Finding A Team Identity

Around this time of year, every team is searching for their identity. Figuring out what type of team they are and how they are going to win games. Figuring out roles that each player will play in order for the team to play in unison with maximum effort as actions are only reflex's other than thinking about your next move. Every coach across the county has the sole job of finding the fastest way to get his team to that point.


Defense is still what wins NCAA Championships in college basketball, but early in the season that may not always be the case. Teams still play as if raw ability is going to win games and defense can come second. That may win you a couple of games but no team is going to win championships off of pure 1 on 1 talent.  A great recent example is the Kentucky Wildcats of the 2009-10 season. They had a freshman coming off the bench that entered the NBA Draft and still went first round (Daniel Orton). Did John Wall, Demarcus Cousins and crew win the NCAA title that year? Nope, they didn't even make it to the championship game.

As the season continues to progress, keep an eye on the teams that keep putting the check marks in the Wins column. Teams that have found and identity, and are playing 100% team defense for one another. Teams in which every player is willing to give up their shot so a teammate can shoot a better shot. A team that is down 10 with 2 minutes left and know they are going to win the game. They may not end up winning, but until that final buzzer sounds they are putting everything on the line to get better. For the greater good of the team.

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