Pete Strobl's Blog
Pete Strobl grew up in Los Angeles, California and went on to play college basketball at D1 Niagara University, New York. After graduating with his Master's Pete began playing professional basketball in Europe and has played in France, Austria, and Germany. This season Pete is Player/Assistant Coach for Merry Monk Ballina. He writes a weekly blog for Streetballireland.com on basketball, life and his experience in Ireland.
Blog #8 - Continuity
There’s a huge difference between working hard, and talking about working hard. The former requires dedication and commitment, while the latter requires nothing more than an ample supply of oxygen. Most readily admit the desire to be a winner, but few are actually prepared to work hard enough to reach their potential. There is always somebody more talented, but there should never be somebody working harder. There's no shame in losing to a better man or a better team. Of course, losing sucks! However, sometimes you have to simply tip your hat to a better opponent and admit that it simply wasn't meant to be. Although, this should only be done if you've truly given everything you have to give!
The core of the team has remained in place, but the all-important "big-man" spot has been tough to keep filled. We've made quite a few changes in players already this season and now another change is imminent. Adam Simons arrived first on the scene and played two pre-season games. Kenny Izzo made his infamous one game appearance and was gone before anybody even realized what happened. Jimmy Boston was the next to arrive and helped the team cruise to four straight wins. Jermaine Turner then joined the team in an attempt to win the allusive Cup. After the cup loss to the Tralee Tigers, Jermaine decided to take his high-flying act to Spain. The roller-coaster ride continues as the team looks to fill the spot in an attempt to rack up some crucial victories before the playoffs begin.
This entire week has been hectic as we've all gone our own individual ways following last weekend's difficult loss. Fingers have been pointed, feelings have been hurt, and things have been said that guys now regret. As long as everyone has the goal of helping the team, most of the actions are understandable and to some extent even acceptable. Guys here want to win, make no mistake about it. We simply need to regroup and start believing in our "team" and fighting for the guys wearing the same color jersey! There will be plenty of time to point fingers, complain, vacation, study, rest, discuss, contemplate, plan, relax, and ponder during the summer. Right now we need to walk into the gym hungry and leave the court exhausted. I know it sounds like a cliché, but we really do need to leave it all on the court. The time now is too precious for anything else.
I truly hope that this upcoming choice of a big-man proves to be a good one as I realize how important the position is for our team. I'd also like to get him in here as soon as possible so we can get to know each other and try to build some chemistry. The sooner we're practicing as a "unit" and learning each other's strengths and weaknesses, the sooner we'll learn to trust each other on the court. The sooner we're all on the same page and working hard together week-in, week-out, the sooner we'll find ourselves back on Victory Road!
Repetition leads to consistency. Consistency leads to trust. Trust leads to continuity. Continuity leads to victory!
Pete Strobl
petestrobl@gmail.com