The Offering Pt. 5: Character & Integrity

There are always certain things student-athletes can to do to increase their value as potential basketball recruits that might go unseen to the average eye or regular fan watching. You have to understand that it’s not about what you do on the court sometimes in regards to the things that may show up on the stat-sheet; it’s about the intangibles or the little things that coaches look for in terms of character and integrity that can win you a scholarship. Being a good teammate, staying positive through adversity, not being afraid to sacrifice yourself for the good of the team, maintaining positive body language, and ultimately being someone that the coach can count on; On and Off the court. Coaches enjoy coaching tough kids that understand the concept of winning and the lessons that go along with losing, as well as the comprehension of ideals such as hard work and consistency.

From Basketball Legend on the court to Basketball Legend on the sidelines, Jarrett Lockhart looks for his players to have mental toughness, which is a key component to being successful on the court. Photo courtesy of J. Lockhart

When I first started coaching, I would always look at how my groups would respond to losing and the negative aspects of the game. I knew that mental toughness was a major part of a player’s success, and I wanted those types of kids to play for me, as I saw that was more important than talent at some points. If I could have a group of tough-minded, good character guys that worked extremely hard, the wins would come off of pure determination, and ultimately their drive would lead to longer hours in the gym and more skill development moving forward……..Guys diving on the floor for loose balls, stepping in to take charges; sacrificing their bodies, players making that extra pass to get better shots for their teammates; those are some of the guys you want playing for you, and when everyone eventually knows their roles, you develop into a TEAM.

Lockhart always looks to inspire the younger generation of student-athletes. Here he is telling a group of Bronx NY teens all of the perils that face them on their respective journeys. Photo courtesy of J. Lockhart

Being a good teammate is definitely one of the major attributes that coaches look for when recruiting. Do you help your guys on defense by talking and communicating?, Will you except your role if you’re not the “star” player?, Do you cheer for your teammates and high-five them when they check out of the game or do you stay seated?, Do you help pick them up off the floor when they get fouled or do you just walk away? Some of the little things that may not seem important to many people, but can hold the key to the door of where a scholarship lies at the end of the day. If I’m out watching a potential student-athlete for my program, and I see a young man score 30, his team loses, and every time he comes out of the game he sits at the end of the bench with a towel over his head, and never cheers for his teammates…….I’m not recruiting that kid; period! To me, it says he’s a bad teammate, not coachable, and extremely selfish. And, trust me; no one wants this type of headache added to their team, especially when it involves their livelihood. Coaches want to bring in the best character-kids that they can, so all they have to worry about at the end of the day is basketball. No off the court issues, no academic problems, and no potential disciplinary situations related to the morals or values of the individual.

Lockhart’s resume speaks for itself. A former Professional Basketball player overseas, Lockhart now coaches HS basketball in Florida. His legendary status is cemented. Photo courtesy of J. Lockhart

Another factor that goes seen, but unseen sometimes is the issue of a young player having bad body language. This might also sound insignificant, but in the big scheme of things, it is a very important topic. Being discouraged when you miss a shot or a defensive assignment is one thing, so maybe shrugging your shoulders or waving your arm, or putting your head down for a second is acceptable, as long as you move on to the next play and do not dwell on this for too long. Certain facial expressions like not making eye contact with the coach when he/she is talking, constantly shaking your head when things don’t go your way, even crossing your arms when being reprimanded are all red flags.  Throw in not being able to handle constructive criticism, talking back to the coach, and/or not being coachable on the court, and you get a recipe for disaster.  Most coaches and recruiters look for those small details in case a scholarship comes down to 2 particular players. Think about it…….Who would you pick out of two guys, both similar in talent, but one is a great teammate, coachable, and is always positive.  The other won’t talk to the guys he plays with, challenges everything the coach says, walks around with a scowl on his face all day and puts his head down every time he misses a shot.  Easy choice for me, and it would also be for a lot of coaches out there ready to invest in someone to help their programs.

Now coaching at Victory Rock Prep in Florida, Lockhart can have huge success because he truly understands the game of basketball from both a player and coach standpoint. Photo courtesy of J. Lockhart

MY ADVICE:
Just be the best version of yourself……..with that being said, don’t be distracted or swayed by the peer-pressure of being someone you’re not. Understand that earning a scholarship is not always about what you actually do on the basketball court, but the type of person that you present yourself as off of the hardwood. this always indicates your value and true dedication to the game. You represent yourself and your family with the name on the back of that jersey, and you always want to do that to the best of your ability. Your work ethic, your drive, the way you carry yourself, the language you use, your social media, the people you hang with, your choice of clothes, your interests off the court.  These are all things that potential recruiters and coaches dedicate major focus to, and can either make you scholarship material, or push you away from the school of your dreams.  Work on being a good teammate, be coachable, learn how to accept constructive criticism, and aim to be a positive example while working hard to obtain your goals.  Ultimately this will increase your value to anyone recruiting you and make you more of an asset moving forward.

-Jarrett T. Lockhart
Basketball Coach
Adjunct Professor
Published Author
Mentor, Speaker, & Advisor