The Unmistakable Traits of Great Players: A Love for Practice and a Relentless Desire to Be the Best
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to be around some truly great players—athletes who have reached the highest levels of success in basketball. And while they each had their own unique strengths and talents, there’s a common thread that ran through all of them. It wasn’t just their physical abilities or their basketball IQ that set them apart; it was their unwavering love for practice and their relentless desire to be the best player in the gym—every single day.
These players couldn’t stand the thought of someone else outworking them or being better than them, even for just one day. That drive didn’t just come from wanting to win games—it came from their deep commitment to improving, growing, and pushing themselves to their absolute limits.
The Love of Practice: The True Foundation of Greatness
If there’s one thing all great players have in common, it’s their love for practice. While some players see practice as something they have to do, the best players see it as something they get to do. For them, practice is where the real work happens. It’s where they can refine their skills, focus on their weaknesses, and prepare themselves for the next game or challenge.
They never miss practice. Whether they’re feeling tired, sore, or coming off a tough game, these athletes show up every day, ready to put in the work. They understand that consistent effort is the key to long-term success. They’re not waiting for game day to “turn it on”—they’re putting in the effort behind the scenes, in the gym, day in and day out.
The Relentless Desire to Be the Best
But it’s not just their love of practice that sets them apart—it’s their desire to be the best player in the gym every single time they step on the court. These players have a competitive fire that burns constantly. They can’t stand the idea of someone else being better than them, even for a moment. It’s not about ego—it’s about setting a standard for themselves and holding themselves to it, no matter what.
This desire drives them to push harder, to stay longer, to do the extra work that others might skip. It’s a constant mindset of self-improvement, where they’re not just satisfied with being good—they want to be the best, and they’re willing to put in the effort to make that happen.
The Impact on Team Culture
What’s remarkable about players like this is that their mindset doesn’t just benefit them—it impacts everyone around them. When a player shows up to practice with that kind of energy, it raises the bar for the entire team. Their work ethic becomes contagious, and suddenly, everyone in the gym is pushing themselves to match that level of intensity.
Coaches love players who have this mentality because they lead by example. They don’t need to talk about how hard they’re working—their actions speak for themselves. And when you have multiple players with that same drive, it creates a culture of excellence where everyone is striving to be their best.
Pushing Through the Tough Days
One of the most telling signs of a great player is how they handle the tough days. Every athlete will have moments where they’re tired, frustrated, or not playing their best. But the best players don’t let those moments define them. They push through, show up to practice, and use those tough days as fuel to get better.
For them, it’s not about avoiding failure—it’s about learning from it. They understand that setbacks are part of the process and that improvement comes from consistently working through those challenges. This is why they don’t take days off. Even when things aren’t going their way, they’re still in the gym, putting in the work.
Final Thoughts
The great players I’ve known all share two essential traits: a genuine love for practice and a relentless desire to be the best. They show up every day, put in the work, and push themselves to new heights—no matter who’s watching. Their drive doesn’t come from wanting recognition or praise—it comes from an inner fire to be the best version of themselves.
If you want to reach that level, ask yourself: Do you love practice? Are you driven to be the best in the gym every day? If the answer is yes, then you’re already on the path to greatness. Keep that mindset, and the results will follow.
Pasha Bains
Founder, Drive Basketball