EXCELLENCE

"Going far beyond the call of duty, doing more than others expect, this is what excellence is all about!  And it comes from striving, maintaining the highest standards, looking after the smallest detail, and going the extra mile.  Excellence means doing your very best.  In everything!  In every way."

-Jack Johnson

THE COURAGE TO HANDLE FAILURE

Steve Kerr cited Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, two of the most "clutch" performers of all time, as examples of players who want desperately to make the important shot, but are tough enough to accept the outcome, positive or negative.  "That's really the key.  You have to be willing to live with the result.  You have to be tough enough to live with the results."

Accepting the consequences doesn't mean that failing doesn't bring hurt or disappointment.  It means that you have the courage to accept the result without fear affecting your ability to perform and that you are also willing to get up off the deck and try again.

From "Toughness" by Jay Bilas

YOU'VE GOT TO HATE TO LOSE

"You've got to hate to lose, you know what

I mean? At some point you've got to

settle down and say 'It's win time.'"

-Chris Paul