadly) – The persistence and passion to push through hardship, often tied to mental and physical endurance.
• "Killer instinct" (Kobe Bryant) – The relentless drive to dominate and win.
• "Next play mentality" (Jay Wright) – The ability to move on quickly from mistakes and stay focused.

Lagniappe. "The secret to extraordinary results is to ask a very big and specific question that leads you to one very small and tightly focused answer." - Gary Keller in The ONE Thing