Gold Standards

The following standards were developed entirely by the members of  the 2008 USA Men’s Basketball Team. Each member signed the document. 

1. No Excuses
• We have what it takes to win
2. Great Defense
• This is the key to winning the gold
• We do the dirty work
3. Communication
• We look each other in the eye
• We tell each other the truth
4. Trust
• We believe in each other
5. Collective Responsibility
• We are committed to each other
• We win together
6. Care
• We have each other’s backs
• We give aid to a teammate
7. Respect
• We respect each other and our opponents
• We’re always on time
• We’re always prepared
8. Intelligence
• We take good shots
• We’re aware of team fouls
• We know the scouting report
9. Poise
• We show no weakness
10. Flexibility
• We can handle any situation
• We don’t complain
11. Unselfishness
• We’re connected
• We make the extra pass
• Our value is not measured in playing time
12. Aggressiveness
• We play hard every possession
13. Enthusiasm
• This is fun
14. Performance
• We’re hungry
• We have no bad practices
15. Pride
• We are the best team in the world and we represent the best country

 

  The Gold Standard: Building a World-Class Team