Players dont want to be motivated, they want to be inspired. They want to see the rewards from working hard and see that it is possible to make it all the way to the top. When they inspire to be great, they take the initative to make it happen. They take the proper path in search for greatness. I had a conversation with a friend of mine the other nite, who just got a promotion from coaching the defensive line for Louisville football to now coaching the defensive line for the Chicago Bears. We discussed his path to success and what it took to get to where he is today. The little steps that he took to get there was what inspired me. Sending letters and emails to coaches and also going to different camps and always learning and finding different ways to become better at what it is he does. I found myself thinking about the steps that I have been taking to become a basketball coach. From being a volunteer varsity assistant to being a varsity assistant to being the head coach of junior varsity, the little sacrifices that I have made, the way that I can reach the kids and relate to them is what I thought about the most. I thought about how kids come to me or send me a text wanting to get in the gym to get better, wanting to work on their craft, wanting to learn more and ask questions and pick my brain. That means the world to me. I had a 9th grader just last nite send me a text on facebook asking me for my opinion on what I think he needs to do in order to play Division I basketball and my answer was pretty simple. Number one thing and the most important thing is to maintain his grades and keep them at an 80% and higher. That takes a lot of effort and dedication in itself. If a player can commit to that, then from there its all about your will. How much work do you want to put in? How bad do you want it? Players need to work on any and all weaknesses they have in their game. Ball handling, footwork, strength, even confidence. A lot of players just feel like they need to work on shooting and getting that perfect jump shot but in reality, they need to study film. Learn proper footwork. See where to be on the floor during certain plays or where the ball should go on certain possessions. Things like that are big. Basketball IQ is missing these days but all it takes is a little understanding. Teach them the right way and not just the individual way. There is a lot to know and learn about this game but you must take the time out to get the knowledge. Im still learning and will continue to learn and lead by example. I have a lot of work to do. But soon enough, I will see that its well worth it. Back to work.
~Coach T
#DoMore
