“Bring it!” A statement heard in sports for sure, but one that should only be made if you can back it up. Too often, players today will talk a better game than they play. Only the best can even think about saying something like “BRING IT!”

The best in the game have put in the time, energy, effort, thought, studying, and learning that allow them to be confident enough that they can back up their talk. Doc has a great teaching point with our team when he says, “if you can’t talk AND play; then don’t talk!”

The best are always ready for anything an opponent may throw at them. They’re interested in the production and result more than the talk. They put in all the hours already so if they do need to verbally respond they know they’re speaking the truth. Many players are speaking the hope: I sure hope I can back all of this up.

Read a quote from Michael Jordan when he was talking to the 1995 McDonalds High School All Stars. He said, “I hope all of you reach your NBA goals someday. I’ll be waiting and I’ll be ready!” Enough said!

For players, the lesson is to look deeper into what he said. He simply said that he has put in the hours, the sweat, the aches and pains to be prepared to take on all comers. He knows he’ll be ready because he understands what “ready” means!