Appreciation is the Answer

There are so many issues with "entitlement" when dealing with this generation.  After having some true highs and lows with your team, you may be wondering how you can get them to stay hungry and work hard for what they want in life.  So many times, players seem to forget to focus on what they have and be appreciative of that.  It may be because they don't know the sacrifices that were made to create the opportunities they have today.

Webster’s Dictionary defines appreciation as an ability to understand worth, quality, or importance of something.  After thinking about the definition, maybe the problem is players do not understand the worth of their opportunity to play basketball.  So when you hear someone say they are depressed, miserable or just unhappy with their circumstances, try shedding some light on the things they can be thankful for .  Reflect on the history that so many people fought so that they can be where they are today.  To take the appreciation a step further, take some time to engage in a selfless cause that will help someone else.

With today being such a special day of celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. life's work, it is the perfect opportunity to remind players of our nation’s history.  The battles fought and won so that they may have equal opportunity to do what they love to do which is play basketball.  Think about the people who died so that we may live a better life than them.  The war is still not over and I wonder if players think about what they can do today that may one day pave the way for the next generation.  If you only live to better yourself, your works will not last.  Ask your players to answer this question:  "What legacy are you leaving that will benefit someone else?"

Love of The Game

A lot of people say that they love this game but do they really?? One who says they love the game should really sat and ask themselves if they do or not player or coach. As the years go by I hear more and more of that statement "I love the game of basketball" I look at them when they say it and in their eyes they don't really understand the work ethic that goes into having success as a player or coach in this game. Sometimes once they realize the hard work it takes some people go toward a different path or direction. 

Hard work and dedication to what you believe in within the game of basketball is what brings you success. The next time you are sitting there thinking about the game or even when you are discussing the game with another person, ask yourself,"Do I really love this game like I say I do?" If you really can't answer that question then you might need a different direction but if you can please keep the love and respect for this game and never take it for granted. This will keep you humble and hungry and not get caught up in the glame and fame that comes with it. Always remember the work it takes to get to that point. 

Teaching Humility

Teaching Humility

A lot of people take their lives for granted and forget just how precious the opportunity of life is.  As basketball players, we have the unique opportunity to play a sport we love and pursue education at the same time.  Both are a privilege. 

 

San Jacinto College Women's Basketball Team at Children's Hospital 10-25-13

How do I teach my players humility?

One way to teach humility is through community service.  Not just getting into the community to show face, instead to engage people around you to learn their story.  We like to take our team to different types of environments to show them that everyone does not get to wake up and do something they love everyday.  Some people have not had that opportunity or are in the hospital fighting for their lives.  Anything involved with kids is always nice because we get to give some inspiration to the up and coming generation.  We always tell our players to get their name and talk to them.  Learn something about them that you could relate to like "Do you both have an older brother?" or "Is your favorite food pizza?"  This makes the conversation more personal and gives a connection.

Why teach humility?

We all should feel humility each day that we wake up to see another day.  If we are not giving back to someone else and engulfing ourselves with helping others, then we are not doing our society any justice.  We cannot sit back and wait on someone else to initiate change.  I like to inspire my players with: "If you want change, then you have to change something you are doing"