Jay Bilas on "Toughness"

I have heard the word “toughness” thrown around a lot lately. Reporters on television, radio and in print have opined about a team or player’s “toughness” or quoted a coach talking about his team having to be “tougher” to win.




Then, in almost coordinated fashion, I would watch games and see player upon player thumping his chest after a routine play, angrily taunting an opponent after a blocked shot, getting into a shouting match with an opposing player, or squaring up nose-to-nose as if a fight might ensue. I see players jawing at each other, trying to “intimidate” other players. What a waste of time. That is nothing more than fake toughness, and it has no real value.

Great Players

The nice thing about this list, is that everything on it is controllable, in other words they are all in the hands of the player and up to him to bring about.

Enjoy!

1.Great players… go after every rebound on both ends of the floor – they are crafty and aggressive.


2.Great players… run the floor as fast as possible on fast breaks AND defensive transition.

3.Great players… are defensive stoppers – they stop their man as well as help teammates. They do the things offensive players HATE!

4.Great players… contest all shots. They don’t go for ball fakes or shot fakes. They deflect passes, bump cutters, and take charges.

5.Great players… don’t gamble on offensive or defensive. They aim to make the RIGHT play; not the HIGHLIGHT play.

The Most Valuable Thing in the World

THE MOST VALUABLE THING IN THE WORLD


I am the most desirable thing in life. Without me no one can be healthy, happy, or useful … without me, the hidden wealth and vast resources of this earth would have no value.

Men and women who try to get along without me are characterless, selfish, undeveloped, useless, and unprofitable members of society.