Saturday, September 05, 2026

"They're Not Cattle"


Legendary basketball coach Pete Newell said that the coach's primary job was to help players "see the game." He added, "they're not cattle." 

The author emphasizes the importance of "context." When Coach Scott Celli prioritizes serve-receive and closing the blocks, there's underlying simplicity. That's how good teams score most of their points against you. 

Lagniappe. The nonleague game schedule is on the horizon. Coach Celli works to add value. "Iron sharpens iron." An important way to improve as an individual and as a team is to play better competition. 

The University of Minnesota (at the time a top ten team) traveled to Japan to play Japanese collegians. Minnesota got crushed. The Japanese coach suggested they play some good high school teams. At first the Minnesota coach felt insulted, but he decided to do it anyway. Minnesota went 9-4 against the high school teams... 

Lagniappe 2. Beginner's Mind is a Japanese concept implying openness.

OKC is not resting on last year's results. 

Last year's results are history. The Patriots' Super Bowl loss is history. Exceptional programs constantly seek to unearth truths about their sport and themselves. 


 

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