Taken from Alan Stein’s blog
Every trait on this list is 100% controllable!
- Great players go after every rebound on both ends of the floor – they are crafty and aggressive.
- Great players run the floor as fast as possible on fast breaks and defensive transition.
- Great players are defensive stoppers – they stop their man as well as help teammates. They do the things offensive players hate!
- Great players contest all shots. They don’t go for ball fakes or shot fakes. They deflect passes, bump cutters, and take charges.
- Great players don’t gamble on offense or defense. They aim to make the right play, not the highlight play.
- Great players are strong with the ball. They rip through hard on offense, ‘chin’ all rebounds, and don’t expose the ball when dribbling.
- Great players play under control and play at different speeds. They know that playing slow can be very effective.
- Great players practice just as hard as they play in games. They don’t have an On and Off Switch – they are always on!
- Great players allow themselves to be coached. They make eye contact, listen, and welcome coaching. They crave getting better.
- Great players are great teammates. They are supportive, high energy, and make their enthusiasm contagious.
- Great players Play Present. They focus on the process, not the outcome. They focus on what they can control. They don’t get distracted.
- Great players take advantage of every opportunity to get better. Every workout, every practice, and every game is a chance to improve.
- Great players are mentally and physically tough. They are comfortable being uncomfortable.
- Great players can pivot both ways off of either foot and can dribble, pass, and finish around the basket with either hand. They don’t have a ‘weak’ hand.
- Great players love and respect the game of basketball. They don’t play for money or fame.
- Great players are unselfish passers. They hit open teammates. They know the goal is to get the best shot; not their best shot.
- Great players don’t commit stupid fouls. They know their greatness is eliminated if they are on the bench in foul trouble
- Great players are students of the game. They watch film. They study opponents. They study themselves.
- Great players value every possession. They aren’t careless with ball. They make smart passes and take high percentage shots.
- Great players don’t wait for the workout or practice or game to start… they prepare for it! They prepare mentally and physically.
- Great players are super competitive. They hate losing more than they enjoy winning. They compete in everything they do.
- Great players always know the time and score. They know how many time-outs they have as well as who is in foul trouble on both teams.
- Great players log the game in their mind. At any point in time, they can tell you exactly what happened, on both ends of the floor, the last 3 possessions.
- Great players are assertive with the ball, welcome contact when driving to the cup, and get to the free throw line.
- Great players immediately think Next Play. They don’t dwell on mistakes (missed shot or turnover). Instead, they make up for it on the other end.
- Great players make plays, not excuses. They don’t care if the refs suck, if the floor is slippery, or if they have a cold. They get it done.
- Great players are the first ones in the gym… and the last ones to leave every day.
- Great players don’t worry about getting exposure. Instead they focus on never getting exposed!
- Great players elevate their teammates to become great players too.
- Great players know that their legacy will be judged on their ability to win, not personal accolades or stats.
- Great players would rather play ball than anything else. They truly love to play.
- Great players are well rounded and have a complete game. They can hurt you in a variety of ways.
- Great players are top-notch communicators. They talk with a presence on both ends of the floor.
- Great players want the ball in their hands when the game is on the line because they know they have put in the work to deserve success.
- Great players practice with a purpose. They are focused and intense. Nothing they do on the court is casual.
- Great players give back to their program and are humble and grateful for what basketball has done for them.
- Great players are responsible for tone and effort of the entire team… every practice and every game.
- Great players hold themselves, their teammates, and their coaches accountable. They believe in collective responsibility.
- Great players play in straight lines and sharp angles. They make hard basket cuts and set solid screens.
- Great players love playing and competing against other great players.
Ballin' with Barber 