Dive into The Matt Babcock Show as Matt discusses the mindset and habits needed for college basketball players to succeed. Learn to focus on what matters most: teamwork, development, and winning traits.
Transcript from The Matt Babcock Show: Winners Win, Jan 14, 2025:
Matt Babcock: It’s a new year, and we’re deep into the college basketball season. The games are heating up, conference play is intense, and every player is fighting to make their mark. Teams are finding their identity, roles are becoming clearer, and for some of you players listening, this is the time to prove what you’re made of—to move the needle as you chase your dreams.
But let’s hit the pause button for a moment. I want to talk about something important: the mindset and approach it takes to truly succeed. With NIL and the transfer portal, it’s easy to get caught up in the noise—shifting your focus to the money, the deals, or the NBA Draft. And in doing so, losing sight of what really matters: being the best basketball player you can be right now, taking consistent steps to continue developing, and practicing winning habits.
So, let’s get into it.
I’m Matt Babcock, and this is The Matt Babcock Show.
So, I get it. Players today are in a unique position. The opportunities created by NIL are game-changing, and the transfer portal provides options that previous generations didn’t have. But with these unique opportunities come unique challenges. I’ve been around the game long enough to see it: players are more anxious than ever, constantly thinking about their futures, their marketability, and what’s next. And sometimes, that pressure pulls you away from what you should be focusing on—working hard, playing great basketball, being a great teammate, and doing the little things that contribute to winning every day.
Maybe you’re frustrated with your situation. You feel like you’re being underutilized, or stuck in the wrong role, and it’s eating at you. Maybe your agent is in your ear, telling you the grass is greener on the other side.
Or maybe you’re on the flip side—killing it right now. Guys like me, NBA Draft Analysts, are hyping you up as the next big thing, and you’re itching to move on to the NBA. Maybe you’re even getting advice to shut it down to preserve your draft stock.
Well, let’s set some framework to make sure you’re moving in the right direction, no matter your situation.
To start, let me tell you something that separates the good from the great: ambition. It’s about setting big goals and working relentlessly to achieve them. But here’s the thing—ambition doesn’t mean being selfish. Selfishness is short-sighted and can derail everything you’re working for.
Scouts and decision-makers, can see the difference. Production matters, but what truly stands out is talent combined with winning traits.
So, what makes a winner? By definition, a winner is someone who is successful or likely to succeed. But at this stage, being a winner is about more than just outcomes—it’s about mindset, habits, and the way you approach every practice, every game, and every moment. These are the things that paint a picture of sustainable success.
Ok, let’s focus on what matters most:
First, be a good teammate and a good person. Basketball is a team game, and no matter how talented you are, you can’t do it alone. Celebrate your teammates’ success and be a leader.
Second, play good basketball. That means making smart decisions, hustling on defense, and doing the little things that don’t always show up in the stat sheet. The right people notice.
And lastly, work hard every day. Effort and consistency are non-negotiable. Success doesn’t come overnight, but it does come to those who show up and grind.
When it comes to NIL deals, the transfer portal, or the draft, let your agent or advisor handle that—that’s their job. And I understand that managing some off-court business is necessary, but don’t lose sight of your primary role: being the best basketball player you can be, continuing to develop, and helping your team win—even if you are feeling frustrated.
Yes, that still applies, even if you feel like you’re being coached or used unfairly. And I truly hope I don’t need to spell this out further, but shutting it down to avoid injury or preserve your stock is the wrong move. It’s selfish, and it’s not a winning approach—period.
So here’s the truth: if you focus on being the best version of yourself—on and off the court—everything else will fall into place. Teams want players who work hard, play for their team, and care about winning.
As we move deeper into the season, take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself: Am I focused on the right things? Am I approaching each day the right way? If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track. If not, there’s still time to adjust. Get hungry. Lock in. Practice winning habits—because, you know what? Winners win—and that's what we all want.
I’m Matt Babcock, and this is The Matt Babcock Show.