A few years ago I recall two players in the 8th grade who were excellent basketball players. Both had dreams of playing in the NBA some day. They turned into rivals during the summer. They chased the dream every day. Both played the same position, both were the same size, both came from tough family backgrounds. These two were born with unbelievable talent. When they went head to head it was a match-up made in heaven. Schoolyards were packed outside the fence 4-5 deep. They passed, shot and were a joy to watch. They ran the floor, pushed the ball in transition and looked like magicians. They defended, pressuring the ball, picking pockets and displaying cat-like quickness. No worrying about rankings, points scored, brand of sneakers on their feet, gear, money, or what agent was going to sign them.
When it was time to attend high school, these two players chose their schools and things went north for one player and south for the other.
One player worked very hard; his work ethic increased every time I saw him. He worked morning noon and night. He lifted weights, ran, worked on his shooting, worked on his dribbling and played in as many leagues, tournaments and AAU games as possible. When this player was a sophomore in high school, every big-time college wanted him. He later went on to play college basketball and is currently an NBA player.
The other player stopped working. He became uncoachable. Communication broke down. His competitive spirit cracked. He stopped going to class and ran the streets. No one heard from him ever again.
I’m sure there are stories all over America like that. But does it have to be that way? What made one player, with a bright future, fall off the face of the earth? What made the NBA player pursue his dream and work hard 24-7?
I recall the kid who made the NBA play in four games in one day; at four different VENUES! All across the city he played; got dressed, jumped in a car or hopped on the train and set out to his next game. Eating bagels, pizza and downing bottles of water or gatorade.
The kid was on a mission…
The following traits should be a tell-tale sign of a kid who is on a mission:
Attitude: Confidence-motivation-How bad they want it.
Hard work: Lunch pail and hard-hat-strength training-speed training.
Talent:Worst thing in life is wasted talent. The great help others become great.
Teamwork: No ‘I’ in team. Makes players around them better
The 4 D’s: Dedication-Discipline-Determination-Desire.
Laser-Like Focus: Mental toughness
Courage: Act like a man, not a child. No excuses!
Pride: There’s a reason why they keep score.
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John Lucas working players hard in Houston. Boston Celtic Gerald Green comments on the value of working hard in the summer. Houston Chronicle reports.
“Man, Luke doesn’t cut us any slack,” said Green, laughing. “But you know what? We need it. I have to get better if I want to help my team win, and Luke is only trying to make me a better ballplayer.”
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PLAY THE RIGHT WAY!
