With the college basketball season looming around the corner, the offseason work is (mercifully) coming to a close. But, there’s still some time for the coaching staff to work on more intangible aspects of team development. Over the weekend, it looks like the men’s basketball team went to Idaho for a retreat complete with team-building exercises.
UNITY #retreat pic.twitter.com/Hh9UgLvO0h
— Przemek Karnowski (@PKarnowski) September 11, 2016
Written on each of the bags in the center of the photo appear to be the ingredients necessary for the team to achieve its goals this season. But honestly, I think the team could achieve all of its goals simply by allowing Przemek to show up to every game with an axe in hand. Seriously, look at him, the intimidation factor is off the charts. Think about it, Coach Few.
It appears the players were also challenged to formulate their respective leadership philosophies, and if they so desired, to share them with one another and the public as a whole. Here’s what a few of them had to say:
My Leadership Philosophy: I am someone who walks by faith & not by sight. I am someone who inspires others around me by my faith & courage.
— Johnathan Williams (@Iam_J3) September 11, 2016
My leadership philosophy is sacrificing myself for my team to achieve greatness in all aspects of life wither it is on or off the court!
— Ryan Edwards (@25ryan) September 11, 2016
My leadership philosophy is disregarding my own well being for the well being of my teammates, family members, and friends.
— Zach Collins (@zcollins_33) September 11, 2016
My leadership philosophy is Self-control, Pacesetting, Affiliative, Teamwork, Sacrifice for the others and trust in my Team #zags
— Killian Tillie (@KillianTillie) September 11, 2016
The challenge of building a team, besides gathering the requisite talent to mold, is typically creating a sense of dependence and unity within a group of individuals. One of the hallmarks of Mark Few’s teams is how close the players are with one another, and how that chemistry manifests itself on the court. That on-court chemistry is usually a byproduct of time spent fostering camaraderie within the group weeks and months before the games start to matter. It’s evident that Mark Few has a group that is committed to self-sacrifice and eschewing their personal goals for the greater good.
Great weekend with the squad in Idaho, #ZAGUP pic.twitter.com/sO1AgsE5Uv
— Jordan Mathews (@JordanMathews22) September 11, 2016