#70 UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE

Thanks to the ’92 Dream Team, the game of basketball has become universal. 

At one point in time, overseas players wished to play in the USA; comparable to local high school 4.0 students asking his/her teacher to draft up recommendation letters for their university of preference.  Strangely enough, the world caught up to our skill set and the shift of us learning from them has propelled. 

In the pursuit of crawling into the tightly closed window of opportunity called the NBA, our enjoyment of the game has led players to give their talent to foreign employers in other countries, in hopes of a contract. 

As the new voyage begins, a quick reminder is needed; it’s not all about ball handling, shooting, running, jumping, weights etc…

Micro-skills are a must in order to separate from the next…  

Reading body language… is your teammate responding to what you are saying?  Are they nodding their head and keeping eye contact?

Non-verbal communication… A smile can promote you more than you expect, so smile to those in the stands who take time to watch you, entertain.  Bending over with hands on knees may give the impression that fatigue is a factor.  Do not speak that language.

The art of storytelling… locker room camaraderie and grabbing dinner bonding doesn’t happen by scrolling phones or isolating from others, grab a cup of coffee and get to know one another by painting a story verbally.  It produces laughter, inspiration, and motivation to those who are wearing the same jersey.  Be the next J.K. Rowling.

Persistence…  The door of chance closes more than opens, your love will get tested, kick it down and keep swinging.  Invest in yourself.

Lastly, enjoy your experience, take many photos, shake hands and give hugs in spite of the challenges, because, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” – Timothy.