Special thanks to Coach Bret Burchard of Taylor University for sharing this Kevin Eastman passout from the Taylor Basketball Notebook. I will change the word "rookie" to "freshman" and make sure this makes the Lady Tiger notebook...........
1. Understand that there will be different types of people from different backgrounds; remain true to yourself and how you were brought up.
2. Be strong enough to make your own decisions. All players know what is right and what is wrong in every situation. If in doubt, know that it's probably wrong.
3. Always choose "right" when confronted with these "right/wrong" situations.
4. Be humble off the floor, but don't concede anything on the floor.
5. Understand you are a rookie, but you are also 1 of 12 competing to play. Your youth should not be an excuse. You have as much right to play as the veterans do! Respect them, but don't be afraid to compete against them.
6. Never become an attitude problem on the team. And most important, don't let the malcontent recruit you to their team.
7. Remember, coaches always see players who dive on the floor, take charges, encourage teammates, play unselfishly, and defend their tails off!
8. Understand that the best way to get on the floor is through defense...not offense.
9. Get through your rookie year with big ears and a small mouth. Listen and learn, obverse and learn.
10. Understand that the next level is tough, but it's tough for every rookie everywhere. Those who overcome are those who keep coming back the next day with a great attitude. Mental toughness will separate you from those that don't make it!
