by Adam Kaul, on Dec 19, 2023 12:00:00 PM
The basketball season in upon us! The best time of the year for hoopers means games, practices, extra reps, etc. There are a lot of moving parts during the season, with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, staying motivated and locked in during the season is essential for players. Here are 5 motivational quotes to keep basketball players inspired and determined during the season!
1. "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships" - Michael Jordan
Starting off this list with a quote from the GOAT, players must understand to put the team above themselves. A common mantra for teams is "We over me", in which players come together and put their personal goals aside for the better of the team. A team the works as one can overcome adversity, deficits, and obstacles that come their way. Basketball IQ or intelligence is also a key difference maker when it comes to a championship level team. Playing smart and knowing how to navigate the basketball court is what separate the good from the great players.
2. "It's not about what you have or don't have. It's about what you make of what you've got." - Stephen Curry
Steph Curry has overcome his fair share of doubts about his athleticism or size, but has solidified himself as the greatest shooter of all-time through hard work and dedication. This quote speaks to players who may not be the tallest or fastest, but it encourages them to make the best of what they have. This also deals with players who may not be happy with their playing time or role on the team. Players can complain or give up on the team, but players need to make the most of this and use it as fuel to leave it all on the court. Treat practice like a live game or become a player who hustles up and down the court to show your coach that you want to be the best player you can.
3. "If you do not believe in yourself, no one else will" - Sheryl Swoopes
A common occurrence for basketball players in to lose confidence in their game. This is the worst thing a player can do, instead players going through a shooting slump need to get back to basics and put in extra work to get back on track. Confidence is essential is every area of basketball like shooting, defense, dribbling, etc. and when something comes up where you start to lose confidence, a player must take a new look at their game and realize confidence will help them get out of their troubles on the court.
4. "I really get motivated when I have doubters" - Shaquille O'Neal
Similar to last quote, allowing the naysayers and doubters to get into your head is terrible for a basketball players game. Instead, using these haters as motivation to prove them wrong can help players overcome the doubt. Players can find motivation is all places, but doubters may be the most common. As well as the one the best motivators being proving people wrong. Become a player who tunes out the outside noise and focuses on becoming the best player you can be!
5. "Failure doesn't exist" - Kobe Bryant
The late legend Kobe Bean Bryant brings you inside the Mamba Mentality with this quote. Becoming discouraged or down on yourself is something that only hurts you and the team. Instead using failure during the season as a lesson and moving on from it is the way to go. Although avoiding dwelling on mistakes is a hard task in the moment, when looking at the bigger picture, players who can't get over a turnover or bad defensive rotation will end up letting emotion affect the rest of their game.
Want to see more motivational quotes like this? Check out our other basketball quotes to help prepare you for games, comeback from tough losses and more!
