Student of the Game

by Coach Robert

Basketball is a game of endless challenges. Whether it's learning to beat a defender, improving your shooting, or perfecting your footwork, every player encounters problems on the court. And it’s these problems—big or small—that shape a player's journey. But here's the secret: the only way to truly grow as a player is to face these problems head-on and decide to solve them. This decision transforms a player into something greater: a student of the game.

Simplicity vs. Ease

The idea is simple—become a student to grow. But simplicity doesn’t mean easy. Most players resist this transformation. Why? Because being a student requires humility. It demands that you ask questions, admit your flaws, and seek wisdom from others. Many players cling to pride or ego, holding onto the illusion of perfection. The result? They stagnate. They never rise beyond their current level.

Learning Through Humility

As I developed my shooting, I endured countless poor performances and defeats. These moments of failure became opportunities. I let go of my fear, my pride, and my ego. I asked for help. Sometimes, this meant seeking advice from unexpected sources—a younger player, a coach I once overlooked, or even a teammate I considered my competition.

Imagine this: a 30-year-old player struggling with their shot, seeking guidance from a 14-year-old sharpshooter. Or vice versa. True humility allows knowledge to flow freely, regardless of age or experience. In the past, players often withheld knowledge, fearing it would empower their competitors. But this "dark side" of basketball only limits growth.

The Example of Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant embodied the spirit of a humble student. He asked Michael Jordan how to improve his game. He sought defensive advice from Gary Payton and studied shooting workouts with JJ Redick. Kobe even reached out to Tex Winter to understand the intricacies of offensive schemes. Why? Because he knew he didn’t know everything. He understood that skill is the ability to solve problems.

Kobe’s relentless curiosity made him great. He recognized that asking questions wasn’t a sign of weakness but of wisdom. By seeking help, he communicated his desire to grow and welcomed the knowledge others could share. And the result? He became one of the greatest to ever play.

The Hallmark of a Student

Being a student of the game is about more than skill—it’s about mindset. It’s about recognizing your limitations and seeking solutions. This mindset transforms players into problem-solvers, learners, and ultimately teachers.

When you decide to learn, the game itself responds. You’ll find mentors, teammates, and even opponents willing to share their insights. Yes, some may withhold knowledge out of fear or selfishness, but that reflects their journey, not yours.

A Student Will Always Rise

In the end, the student surpasses the player. A player who refuses to grow may dominate for a time, but the student will catch up. Like David slaying Goliath, the student’s wisdom and perseverance will overcome raw talent and brute force.

The fruit of this mindset is undeniable. The student becomes the teacher, and their growth reveals their identity. Basketball isn’t just a game of physicality; it’s a journey of learning, growth, and problem-solving.

So, who will you be? The player content with where they are? Or the student who seeks to ascend?

The choice is yours.

Conclusion:

A great revelation here is a student of the game is perceived to be highly skilled because they overcome most challenges on the court.  On the contrary a player who cannot overcome various challenges is perceived to not be highly skilled.  No matter how great the problem figuring out how to solve it and then doing so is the  Hallmark of being skilled.  And any skilled player will tell you it's because of the problems they faced which pushed them to seek solutions.  Yea, in basketball there is no such thing as a good or bad player, only students that learn how to solve problems by cultivating their knowledge through sincere skill development.  

"Watching game film is proof that solving problems on the court, or in any sport, is about study and obtaining knowledge.  Whether you're watching your own or an opponent.”

Therefore, skill is not born from drills. It is born from study!

Shalom!