This is the dawn of the new  basketball vanguard. “The  Virtual Game…” will usher in a new understanding of prowess, objective and expectation.  I hope the articles to date have moved you at least closer towards the world of Virtual Play and the realm of optimization.

Welcome to the basketball matrix.  Here ultimate technique meets artistic expression. As a Virtual Player, you are bound only by perfection and emotion. Actualization as a Virtual Player occurs when you have mastered the art of allowing yourself to demonstrate the full gamut of your skill sets in the moment of exchange.

The road to virtual actualization is an arduous journey. It is truly the road less traveled. It takes incredible brainpower and discipline to deal with the rigors of programming and development: Man vs. Brain is the main event in an emotional “super fight.” So few stay the path as the stress and strain of change becomes too difficult and the process outweighs the passion and resolve of the individual. It is understandable. A Virtual Player is a rare treasure and like the most precious stone, the product of proper pressure, focus and time. Pressure to improve steadily. Focus on the right materials. And time to make it all happen.

May this material be a new testament for a new

millennium player

VP’s objectives for play are governed by net result and outcomes. Success is based on established default settings for optimal performance and extreme focus. VP’s mental make-up is one of emotional control. This control is rooted in the ability to withstand the toll of programming – interjecting commands to forge positive reps and acquire skill. VP’s realize they are greater than the brain and can exercise dominion through hyper-focus and a calm assertive mind. This mastery of the brain game will stand as a purposeful model of understanding advancement for whatever else in life.

As a VP you function as a viable component of any system.  You understand that it takes the right inputs for the right outputs and are machine-like in your approach. Intellectually you process the action of the game frame-by-frame, as if driving through an uncontrolled intersection: quick to assess and ready to act. This ability makes you an outstanding decision-maker even under duress. In fact, the more pressure you are subjected to, the closer you will move toward your defaults for clean play and performance. You fully embrace the law of leadership and work to preserve your offensive advantage to be first.  Your mission defensively is to “SCHOOL” your opponent and protect the “Queen” by any legal means necessary.

You are supremely confident, and your purpose and resolve is unshakable. You evoke the ire of inferior competition and the nodded respect of other true players. Purists will revel in the “basicology” of your play. However you must accept the reality and responsibility of continuously impacting others both positively and negatively. People’s perceptions of you as a player and person will be in constant flux as they attempt to balance your ability with their ego. Still, you must continue working to minimize negative impacts involving those in your environment who cannot comprehend your prowess or processes. Your sole goal is chartable growth at all times.

Technology will forever change. You must adapt to these changes or be prepared to fall short of your objectives.

Be gracious in victory and honorable in defeat. You are a Virtual artist who respects the game and others who play it. Above all, you respect yourself enough to register and accept optimization where you may find it. Grow in the game like you will play forever. Play like it is your last opportunity to perform —  “The Virtual Game of Basketball”

Great teams, tightly woven at the seams, I deem to be just stuff of dreams? In this modern day has the team shrunk, to the whim of her or him, maybe good day , maybe funk?  Is “give it to me… get back on D” the team philosophy? If it’s not the best shot for the team each trip, then every guy or girl needs to get a grip.   There should be no mystery of chemistry…just check the annuls of  history.

In science,  chemistry is the study of matter, energy and the interactions between them -whatever they may be. In social life we generally think of chemistry as the manner in which people  interact in a benevolent way. In sports, chemistry is the relationship between the parts of a team and the outcomes of their interactions. Those great Celtic teams, the 1975, Rick Barry led NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, the Show-time Lakers and the UnbeataBulls all had talented  players, but more importantly, outstanding team chemistry.

It’s the same for all levels. Developing chemistry should be the number one consideration in assembling a team and subsequently important in positioning them for success. What are the keys to team chemistry?   MPT. The right Materials or mix of players – not necessarily Superstars, and schemes – not necessarily complex. Focus on or Pressure adherence to  KYP, KYC, KYL and KYG principles as they relate to optimal team outcomes.  Lastly, Time to develop  cohesiveness and a team personality. You know KYP, KYC and KYL from “What You See… Is What You Get“, KYG is Know Your Goals and Game plans.

Unfortunately, too many  folks are into player replacement instead of player development. Everyone seems to be chasing the next megastar to make things brighter. Many times teams can find greater value by allowing their present team chemistry a chance to mature.  It doesn’t take a superstar to make a quality team, only quality players. But how do we define quality players and  how do you get them. Is it a full-court expedition in hopes of unearthing a gem of a player… or do you simply (lol) process the ores already available to you?

What are Quality Players?

Quality players are skilled players that make quality basketball decisions. Both are both achievable, although developing and/or tweaking players is a tough proposition. It’s also difficult to determine which players to invest in. There are so many factors the process can become complex quickly. The most critical factors are  the proficiency (potential) and efficiency (game-time production) levels of any given player. Proficiency denotes absolute skill value and efficiency concerns effectiveness of skills during play. In other words, it comes down to technique and application. Focusing on these two elements is a valuable tool in helping differentiate top players from the crowd. It’s also useful system in helping players gain a truer sense of their games at face value.

Evaluations are twofold: (1) Rating players (1-5) according to defined roles as an Efficiency Rating (ER); and (2) Rating players (1-5) according to their capability – PTAG (Physical skill, Technical skill, Application of physical and technical, and Grit-factor). No performer can escape his or her PTAG. This is the stating point for player assessments, which is the start of determining how the team puzzle pieces fit together.

Player development (if the player has legitimate potential , of course) advances the player and team without compromising team chemistry- which requires personnel continuity – if possible.  There are times when you must look outside your current circumstance for answers, but mostly I think  Red Auerbach and Al Green had it right— “… Let’s … let’s stay together!”

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