Roles

Don’t complain about your role.
Dominate it.

Be so good they can’t ignore you.
That’s how you move up, earn trust, and create opportunities.

That’s the Next Play mindset. pic.twitter.com/ioeLc0u2v6

— Alan Stein, Jr. (@AlanSteinJr) November 13, 2025

"Do more to become more. Become more to do more." That's the line I use to describe "star in your role." Embrace your role while working to expand it. 

Praise the praiseworthy. This blog is not the vehicle to "carry water" for players or to "throw them under the bus." Be the player with quality effort at practice and unfailing sideline support during games. Star in your role, setting an "effort standard." 

NBA Hall of Fame Coach Chuck Daly had a line, "NBA players want three things - 48 minutes, 48 shots, 48 million." That distills to minutes, role, and recognition.

"You earn your paycheck." Coaches can only play six at a time. If you are driven to start, to play more, and have a big role, then it's on you to "force your coach to play you."

Don't just accept your role, embrace it while working to become worthy of a bigger one. 

Lagniappe. Becoming your best. 

Nine habits of highly successful athletes:
1. Showing up early
2. Listening to coaches
3. Working hard
4. Thinking positive
5. Putting the team first
6. Studying film
7. Eating healthy
8. Practicing rest and recovery
9. Going to sleep early

— Sports Psychology (@SportPsychTips) November 10, 2025