🏀Beyond Scoring Points: Why Intangibles Matter

It is all too easy to be ensnared by the allure of scoring. Points are dazzling, they dominate highlight reels, and they frequently usurp the limelight. Yet, as seasoned evaluators, coaches, and scouts well comprehend, the true measure of a winning player transcends merely accumulating points.

What many young athletes fail to grasp is that our evaluation encompasses far more than points alone. We seek winning skill sets and intangibles—the qualities that render a player indispensable to their team. These attributes often escape the notice of the box score yet are critical for success at the next level.

I have attended innumerable AAU games where a player, despite not scoring in double figures, left an indelible impression on me. Believe me, not all of you will be called upon to score immediately in college. Coaches are in pursuit of players who can contribute in myriad ways, who possess the versatility and comprehension of the game that surpass mere scoring prowess.

Intangibles are those subtle, often unquantifiable qualities that distinguish great players. They encompass basketball IQ, defense, rebounding, passing, and leadership. The capacity to understand the game, make astute decisions, neutralize opponents, create turnovers, control the boards, box out, secure possessions, exhibit vision, unselfishness, and inspire teammates are the hallmarks of a true winner.

Consider this: college coaches and scouts are constructing teams, not merely amassing talent. They require players who can fulfill specific roles, who can adapt and thrive in diverse situations. A player who comprehends their role and excels in it can be more valuable than a high-scoring star who fails to align with the team’s needs. Take, for instance, Jrue Holiday of the Boston Celtics. He may not be the team’s leading scorer, yet his defensive tenacity, playmaking prowess, and leadership are indispensable to their success. Holiday’s value resides in his intangibles, which frequently delineate the difference between victory and defeat.

Young players ought to focus on developing a well-rounded game and refining their intangibles. Study the game, hone your defense, enhance your passing and vision, rebound with tenacity, and lead by example. These aspects are often overlooked but are paramount for success.

While points hold significance, they constitute merely one component of the equation. The next time you step onto the court, remember that scouts and coaches are seeking players who offer more than scoring. Embrace the intangibles, cultivate a winning skill set, and demonstrate your capacity to contribute in multiple ways. Your value as a player extends far beyond the points you score.

Ultimately, it is the players who comprehend and embody these principles who will triumph at the next level. Therefore, focus on becoming a complete player, and trust that your diligence and dedication to all facets of the game will be duly recognized.