The Iceberg Theory of Hoops

By Larry Tidwell, Head Women’s Coach, Texas Christian University

It takes more than five players to make a winning team. The starting five may win a game, but it takes the whole team to win the championship to go all the way. The team is really like an iceberg. You see the starting five, but underneath it all is that big, wide, strong base... the rest of the team. This is the part of the team that builds the character of a lasting winner. The more dedicated the man on the bench, the harder he works, the more he pushes and strengthens the starting player the better the team. If he quits, doesn't give his all, or becomes complacent in this position, he erodes the character of the team. He contributes to the error in a tense, on point game, he is partly to blame for that mental lapse with four minutes to play in the big rivalry, he understands the total effort necessary for the team to come back from a ten point deficit in a championship game. And yet this player on the bench must be there --watching, waiting, and hoping--sometimes agonizingly--for that chance to use his special skill to better the team effort--to make the base of that iceberg stronger--to help build the character of the team. Yes, agonizingly because he know there is a chance he won't play because he may be the smallest man waiting to break open a press or he may be the big man on the bench who demonstrates to the fans that this team really has character from the bench to the basket. But even more important he may be the bench that the players look to late in the game when he is hurting, out of breath, and burning inside for that enthusiasm, and that love necessary to make the big play and win the game for the whole team.

When the game is over, when the seasons ends and all the fans and sports writers are talking about the top of the iceberg, the stars and heroes, the players will know that the real winner is the team, the whole iceberg especially the base--the men on the bench who build the character to make the team a lasting winner.

Do you want something?.....You must pay the price!!!

The Great Crippler....FEAR

The Greatest Mistake....Giving up

The Most Satisfying Experience... Doing what is right

The Best Action....Keeping the mind clear and the judgment good.

The Greatest Blessing....Good Friends

The Biggest Fool....The one who lies to himself

The Most Certain thing in Life is CHANGE.

The most potent force.... Positive

The Best Play....Successful Teamwork

The most expensive indulgence.... HATE

The Greatest Loss....Self-Confidence

The Greatest Need.... Common Sense