The Mental Challenge In Sports
I’ve been around the sport of basketball since 2017 to know that what people see isn’t always the true story.
From the outsiders, sports players seem like they're full of confidence, power, and toughness. The wins, highlight clips, rankings, and exposure. It seems like it’s all about who’s next, who’s the No.1 man or woman, who’s getting the great offers. Realistically, behind all of that stuff, there’s a side that doesn’t get talked about enough until a tragedy happens, the ‘mental side’. The weight of consequences. The pressure. The quiet battles that a lot of athletes are fighting every single day.
I’ve personally seen it up close.
As a coach who coached on the high school and college level, I’ve watched athletes carry expectations that most adults wouldn’t handle at all. Stress from social media. Stress from parents. Stress from coaches. Stress from themselves. At some point in time, they start believing their value in life is rooted in their performance.
That’s a dangerous ground to stand on.
Because what happens when the shots stop falling? When do the college offers not come? When a major injury takes their game away? For a lot of athletes, their identity is rooted in the sport they play and when things go wrong, they completely lose themselves.
I’ve witnessed depression in athletes. I’ve seen these kids shut down completely because they’re mentally drained but don’t speak up because if they do, they believe they are soft and letting down their loved ones.
And if we’re being 100, this world system doesn’t deeply help.
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You see, people tell athletes to “push through,” to “stop being soft,” to “lock in.” But do you give them room to process what they’re feeling? Start teaching them how to handle failure, fear, or doubt in a healthy way so they will not become a real victim of failure, fear, or doubt.
Mental health isn’t weakness!
For me personally, this isn’t just something I’ve observed it’s something I’ve had to battle in my life. There have been moments where the weight of life felt extremely heavy. Moments where expectations, responsibilities, and everything that comes with being a human started to accumulate.
And in those moments, I had to figure out what my foundation is!
Because if your foundation is only built on success that’s quicksand, it’s not going to hold when adversity hits.
That’s where my faith in Jesus Christ comes in.
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My hope isn’t in wins, champions, money, or being famous. It’s not in how things look on the outside. My hope is in Jesus Christ. And that’s not just something I speak it’s something I’ve had to live by!
Faith in Jesus, for me, brings a true outlook on life. Jesus reminds me that my identity isn’t tied to performance. He reminds me that even when things don’t go the way I planned, His purpose is greater! He is peace, even in the middle of chaos!
That doesn’t mean everything goes well on my timing. It doesn’t mean the pressure will disappear quickly. I believe more athletes need Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
We have to start doing a better job as a sports community.
Coaches, you need to check in beyond performance. Not just “How are you playing?” but “How are you doing?” Parents, you need to create environments where your kids feel comfortable expressing their hearts. Teammates, you need to look out for each other, not just on the court/field but away from it too.
Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body.
If we want to truly develop players—not just highlight clips, not just recruiting, but as real people as they are we have to address this side with passion everyday not just when someone commits suicide! Because mental health is connected to everything!
At the end of the day, the goal isn’t just to produce great athletes. It’s to help build strong, grounded people who can handle life, not just the sport.
That’s the conversation we need to keep having every single day! And for me, I’ll keep pointing back to what’s kept me grounded through it all my faith, my purpose, and my hope in Jesus Christ!
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Prep Basketball: Is It A Rewarding Or Risky Path?
Prep basketball has become one of the most talked-about aspects right now. Everybody’s heard about it. Everybody knows someone who either went that direction or is thinking about that direction.
But let’s be real….Is prep basketball actually worth it? Or are players just chasing something that looks good on the surface?
The Attraction Is Real
I get why families/players are drawn to prep schools. I’ve seen it up close (I had coached for Dream City Christian Girls National Prep team).
More exposure. Bigger platforms. National schedules. Social media talk. The idea of getting in front of more college coaches sounds like a dream come true.
Sometimes it works. Some players need a restart. Some just aren’t getting looked at where they are. Some need to be pushed single every day.
Prep can give you that. The right program can build confidence, improve your game, and put you in front of the right college coaches.
For the player, it can change everything.
This Is What People Don’t Talk About
Not all prep programs are the same. Not even close!
That’s the part people choose to ignore.
Some programs are the real deal. They develop you, hold you accountable, and actually care about your long-term growth on and off the court.
Others? It’s more about the schedule, the travel, and posting cool highlights than real development.
I’ve seen players leave good situations thinking they’re doing the right thing and end up sitting, not improving, and getting lost in the mix.
Now that players are just another name on the team roster.
And if the player is not playing and if he or she is not producing the truth is exposure doesn’t matter.
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Exposure vs. Development
This is where a lot of players get it wrong.
They chase exposure instead of development.
But college coaches aren’t just showing up to see who’s in the gym they’re watching who can actually help them win.
You can play a national schedule, travel all over, post video clips every week… But if your role is small and your game isn’t growing, what are you really getting out of it?
At some point, you’ve got to be honest with yourself!
The School Part Matters Too
This part gets overlooked way too much.
The academic side still matters.
Some prep schools handle business in the classroom. Others don’t prioritize it the way they should.
And when it’s time to qualify—when transcripts get pulled that’s when reality sinks in.
Basketball might open the door, but if your academics aren’t right, that door closes quickly.
The Money Side
Let’s not ignore this either.
Prep basketball isn’t cheap! Families are putting A LOT of money into this.
And most of the time, it’s done with false hope, hoping it leads to a scholarship, hoping it creates opportunities.
But there are no guarantees! None.
For every player that it worked out for, there are a lot more who don’t get what they thought they would.
That doesn’t mean prep is bad. It just means you'd better understand exactly what you’re walking into.
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The Truth About Recruiting
Here’s the part a lot of people don’t want to listen to…. Prep basketball doesn’t make you recruitable!
It just changes your environment.
You’re still competing. You’re still fighting for attention. You still have to produce.
So What Is It: Reward or Risk?
The truth is it’s both.
Prep can be a great move for:
(A). Players who need real development.
(B). Kids coming from low-exposure situations.
But it can also be bad for players who:
(A). Are chasing the hype noise.
(B). Don’t thoroughly research programs.
(C). Believe exposure alone is enough.
Prep basketball isn’t a shortcut. It’s just a different direction. And I’ve personally seen it go both ways.
It can take you where you’re trying to go and on the other hand it can set you back if you choose the wrong direction.
At the end of the day, it’s simple: It’s not about where you play. It’s about how much you will grow year after year.
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ALA West Foothills Boys Basketball Will Establish Their Identity in Arizona in the 2026–2027 Season
In Arizona basketball which is filled with skill, tradition, and growing programs, stamping your identity in Arizona high school basketball isn’t easy. This upcoming 2026–2027 season, ALA Foothills High School boys basketball, I believe, will stamp its identity, and earn much respect.
This isn’t about the wins. This is about culture, the course of direction, and timing. In my opinion, ALA West Foothills is heading in the right direction.
Their Program Stands On True Identity
ALA West Foothills, identity is being sharpened around toughness, discipline, and player development. No elite programs rise overnight they build good habits that lead to consistency.
When I watched ALA WestvFoothills play throughout the season they take pride in:
(A). Defensive passion as their calling card.
(B). Fast tempo offensive execution.
(C) “Next man up” mindset that produces team depth.
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The Skill Level is Rising in Arizona
What is one of the biggest keys to a breakout season? From my perspective, when skillful players have been developing together.
What caught my attention this past season when I watched ALA West Foothills is this:
•Their underclassmen (JV players) are growing into key factors.
•Players staying within the program is strengthening chemistry
If the players stay together, this is the type of team that will go from being a “competitive team” to a “dangerous team”.
A Team With A Growing Culture will outlast A Team with Transfer Hype
In today’s basketball community filled with transfers and self-exposure-driven basketball players, programs can easily get caught in a web of chasing greatness instead of long-term good consequences. The benefit for ALA West Foothills is their opportunity to build internally.
Elite dangerous programs often share at least one thing in common: they believe in their system before others do.
This is revealed in:
(A). Player buy-in to the system.
(B). Specified roles.
(C). Taking accountability and responsibility on and off the court.
If ALA maintains their culture that they are continuing to build on they will be successful for a long period of time.
This upcoming 2026–2027 season ALA needs to:
(A). Win some key games against more established programs.
(B). Rise in the standings within their classification.
(C). Set themselves up for a deeper postseason run.
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One major X-factor that a lot of teams fail to have year after year is ‘TRUE’ confidence not wishful thinking.
Once a team starts winning games that people consider upset wins, things change like:
(A). True confidence thrives game to game.
(B). Players play in their roles effectively.
(C). Momentum builds and builds.
My bold prediction is this, if ALA West Foothills can pile up early-season wins, they will become one of the most talked-about teams in the state of Arizona by midseason. Mark it down!
My Definitive Take
ALA West Foothills boys basketball program isn’t just seeking to compete in the 2026–2027 season they’re striving to establish themselves as one of the best upcoming programs in the state of Arizona.
I will not be surprised by the end of this upcoming season, ALA West Foothills is part of a great conversation in Arizona basketball about dangerous programs for years to come.
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47
Venezuela Wins World Baseball Classic 2026: Historic Championship Stuns Team USA
Venezuela Wins World Baseball Classic 2026 in Historic Fashion
Venezuela has officially won the 2026 World Baseball Classic, capturing its first championship in tournament history with a dramatic 3–2 victory over Team USA. The win marks a defining moment for Venezuelan baseball, as one of the most talent-rich nations in the sport finally converts its potential into a global title.
The championship game delivered one of the most intense finishes in recent international baseball history, with Venezuela securing the win in the ninth inning to stun a heavily favored United States roster. The result immediately reshapes the conversation around global baseball power and elevates Venezuela into the top tier of international competition.
The Game Flipped Twice — And Ended in Chaos
This wasn’t a blowout. This wasn’t one-sided.
This was a tight, high-pressure championship game that flipped in the biggest moments.
Venezuela jumped out early, built a lead, watched it disappear late, and then answered immediately when everything was on the line.
That’s what made this one of the best World Baseball Classic finals ever played.
Venezuela Strikes First
Venezuela controlled the early part of the game.
They built a 2–0 lead behind disciplined hitting and strong pitching, keeping Team USA’s lineup quiet through most of the game. The approach was simple: don’t give the U.S. offense momentum.
And for seven innings, it worked.
Bryce Harper Changes Everything
Then came the moment that looked like it might decide the game.
In the 8th inning, Bryce Harper launched a 2-run home run, instantly tying the game 2–2 and flipping the entire energy of the stadium.
Just like that, Team USA had life.
What was a controlled Venezuelan game turned into a pressure situation.
Venezuela Responds Immediately
This is where the game was won.
A lot of teams fold there. Momentum gone. Crowd shifted. Pressure maxed out.
Venezuela didn’t.
They came right back in the next inning, got a runner in position, and forced Team USA into a defensive situation they couldn’t escape.
Venezuela vs USA WBC Final Delivers Classic Ending
The World Baseball Classic final between Venezuela and the United States lived up to expectations, featuring elite pitching, timely hitting, and late-game drama. After a tightly contested game, Venezuela broke through in the ninth inning with a clutch offensive sequence that sealed the 3–2 victory.
Team USA, loaded with Major League Baseball stars, entered the game as one of the favorites to win the tournament. However, Venezuela’s discipline, execution, and composure in high-pressure moments proved to be the difference.
This matchup not only delivered a championship but also showcased the growing competitiveness of international baseball at the highest level.
First World Baseball Classic Title for Venezuela
Despite producing generations of MLB talent, Venezuela had never won the World Baseball Classic prior to 2026. The country had long been considered a contender, consistently fielding rosters filled with All-Star caliber players, but had fallen short in previous tournaments.
This victory changes that narrative completely. Venezuela is no longer viewed as a team with potential. They are now officially World Baseball Classic champions.
The win cements their place alongside previous champions and validates decades of development, talent production, and international competitiveness.
Why This Win Means More Than Baseball
The impact of Venezuela’s World Baseball Classic victory extends beyond sports. Baseball has always been a central part of Venezuelan culture, and this championship represents a moment of national pride during a time when the country has faced significant economic and social challenges.
With millions of Venezuelans living abroad, the win created a global moment of connection. Fans across different countries celebrated together, reinforcing the unifying power of sports.
The World Baseball Classic provided a platform for Venezuela to showcase its talent and identity on an international stage, making the victory even more meaningful.
Venezuela Emerges as a Global Baseball Power
With the 2026 World Baseball Classic title, Venezuela has firmly established itself as one of the elite nations in international baseball. The win signals a shift in the global landscape, where multiple countries now have the depth and talent to compete for championships.
The performance of Venezuela throughout the tournament demonstrated balance, consistency, and the ability to execute under pressure. These are the qualities that define championship teams.
Moving forward, Venezuela will not only be seen as a contender but as a program capable of sustaining long-term success on the international stage.
Final Takeaway
Venezuela winning the World Baseball Classic 2026 is one of the most significant moments in modern baseball. It represents the culmination of years of talent development and the breakthrough that many believed was inevitable.
By defeating Team USA in a high-pressure final, Venezuela has claimed its place at the top of international baseball and delivered a championship that will be remembered for years to come.
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The Millennium High School Varsity Girls Basketball Team Remains The Elite Program in Arizona
The pinnacle of greatness in Arizona girls' high school basketball is in the West Valley of Phoenix. People can debate about greatness and there are some very good programs but the cream of the crop is located in Goodyear, AZ.
This upcoming 2026–2027 season, Millennium will continue to be rooted at the top of the Arizona basketball ranking. Their dominance is created on culture, elite coaches, elite player development, and a program that has demonstrated that winning isn't easy but it's the way of life.
In my opinion, Millennium stays the team that every other team in Arizona is pursuing to overtake.
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The Championship Culture Didn’t Change a Bit
Plenty of teams become No. 1 for a season or two. But a dynasty program like Millennium stays No. 1 for years!
Nobody in Arizona can say the opposite but Millennium has been the most dominant program in Arizona over the past years, highlighted by their back-to-back Open Division state championship victories. They defeated Valley Vista (another great program) 57–31 in 2024-2025 to capture the championship. This past season 2025-2026 they defeated an upcoming good program, Sandra Day O’Connor 58-52 to capture the championship.
The statement was made that even after graduating significant talent, Millennium has continued to restock rather than reconstruct. I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
MaxPreps ranked Millennium No 1 in the state of AZ for the 2025-2026 season and starting the 2026-2027 season they will be No 1.
Millennium will have some very good teams pursuing that No. 1 spot and their championship throne this upcoming season. Teams like, Perry, Sandra Day O’Connor, Gilbert, and Campo Verde (pursuing the Open Division championship throne and the No. 1 spot). Teams to pursue their No. 1 spot throughout AZ are Tuba City, Snowflake, and Salpointe Catholic (3-A and 4-A level).
This offseason will be interesting for me to follow as teams are improving to get better for the 2026-2027 season.
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The Millennium Culture Is Still Building (that is scary)
Millennium, thrives on these standards every single season. These standards are: Play defense with eliteness, play basketball selfishly, play smart and hard every second, and be a program of integrity.
In my unbiased opinion if any program wants to sit on the throne of greatness in culture, championships, and to be ranked No. 1 they need to dethrone the Millennium Tigers.
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March Madness 2026: Who Got Snubbed, Who's Dancing, and Who's Cutting Down the Nets
The bracket is set. The Selection Sunday show is over. And just like every year, there are coaches losing sleep, fanbases furious, and 68 teams that got exactly what they wanted. The 2026 NCAA Tournament is here, and before the first whistle blows on Tuesday night in Dayton, we need to talk about the teams that got left out, the teams nobody is watching, and the ones with a real shot at Indianapolis.
The Snubs: Who Got Left Out
Every year the committee leaves somebody at home who probably should have made the trip. This year was no different.
Auburn (17-16, SEC)
This one stings the most, and Auburn head coach Steven Pearl made sure everyone knew it. The Tigers played the third-toughest schedule in the country per KenPom. They beat Florida in Gainesville, which almost nobody did this season. They beat St. John's, Arkansas, and Kentucky. Pearl went to the podium in Nashville and laid out his case point by point, and honestly, it was a strong one. The problem is the committee has never given an at-large bid to a team with that many losses, and 17-16 just does not look good on paper regardless of strength of schedule. The Tigers lost to Tennessee in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals, which cost them their best chance at an automatic bid, and after that their fate was in the committee's hands. Those hands were not kind. Auburn stays home.
This one has a different story. The Hoosiers were safely in the field at one point. Then they lost six of their last seven games and watched everything unravel. By the time they got to the Big Ten Tournament, they needed to win and did not. The damage was done. Indiana had good wins over Purdue, UCLA, and Wisconsin, but finished 3-10 in Quadrant 1 games, and that number is the one that ended their season. It is now the first time Indiana has missed the NCAA Tournament since 2019, snapping a five-year streak.
Oklahoma (SEC)
Porter Moser's program has been fighting the same battle for years. The Sooners went on a nine-game losing streak in early February and fell below .500. They made a strong late push and reached the SEC Tournament quarterfinals, but the committee has a rule they do not put in writing: no team with that many losses. Oklahoma has now missed the tournament four out of five seasons under Moser.
San Diego State
Coming in with high expectations and returning eight players from their last tournament team, the Aztecs looked loaded on paper. The season just never clicked. They dropped a double-overtime home game to Troy in nonconference play, could not pile up enough Quadrant 1 wins, and despite finishing second in the Mountain West and reaching their conference title game, they ended up with only three Q1 wins. That is not enough when the bubble is as crowded as it was this year. Bid stealers like VCU out of the A-10 and Akron out of the MAC ate into the at-large spots and San Diego State paid the price.
New Mexico and Seton Hall
New Mexico's story was decided in seconds, by all accounts a tournament-week collapse that erased their at-large case. Seton Hall made a late run, nearly beat UConn, and pushed St. John's in the Big East Tournament, but 21-12 in a down Big East year was not enough. The Pirates are now two straight years out of the Dance.
Indiana and Belmont have reportedly decided to decline NIT invitations this year after missing out, which tells you everything about how these programs felt heading into Selection Sunday.
NEW: NCAA Tournament odds to win the National Championship via @BetMGM🏆
— On3 (@On3) March 16, 2026
Who you got? 🤔https://t.co/Hw1DGQGlk0 pic.twitter.com/JqKQHdV98y
The Bracket: Four No. 1 Seeds, One "Region of Death"
The committee handed out the top seeds to Duke (East), Arizona (West), Michigan (Midwest), and defending champion Florida (South). Here is how each region breaks down.
East Region: Duke's Toughest Road
Duke enters as the No. 1 overall seed with a 32-2 record, fresh off winning the ACC Tournament. Cameron Boozer is the frontrunner for national player of the year and a projected top-3 NBA Draft pick. The Blue Devils look like a championship program. The problem is the East may be the toughest region. UConn is the 2 seed with Dan Hurley chasing a third title in four years. Michigan State is the 3 seed with Tom Izzo, who always finds another gear in March. Kansas is the 4 seed with Darryn Peterson, who many consider the likely No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. And St. John's is the 5 seed, playing under Rick Pitino, who already has two national championships and is hungry for a third. That is four Hall of Fame or future Hall of Fame coaches in one bracket. Duke also enters with injury concerns, as junior guard Caleb Foster fractured his foot against North Carolina and center Patrick Ngongba II has been out with foot soreness. Scheyer says both could return during the tournament, but Duke will not be at full strength when they tip off against 16-seed Siena.
Midwest Region: Michigan's to Lose
Michigan spent all 19 weeks in the AP Top 25 this season and finished 31-3. The Wolverines went 19-1 in Big Ten play and lead the conference in scoring at 87.3 points per game while shooting over 50 percent from the field. Yaxel Lendeborg is the Big Ten Player of the Year. The frontcourt combination of Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., and 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara is unlike anything in the country. Iowa State is the 2 seed and could be the biggest threat to Michigan in this region. The Cyclones have Joshua Jefferson, a 6-foot-9 forward averaging nearly 17 points, 7-plus rebounds, and almost 5 assists per game. When Michigan and Iowa State potentially meet in Chicago, it should be a war.
West Region: Arizona's Moment
Arizona won the Big 12 Tournament, finished 32-2, and has waited years for this. The Wildcats have not made it past the Sweet Sixteen in more than a decade, and if there is ever a roster built to finally break through, this might be it. Purdue is the 2 seed, and someone quietly dropped $100,000 on the Boilermakers to make the Final Four. Gonzaga is the 3 seed and always dangerous in March.
South Region: The Gauntlet
Florida enters as the defending national champion with a 26-7 record. The Gators have arguably the best frontcourt in the country with Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, and Rueben Chinyelu. But the South is brutal. Houston is the 2 seed, with guard Kingston Flemings among the best freshmen in the country, alongside veterans Milos Uzan and Emanuel Sharp. Illinois is the 3 seed and runs the No. 1 offense in America by KenPom efficiency metrics, led by freshman guard Keaton Wagler who went from an unheralded recruit to one of the most electrifying scorers in college basketball. A potential Florida-Houston Elite Eight rematch of last year's national title game would be one of the best games of the tournament. A potential Houston-Illinois Sweet Sixteen is the matchup every NBA scout is circling on their calendar, as Flemings and Wagler are both projected top-10 picks.
Favorites to Win It All
Duke (+300 to +330 at major books)
The Blue Devils are the betting favorite at most sportsbooks, which makes sense. A 32-2 record, the best player in the country, an ACC championship, and Jon Scheyer's program peaking at the right time. The only real questions are the injuries and the gauntlet they face in the East. Duke has been the pre-tournament favorite ten times overall, tying North Carolina for the most such appearances since 1979. The pre-tournament favorite has won eight of the last 20 tournaments. History is on their side.
Michigan (+325 to +360)
More money has been bet on Michigan at DraftKings than any other team this season. The Wolverines have the most handle of any team at the book. Bettors believe. The numbers are almost impossible to argue with. Michigan, Duke, and Arizona combined account for about 37 percent of all championship money wagered on DraftKings this season. The Wolverines have the size, depth, experience, and coaching to win six straight games in three weeks. If they stay healthy, they are the team to beat.
Arizona (+390 to +425)
Arizona sat atop the national odds board as the top-ranked undefeated team before losing back-to-back games to Kansas and Texas Tech. Nine straight wins to close the season, including the Big 12 championship, rebuilt their momentum. This roster has the look of a team that can finally break through a decade of early exits.
Florida (+600 to +750)
The defending champion enters as a 1 seed in what many consider the toughest region. Florida beat Houston 65-63 last April in Indianapolis. They have the frontcourt, the defensive efficiency, and the tournament experience to do it again. The concern is they lost to Vanderbilt badly in the SEC Tournament and may now face that same Vanderbilt team in the Sweet 16 on Houston's home court.
Sleepers Worth Watching
Many people are not treating Houston as a sleeper because of how good they are. A No. 2 seed with a shot to play in their home building at Toyota Center in the Sweet 16, a stingy defense, and Flemings putting up the numbers of a future lottery pick. If the Cougars can survive the bracket and reach the Elite Eight, a Florida rematch is the tournament's most compelling storyline.
VCU (No. 11 seed, South Region)
VCU has won 16 of their last 17 games under first-year coach Phil Martelli Jr. They open against a North Carolina team without its best player, Caleb Wilson, who broke his thumb in February. The Tar Heels have gone 5-3 without Wilson but their ceiling dropped significantly when he went down. VCU is live for an upset.
Saint Louis (No. 9 seed, Midwest)
The Billikens shoot 27.2 threes per game and connect at 40.1 percent as a team. Four separate players shoot above 41 percent from three. In a tournament where one hot shooting night can end anyone's season, Saint Louis has the firepower to knock off a higher seed, and they may face a vulnerable Michigan team if things break right.
Akron (No. 12 seed, Midwest)
Three senior guards all shooting above 37 percent from three, in their third straight NCAA Tournament. John Groce has built a program that is built for March, and they draw a short-handed Texas Tech squad to open. Twelve seeds beat five seeds at a historic rate in this tournament. Akron is the pick.
The Bottom Line
This is one of the more wide-open fields in recent memory. You have a legitimate case for at least five or six teams cutting down the nets in Indianapolis on April 6. Duke has the best player and the best overall resume. Michigan has the best numbers in the country. Arizona has the most to prove. Florida has the experience of doing it once already.
The East Region is so deep that Duke might beat three or four tournament-caliber teams just to reach the Final Four. If they come out of that bracket healthy, they are probably the best story in college basketball this spring.
Cameron Boozer versus the world. That is the headline. Everything else is chaos.
First Four tips off Tuesday, March 17 in Dayton. The real madness starts Thursday. Get ready.
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Ego Can Kill Coachability For Some of the Best Players
Talented players are getting recognized earlier than later. One of the most ridiculous things I come across is that players are ranked in middle school and on Instagram and X a teenager becomes a “star” before he or she ever steps onto a college campus. Read this carefully, all the hype lies a dangerous truth: ego can quickly destroy coachability even for some of the most talented players!
Coachability means a player’s readiness to receive feedback, respond to teaching, manage criticism, and constantly improve. Different sports psychologists show that players who respond positively to their coaches' evaluation and remain open to understanding develop faster and perform better throughout the period of time.
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I believe one major problem is that success at the high school or AAU level can sometimes create a false sense of greatness.
Sometimes Talent Can Create Hazards Mentally
This is where the ego starts.
When some players begin to believe they know everything, they stop being attentive. When film watching becomes an argument instead of getting better. Instead of asking, “How can I improve?” the mindset changes toward “Coach, why are you criticizing me?”
Ego vs. Maturity
The difference between the top good players and the elite great players is usually the humble heart to accept constructive criticism coaching and make the wise adjustments.
Coachability has these important ingredients:
(1) Openness to education
(2) Optimistic response to feedback
(3) Be respectful towards coaches
(4) Ability to deal with constructive criticism
(5) Responsibility for team progress
The Awakening Awaits at the Next Level
College basketball will most certainly expose a player's ego in a heartbeat.
You see, a lot of players are no longer the best athlete on the court. Close to every teammate was a high school star. Close to every opponent was a top recruit someplace. Coaches need accountability, defensive discipline, and role approval.
The players who reject to be coached will most definitely struggle to adjust.
Many talented players realize that scoring alone will not cut it. If that player can’t defend, move without the basketball, accept a smaller role, or handle constructive criticism, their playing time will be more minutes on the bench than it will be on the court.
As a matter of fact, some of the most talented high school players never reach their full potential capacity just because they reject to be coachable.
Too many times, the best players are usually the Most Coachable
At times this doesn't always occur but most of the greatest players often have the lowest egos.
Elite players understand that constructive criticism is part of growth. They embrace feedback. They ask the right questions. They study film. They accept tough coaching because they know progress never stops.
The players who are disciplined, dedicated, and work smart are usually the ones who stay the most humble.
Who or What Plays a Vital Role to a Player Ego? Parents and Social Media
Ego doesn’t develop overnight. It needs to be fed.
Sometimes the people around young players unintentionally feed it. A lot at times parents blame the coaches whenever their child gets constructive criticism. The lies from those who comment on social media feed the belief that the player is already a superstar.
Instead of accountability, the players receive the wrong confirmation.
And when that takes place being coachable becomes the first devastating loss.
The Truth That Every Player Needs to Understand In Their Brain Completely
The truth is this:
If any player cannot be coached, that player will not reach their full potential if you like it or not.
Basketball is a sport of consistent wise adjustments.
The players who welcome the right coaching grow. The players who reject it will not grow.
Talent can open doors, but being coachable and humble keeps the doors open.
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Every young player dreams about playing college basketball or at least in the NBA one day. The big truth is that those dreams depend on more than just talent, rankings, or social media highlights. They depend on humility!
In basketball, ego might make you look like a star today but being coachable is what distinguishes whether you become one in the future.
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Your AAU Rankings Will Not Matter When Your College Career Begins
AAU Rankings Mean Nothing Once College Starts
Every single year, the basketball community is hyped over the AAU rankings. Questions like, Who’s No. 1? Who’s a 5-star? Who’s the next all-American? These are valid questions that should be taken account but definitely it doesn’t stop there.
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Players, I like to direct your mind to the uncomfortable truth: Your AAU Rankings Will Not Matter When Your College Career Begins.
That truth may seem harsh but I refuse to lie. AAU basketball is built for exposure and highlights, never it was built for long-term success. Players, you can dominate in weekend tournament games, you can stack social media highlight clips, and rise on the ranking lists. But the truth of the matter is college basketball is a completely different beast.
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In college, I like to say about 95% of players was the best player on their high school or AAU team.
Players, let me throw some fast ball questions:
(1) Can you play within a system?
(2) Can you good defense on every play?
(3) Can you accept a smaller role?
(4) Can you be coached tough?
A lot of players who were ranked at the top during AAU often struggle when they arrive on the college campus. On the other hand, some players who hardly received attention in AAU become key factors on their team because they have developed the habits coaches trust.
College basketball rewards what AAU fails to reward:
(1) Discipline
(2) Basketball IQ
(3) Consistency
(4) Coachability
In my opinion, I believe AAU rankings can create good opportunities. They can help players get recruited and increase viewership.
When college basketball begins, every player is evaluated by what they deliver on the court not what they were ranked in AAU. Because in college rankings don’t matter only what you do on the court matters.
The world of college basketball will test players quickly and the evidence will show who has truly prepared for that new environment. I believe college coaches do not care who had the most followers on Instagram or X and who was ranked the highest coming out of the AAU circuit. College coaches care about the players who show up every day ready to grind, compete, and straight up show improvement. On many college teams the players who understand their role and bring consistent hard work to practice end up playing major minutes.
Players, let me encourage you by saying shift your perspective from trying to be ranked in the top 5 in AAU and focus on developing your skill set. Become a complete basketball player who can influence winning in many ways. Show excellent decision-making, develop excellent defensive habits, but most importantly learn how to contribute even when the ball is not in your hands. As I said before, rankings may open a door no doubt about that but they will never keep you on the court. On the college level, respect is gained through hard work, effort, and dedication!
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Parents Control Yourself: Don’t Be The Cause Of Ruining High School Basketball
What Does High School Basketball Really Mean?
Parents, I have a question for you. What does high school basketball mean to you?
You see, high school basketball for players is supposed to be about self-growth (on and off the court), teamwork, humility, discipline, and opportunities. The truth of the matter is, across the country (even outside the country), one of the biggest problems with the game isn’t the players on the court it’s the parents who let their temper escalate throughout the game.
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When Parents Make the Game About Themselves
Parents make high school sports about them and that is selfish. Yelling (cursing) at referees, condemning coaches, verbally or even physically fighting with other parents, and even stooping low by confronting players after games. Instead of encouraging their child, some parents discourage their child causing their child to lose confidence and dislike the sport they once loved playing.
The Hidden Pressure Student-Athletes Already Carry
Do parents actually understand to the core that their child already deals with enough pressure by balancing school, practice, game time expectations, and sometimes the recruiting process? When parents complain and complain, have unrealistic expectations, that can lead their child to battle anxiety, to burnout, and even quitting altogether!
Coaching From The Stands Creates Chaos
Another embarrassing issue is when parents try to coach from the stands. That approach causes conflict and confusion for players and undermines the coaches. Parents shouting different strategies during games only disrupts the flow of the game.
The Role Parents Should Actually Play
Parents, my advice for you on how you can play an important role is to be supportive, be positive, have self-control, show respect, and trust the process. Obviously, coaches and referees will frustrate you but let coaches coach and referees officiate. High school basketball should create memories that last a lifetime! Parents, show maturity and control your emotions, and let your child play the game they love with love not hate.
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High School Basketball: Some Coaches Build Losing Cultures and Sadly They Still Keep Their Jobs
What People Say Behind Closed Doors But Won’t Say Publicly
People in the high school basketball community talk about this behind closed doors but are afraid to speak about it publicly.
There are programs across the country that lose every year and the head coach is still with the program. Not for two, or, three seasons but sadly sometimes over 10 years.
New year with the same results same problems and same losing culture.
Let me ask you a question to think about. Why do losing coaches keep their jobs?
Rebuilding vs. A Program That Accepts Losing
In my opinion, losing seasons isn't the real issue. You see, every program goes through rebuilding years but rebuilding and losing (as your identity) are two very different things.
A ‘rebuilding program’ shows improvement: Players improve. Young talent develops. The team competes hard and the culture is strong.
A ‘losing culture’ shows: players quitting the program. Talented players transferring schools. No skill development. Players are getting worse instead of better and the same results every year which is a losing record. At this moment, it’s not a rebuilding stage. The issue is that this is a system problem. The ugly truth is that politics is winning more than teams are winning.
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When Politics Matter More Than Performance
Also, some high school coaches keep their jobs because of who they know not what they failed to produce because if it were what they failed to produce they should have been fired long ago.
Here are some other reasons why they might still be the Head Coach: (1) They could be a teacher (or hold another position) at the school. (2) They could be friends with the athletic director. (3) Some administrators in the school district feel comfortable with them.
Now check this out, highly knowledgeable basketball minds are sitting on the bench (not coaching) because they don’t work inside the school building. So the program stays damaged. One of the biggest excuses (I will say lies) you will hear is this. “Well… we just don’t have the talent.” But let me feed you the truth. There are plenty of schools with tons of talent that still lose every year. Why is that? Because talent without development is destroyed.
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The Biggest Excuse in High School Basketball
You see, great coaches develop their players but a losing culture will blame their players. The truth which is sad is that the players are paying this horrible price. When a program stays damaged under bad leadership, the players are the ones who lose a lot.
The players lose confidence, skill development, college opportunities, and love for the sport. Some players will transfer, quit basketball and some will never reach their potential because the coaches around them failed them.
Finally, the best high school programs in the country have something in common: They protect the culture. They need accountability and they refuse to let a losing culture sit for years. Because great programs understand something many schools ignore: culture builds long-term success more than talent. We need to stop blaming the players and start looking at the leadership. Because sometimes the biggest obstacle to a program’s success isn’t the competition it's the losing culture that is allowed to stay the same.
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