A COACH’S PERSPECTIVE
WHAT COACHES REALLY LOOK FOR IN PLAYERS
Making a basketball team is about much more than just having handles, shooting ability, or athleticism. Every year, countless players with talent miss out on roster spots—not because they aren’t good enough physically, but because they don’t demonstrate the intangibles coaches are truly looking for.
To better understand this, we spoke with University High School Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Coach Blanding, who led his team to a semi-state run in Patty Chikamba’s senior year. Coach Blanding summed it up best:
“When I am evaluating players I am looking for key things that are missing quite a bit in today’s game. I am looking for if the player has a good feel for the game. If they can move with or without the ball. Then with their skill set, how they can be utilized in our system. I also look at how hard they play on both ends of the floor.
I watch to see if they defend harder than they play offense. Probably the most important key I am looking at is how hard you compete, and are you a good teammate. Body language is also important. It is extremely hard in today’s high school game to find these things so when you do, you have a really good team.”
WHAT COACHES EXPECT
Basketball IQ & Feel for the Game: Talent without understanding rarely translates to winning basketball. Coaches value players who know how to move with or without the ball, read defensive rotations, and make plays that fit into the team system.
2. Two-Way Effort: Many players showcase energy on offense but disappear defensively. Coaches notice who defends with the same intensity—or more—than they attack. A player who takes pride in getting stops earns trust quickly.
3. Competitiveness: Coaches want competitors—athletes who don’t back down, who fight for loose balls, who stay locked in regardless of the score. Competing hard every possession is often what separates players who see the floor from those who don’t.
4. Being a Great Teammate: Basketball is a team game, and body language speaks louder than words. A player who celebrates teammates, stays engaged on the bench, and accepts coaching is far more valuable than one who sulks when things don’t go their way.
5. Fit in the System: Skill sets matter, but what matters more is how those skills help the team win. Coaches evaluate whether a player’s strengths fit the program’s style of play. A sharpshooter in a motion offense or a quick defender in a pressing system becomes more valuable than a high scorer who can’t adapt.
EARNING COACH’S TRUST
Players often think coaches are only looking at their stats, but in reality, they are observing every action on and off the floor. Trust is built when players consistently:
- Compete at full effort in practice and games
- Stay disciplined in following the team’s system
- Maintain positive body language even when minutes are limited
- Put the team above themselves
PARENTS CAN HELP
Parents play a huge role in helping players develop what coaches want—here’s how:
- Emphasize effort over stats. Praise how hard your child plays, not just how many points they score.
- Model team-first behavior. Encourage good sportsmanship and respect for teammates, coaches, and officials.
- Support the process, not just the outcome. Ask, “Did you give your best effort?” instead of “Did you win?”
- Don’t make excuses. Let your child face adversity, learn from it, and grow.
- Keep body language in check—from the sidelines. Kids mirror what they see. Be calm, supportive, and positive.
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