“Great players are willing to give up their own personal achievement for the achievement of the group. It enhances everybody.” -Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Are you working to become the best version of yourself or the best version of what your team needs?
There’s a significant difference.
Athletes often take pride in their individual growth—jumping higher, getting stronger, improving their shot. And while those things matter, they don’t always translate to playing time.
Why?
Because your personal development isn’t always aligned with your team’s needs. And when that disconnect happens, frustration sets in. Instead of listening to coaching, you resist it. Instead of adapting, you question. Instead of embracing your role, you fight against it.
“Why can’t they see my improvement?”
Because your improvement doesn’t always help the team win.
Coaches don’t evaluate players in isolation—they assess how you fit into the bigger picture. They need specific roles filled, weaknesses addressed, and consistency in execution. Every day you push back against that reality is a day closer to the end of your career.
The Player You Think You Need to Be:
- “I increased my vertical by three inches and can now dunk with two hands.”
- “I added 15 pounds of muscle and I’m stronger than ever.”
- “I took 200 threes a day all summer and now shoot 60% in practice.”
So why aren’t you playing?
The Player Your Team Actually Needs:
- Your conditioning isn’t where it should be, and you struggle to keep up in a fast-paced game.
- You don’t consistently box out or crash the boards.
- You allow your man to get middle too often and aren’t reliable on defense.
- You lose track of your assignment, making you easy to screen and ineffective in help defense.
- You over-dribble instead of making quick, smart passes.
- You’re not a vocal leader or a strong communicator on the court.
Being a great player isn’t just about individual skill—it’s about being indispensable to your team.
You can either keep fighting for the role you want, or you can embrace the role that keeps you on the court.
The best players don’t just develop their game. They develop their value to their team.
Which one are you becoming?
If you’ve enjoyed this blog and want to dive deeper into understanding motivation and personal growth, check out my book, Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes. It provides valuable insights into the recruiting process and how athletes can take control of their journey.
Families and school administrators can also schedule a strategy session with me. Together, we can uncover what truly motivates you and develop a game plan for long-term success.
