Basketball Circle

After a few injury-plagued years with Houston that resulted in him infamously never making it out of the first round of the playoffs, Tracy McGrady’s reputation isn’t what it once was. Many have forgotten how good a player he actually was, and as a result, they don’t realize how good a player he still is.



An incredibly skilled 6’8 220 perimeter player with a 7’2 wingspan, McGrady was doing many of the same things Kevin Durant now does in Oklahoma City. Except he was a more explosive athlete and a far superior passer.



In 2003, at the age of 23, McGrady averaged 32.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.5[..]ists on 46% shooting. He didn’t have a single hole in his offensive game: he shot 39% from beyond the 3-point line and had an[..]ist to turnover ratio of 2.1.



He carried an Orlando team ravaged by injuries to a 42-win season and a first-round Game 7 against a Detroit…

A number of years ago as a young basketball coach, I was invited to attend a political gathering to support the election of George Bush, Sr. As I mingled back stage I'll never forget watching President Bush put his hand on the shoulder of the governor and say, "Its all about psychology. They understood, psychology drives everything from politics, to the economy, and furthermore the motivation of athletes.



Fast forward to today, we need to realize that our athletes are not some abstract entity separate from the coach. The athlete is us. You and I are the athlete. OUR thoughts, behaviors, actions, and mood collectively create the TEAM. Many people can try to manipulate the team with media, finances, and other actions--but in a nutshell WE are the TEAM. Our collective mood, productivity, innovation and positive energy determines whether or not the TEAM is thriving or in a recession. Understanding your TEAM. Developing a productive athlete.

Replacing our psychology of…