Coach Billy Donovan’s advice can be relevant off the court

In reflecting upon another exciting NCAA tournament, I was reminded of a John Feinstein article from the March 2009 Sporting News Magazine  ‘Billy the Coach’ wants to build something that will last at Florida.  I saved this article as I was struck by Billy Donovan’s quote: 

“After (a game), I said to one of our freshmen, ‘You played 18 minutes tonight.  How much of that time do you think that you had the ball in your hands?’  He looked at me and said, ‘About three minutes?’  I said, ‘Try 45 seconds.  That means there were more than 17 minutes you were in the game and didn’t have the ball.  The key to your contribution is what you do with that time.  Do you play defense?  Do you screen on offense?  Do you find a way to get open?  Do you get a rebound or a loose ball?  That’s how games are won and lost…’ ” 

THOUGHTS:

It is vital for college athletes to plan for life after competitive sports while they are still in school, as that day will eventually come – even if the athlete goes pro. I haven’t met an athlete who really wants to think about the day formal competition will end; however, those who consider this in advance have an easier transition.  It just takes time and effort. 

College athletes are certainly some of the busiest students on campus.  In addition to the general rigors of academic life, athletes are training, practicing, studying, traveling, and competing.  Free time, particularly during the season, is at a premium.  If the athlete plays multiple sports or is involved in any other extracurricular activities, time is even more restricted.  This usually results in many athletes putting their heads down and ignoring what the eventual graduation date will bring.  As an athlete, however, you are in a perfect position to take advantage of the opportunities that can present themselves – you just have to be aware of them.  

Whereas Billy Donovan asked his players what did they do with their time when they didn’t have the ball… in career development, what are you doing with your time when you are not competing?  I want to explore the questions Coach Donovan asked his team and encourage athletes to think about how each point relates to their own career development. 

1. “DO YOU PLAY DEFENSE?” 

Before an athlete plays defense, they have trained, studied, and practiced.  They analyze their opponents by watching the films, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and developing strategies to help them gain an advantage.  Ideally, this preparation enables them to react to any situation during the game. 

Off the court: “Do YOU play defense?” 

Just like prepping for defense, career development takes time.  It is a process that typically happens gradually and in small chunks.  If you try to do all of this all at once (like waiting until the month before you graduate), it can be daunting and overwhelming.  You don’t open the season in the playoffs – there are many steps involved before that time. 

Start by taking the necessary time to know yourself outside of competition.  What classes have you really enjoyed?  What type of work would you find interesting?  Do you even know?  Then “watch the films” and investigate industries and companies related to your interests.  After that, think about how you can present yourself to individuals within these organizations.  There are many people who can (and want to!) assist you with your “career training” including coaches, alumni, parents, college career office staff, faculty etc.  This preparation will help you get the most out of the resources around you. 

2. “DO YOU SCREEN ON OFFENSE?” 

When I think of screening on offense, I translate that to – helping out your team = helping others.  In the game, a player positions him/herself to assist another teammate and this ideally results in points being scored. 

Off the court: “Do YOU screen on offense?”   

One way to “help others” off the court is to participate in volunteer opportunities.  In doing so, you will be able to both give back to your community and gain valuable experience that can be added to your resume.  All too often students think that only paid work is worthy of being included on a resume.  I strongly disagree with this.  As a college student, there are a multitude of activities and opportunities that can provide you with great experience, and you do not have to be paid or earn credit in order to highlight them on your resume.  In fact, some industries only offer unpaid internships. 

Additionally, I have worked with many athletes whose summer goal was to focus on training for the next season, and these students sometimes found that it was difficult to secure a summer internship.  They needed a summer opportunity that would be flexible enough to accommodate their rigorous training schedule.  Volunteer options can often afford athletes more flexibility to work around these schedules, giving them a ‘win-win’ outcome on and off the court. 

3. “DO YOU FIND A WAY TO GET OPEN?” 

In the game, when you “don’t have your hands on the ball” and you’re not setting a screen, you move without the ball and find a way to get open.  Players must be aware of what is going on around them and then position themselves to receive a pass or take a shot.  Being in the right place at the right time during a game isn’t a result of luck; it’s a combination of strategy and effort.  The athlete must look for ways to get open, and once they are, make sure their teammates know it. 

Off the court: “Do YOU find a way to get open?” 

As an athlete, you already know how to get open.  Off the court, train yourself to see the opportunities for career advancement - especially networking.  Athletes naturally have a team of people who want to see them excel both on and off the court.  Being aware of this is only part of the strategy; just like on the court, you must let them know you are “open” so they can get you the ball.  Look for moments in conversation when you can bring up the subject of your career interests.  These people would love to help you, but may not think to offer, so you need to “be open” and ask the questions. 

4. “DO YOU GET A REBOUND OR A LOOSE BALL?” 

Everyone on the court can grab a rebound or loose ball, but it is typically the player who is alert, tenacious, and in the best position who comes away with it.  It takes conscious and consistent effort to jump at every opportunity that presents itself. 

Off the court: “Do YOU get a rebound or a loose ball?” 

This same approach applies to successful career preparation.  It takes energy and focused effort to capitalize on the opportunities that come your way.  Visualize that player diving for a loose ball or being the first to react to the rebound – I think that you will understand what you need to do – as Nike used to say, “Just Do It.”  Most of all, remember that you have a team of supporters in your court, so use their knowledge, expertise, and advice! 

BILLY DONOVAN’S ADVICE: 

Coach Donovan said it all, “…  there were more than 17 minutes you were in the game and didn’t have the ball.  The key to your contribution is what you do with that time.”   Every athlete will eventually face the day they are no longer competing.  With this in mind, what are you doing with the time that YOU don’t have the ball?  If you are mindful about your approach to career development early on (and work on it over time) you won’t be overwhelmed having to deal with it all at once upon graduation.  “That’s how games are won and lost…”