Pyramid Tribute: Intentness, Tubby Smith (Head Coach - Minnesota)
Smith has been at the helm of the
Minnesota program for the last three seasons, during which time he
has quickly established the Golden Gophers as a
regular 20-plus win team and postseason player --
including back-to-back trips to the NCAA
Tournament.
Prior to coaching at Minnesota, Smith served as head coach at
Kentucky for 10 seasons (1997-2007). He made an immediate
impact in Lexington, winning the National Championship in
his first season. By the time he departed Kentucky,
he had amassed 263 victories and led his Kentucky teams to the
NCAA Tournament every year he was on the bench.
Smith previously enjoyed successful head coaching stints
at Georgia (1995-1997) and Tulsa (1991-1995).
The former President of the National Association of Basketball Coaches is also active in the community, having established the Tubby Smith Foundation to assist underprivileged children.
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To me, Intentness means following through and finishing what
you intended, what you started, or what your intentions
were. We all have intentions.
Intentness is an attribute that one needs to remain focused when things are going well, but also when they are not going the way you planned, as they will. You have to have a single purpose that consists of being able to sustain and finish the job, the play, the assignment, the goal; being able to focus on that goal.
Coaches have to train players to limit the distractions. Coaches put players in the situations that simulate the atmosphere that they are going to have to deal with or handle; on the basketball court, in the classroom, in the community, in their family, with their friends, with their teammates, and in life. You must have abstaining power. You have to be able to get yourself through these situations with your will power.
What are your goals? Concentration, the mental aspect of the game, is so critical. Good teams have good players, but more importantly they have good teammates that keep you accountable, encourage each other, and support everyone. You must have balance. Coach Wooden talked about keeping balance in your life and it goes hand-in-hand with longevity and being able to outwork, outlast and outhustle your opponents. Coach Wooden taught his players not be swayed or be influenced by external or internal distractions. He taught them that you must narrow your focus so you are able to remain intent. You have to be unaffected by the noise, crowd, officials calls, and opponents that are trying to get into your head and get you off your game.
What are your intentions? Your intentions should be the pursuit of being the best that you can be. It’s all about preparation and understanding your academic, basketball, career, social, and spiritual goals. I believe those are the keys to intentness. You need to intentionally act, say, and surround yourself with people that will help you and your intentions reach your goals.
- Tubby Smith
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Photo courtesy of University of
Minnesota Athletic Communications
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