Foundational Process*

I take notes on every introductory press conference I watch. NFL, NBA, MLB, College Sports... Just trying to excavate any bit of value that leader may share.

Here are my notes from new @PelicansNBA head coach Jamahl Mosley introductory press conference:

Theme: "Not skipping… https://t.co/9I79z6CTBr pic.twitter.com/p376FxhijG

— Josh Chambers (@JoshChambers) May 26, 2026

What would we emphasize in an introductory 'presser'? Every year, every team is "new." Just as Coach John Wooden began each season with an explanation on donning socks and shoes (to prevent blisters), each year coaches explain our approach, seeking buy-in and high performance by adding value.

*Adapted from my basketball blog

Philosophy

Coaches want teams to reflect our personality and approach to the game.

• Bring the best version of ourselves every day with the Stoic approach of "control what we can control." 
• "Every day is showtime." 
• Priorities are teamwork, improvement, and accountability. We are responsible for our 'brother'/'sister'

Specificity

It's not enough to say we'll play hard, play smart, and play together. Explain what that means.

• Focus and effort to limit easy points (e.g. service errors, miscommunication, missed assignments)
• Communicate on the floor at all times. 
• Play to succeed each possession as the game is the sum of individual possessions. 

Culture

Put value on a learning culture. "Everyone benefits from coaching" and coaching is correction. "Form begets function." Doing it the right way, at the right time, every time has to become 'automatic' as volleyball IQ becomes "I do."

Standards

Track performance of what matters. "Winners are trackers." Successful teams commit to higher standards, recognizing that better process (preparation) leads to superior results. 

• Analytics prove that we're doing the right things. Higher efficiency and fewer errors inform better outcomes. 
• "Fouls negate hustle." We can't bail out teams with mistakes. 
• High performance applies at home, school, and sport. If players can inhabit volleyball mastery, they can excel at English, history, and mathematics. 

Mindset

"Do more to become more and become more to do more." Competition is a habit. Toughness is a habit. Hard work is a habit. 

• Put the team first. Seize learning and leadership opportunities.
• Develop great habits of preparation and self-care. Just as you service your car at your convenience, you fix it at your inconvenience. There are no "little things." Sleep, recovery, hydration, and nutrition are force multipliers.
• The "keystone habits" developed today carry over throughout your life. Everything builds upon today's gains. 

The only constant is change. Be curious, open, and alert to new and better ideas. 

Lagniappe. Study exceptional players. 

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Lagniappe 2. The ability to see the action, anticipate, decide, and execute separation excellent from good. 

One of the biggest differences between average players and elite players is processing speed. Most elite level offenses are built around the “0.5 rule” ... within half a second of catching the ball, you either shoot, drive, pass, or create another action. The defense is too…

— Adam Barnes (@CoachBarnes1) May 27, 2026