Coach Irvin Harris and guests Mel Jones, Pee Wee Harrison and Greg Budo Carradine talk about raising champions with guest host Peter Mingils.
This episode explores the journey of developing exceptional players, the role of coaches, and the qualities that define a champion both on and off the court.
Raising Champions: The Art and Science of Basketball Excellence
Basketball is more than just a game—it’s a crucible where character, skill, and determination are forged. To “raise champions” in this sport is to cultivate not only athletic prowess but also the mindset, discipline, and resilience that define greatness. Whether you’re a player aspiring to reach the top or a coach tasked with molding raw talent into polished brilliance, the journey requires a blend of passion, strategy, and an unwavering commitment to growth. This post delves into the multifaceted process of raising basketball champions, exploring the roles of players and coaches, the habits that breed success, and the legacy that true champions leave behind.
The Foundation: Mindset of a Champion
Champions aren’t born—they’re built. At the heart of every great basketball player lies a mindset that separates them from the pack. It’s not just about natural talent, though that helps; it’s about what players do with the gifts they’re given. Michael Jordan, often hailed as the greatest of all time, famously said, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” This encapsulates the first pillar of raising champions: cultivating a winning mentality.
For players, this begins with self-belief. Confidence isn’t arrogance—it’s the quiet assurance that comes from preparation and effort. Young athletes must learn to trust in their abilities while recognizing their weaknesses as opportunities for growth. Coaches play a critical role here, instilling a growth mindset that embraces challenges. When a player misses a shot or loses a game, the champion’s response isn’t despair—it’s analysis. What went wrong? How can I improve? This relentless pursuit of self-betterment is what turns potential into performance.
Coaches must also model this mindset. A champion coach doesn’t just teach plays; they inspire belief. Think of Phil Jackson, whose Zen-like approach transformed the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers into dynasties. His ability to connect with players like Jordan and Kobe Bryant went beyond X’s and O’s—it was about fostering a collective vision of excellence. Raising champions starts with planting the seed that greatness is attainable, then nurturing it with purpose and discipline.
The Blueprint: Skill Development
Basketball is a game of finesse and power, requiring a mastery of fundamentals and the ability to adapt. Raising champions demands a meticulous approach to skill development, balancing individual brilliance with team synergy. For players, this means dedicating countless hours to the basics—dribbling, shooting, passing, and defense—while refining advanced techniques like step-back jumpers or no-look passes.
Take Stephen Curry as an example. His revolutionary three-point shooting didn’t happen overnight; it was the result of obsessive practice and a willingness to push boundaries. Young players aspiring to championship caliber must adopt a similar work ethic. Coaches can facilitate this by designing drills that challenge players physically and mentally. A simple layup drill becomes a test of focus when done under pressure; a free-throw routine sharpens concentration when fatigue sets in.
But skill isn’t just about offense. Defense wins championships—a cliché, yes, but one rooted in truth. Players like Kawhi Leonard exemplify this, blending elite scoring with lockdown defense. Coaches must emphasize versatility, teaching players to guard multiple positions, read opponents, and anticipate plays. Raising a champion means crafting a complete player, not a one-dimensional star.
Team drills are equally vital. Basketball is a symphony, not a solo act. Champions understand spacing, timing, and trust. Coaches should simulate game scenarios—late-clock situations, double-teams, fast breaks—to build chemistry. The 2008 Boston Celtics, with their “Ubuntu” philosophy, showed how sacrifice and cohesion can elevate a roster to greatness. Players must learn that individual stats pale in comparison to collective triumph.
The Grind: Discipline and Resilience
Champions aren’t made in the spotlight—they’re forged in the shadows. The grind of early mornings, sore muscles, and endless repetition is where true growth happens. For players, discipline is non-negotiable. It’s showing up to practice when no one’s watching, watching film to study opponents, and maintaining fitness even in the offseason. LeBron James, now in his third decade in the NBA, is a testament to this. His longevity stems from a meticulous approach to training, diet, and recovery.
Coaches must instill this discipline while adapting to individual needs. Some players thrive on tough love—think Bobby Knight’s fiery style—while others respond to encouragement, like Steve Kerr’s player-centric approach with the Golden State Warriors. The key is consistency. A coach who demands effort one day and slackens the next breeds confusion. Raising champions requires a culture of accountability, where every rep, every sprint, every decision matters.
Resilience is the other side of this coin. Basketball is a game of failure—missed shots, turnovers, blown leads. Champions don’t crumble; they adapt. Players must learn to shake off a bad game and focus on the next play. Coaches can teach this by reframing setbacks as lessons. After a loss, dissect the film not to assign blame, but to identify solutions. The 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers, down 3-1 in the Finals, didn’t fold—they rallied, driven by LeBron’s unyielding resolve. That’s the spirit coaches must cultivate.
The X-Factor: Leadership and Character
Skill and effort can take a player far, but leadership elevates them to champion status. On the court, this means directing teammates, making clutch decisions, and staying composed under pressure. Off the court, it’s about integrity, humility, and inspiring others. Raising champions isn’t just about winning games—it’s about building people.
For players, leadership starts with action. A point guard who hustles back on defense sets the tone; a star who passes to an open teammate instead of forcing a shot builds trust. Coaches can nurture this by giving players ownership—letting them call plays or lead huddles. Tim Duncan, the stoic anchor of the San Antonio Spurs, led by example, his quiet consistency earning him five rings. Young athletes should emulate this, understanding that leadership isn’t about volume—it’s about impact.
Coaches, too, must embody leadership. Gregg Popovich’s success isn’t just tactical genius; it’s his ability to connect with players as humans. He’s tough when needed, compassionate when warranted, and always authentic. Raising champions means modeling the values you preach—respect, teamwork, perseverance. A coach who yells at refs but demands sportsmanship from players sends mixed signals. Consistency in character builds trust, and trust builds dynasties.
Character extends beyond the gym. Champions use their platform responsibly. Whether it’s LeBron’s school initiatives or Curry’s philanthropy, true greatness leaves a legacy. Coaches should encourage community involvement, teaching players that basketball is a vehicle for impact. A champion isn’t just remembered for points scored, but for lives touched.
The Strategy: Coaching to Win
Coaching is an art form, blending psychology, strategy, and intuition. To raise champions, coaches must master the game’s chess-like complexity while adapting to their roster’s strengths. This starts with a clear philosophy. Are you a fast-break team like the “Showtime” Lakers? A defensive juggernaut like the ’90s Knicks? A three-point barrage like the modern Warriors? The system must fit the players, not the other way around.
Game planning is critical. Study opponents—know their tendencies, exploit their weaknesses. If they’re weak in the paint, pound it inside; if they overplay the perimeter, backdoor cuts open up. Flexibility is key—rigid coaches lose when the script flips. Think of Erik Spoelstra’s Miami Heat, seamlessly shifting styles year to year. Raising champions means preparing for every scenario, from buzzer-beaters to blowouts.
Player development ties into this. A coach must know when to push and when to rest, when to critique and when to praise. Stars need freedom to shine, but role players need confidence to contribute. Pat Riley’s “15 Strong” mantra with the Lakers ensured every man knew his role. Depth wins titles—coaches must raise not just one champion, but a team of them.
In-game decisions test a coach’s mettle. Timeout or let it ride? Sub or stay pat? Champions emerge from clutch moments, and coaches must trust their preparation. Brad Stevens’ cerebral adjustments with the Celtics show how calm under pressure translates to wins. Raising champions is as much about the coach’s growth as the players’.
The Legacy: Beyond the Scoreboard
Raising champions isn’t about trophies alone—it’s about impact that endures. For players, this means leaving the game better than they found it, whether through records broken or teammates uplifted. For coaches, it’s the knowledge that their lessons ripple through generations. Red Auerbach’s Celtics didn’t just win—they shaped basketball’s evolution.
Players should strive for excellence that inspires. Kids shooting on driveways dream of being the next Jordan or Giannis because those champions showed what’s possible. Coaches should aim to build programs that stand the test of time, like John Wooden’s UCLA dynasty, rooted in his “Pyramid of Success.” A champion’s legacy is measured in influence, not just hardware.
Ultimately, raising champions is a partnership. Players bring the hunger; coaches provide the roadmap. Together, they chase a shared vision—not just of victory, but of greatness. Basketball is the medium, but the goal is transcendence. From the playground to the pros, the journey of raising champions is one of sweat, sacrifice, and soul—a pursuit that defines the sport’s enduring magic.
