Monday, March 20, 2017

March 20, 2017 - Beyond the Stat Sheet

When putting teams together it is important to piece together all the needs… these needs involve the obvious idea of skill sets, athleticism, size, etc. But there are also other intangibles that are of great importance. In fact, some of the greatest contributions to a team, often do not show up in a box score.

Over the years it has been no secret that I love writing about Tyler Lewis (point guard at Butler U.) And now he is nearing the end of his collegiate career (in the NCAA Sweet 16) and I am so proud of him. Even when he was a young player I referred to him as an “orchestra conductor”; by that meaning he has an incredible ability to set the tempo of a game to where his teammates are in rhythm and thee opponents are out of sync. When it boils down to it, you can have great talent in the orchestra but it will be a train wreck if they are not playing together. If you think about it, no one ever mentions the talent of the conductor, in spite of the fact that he is the glue that holds it all together…

Check out what WinningMetrics.com (Advanced Plus Minus stats) said about T when ranking the best APM’s in college hoops: “Number 1: Tyler Lewis, #1 ***APM 11.70!!!!!! Don’t let the size fool you. This guy holds Butler together.”

So if I were discussing the Butler Bulldogs I would talk about different skill sets the guys possess, but when I got to Tyler I would emphasize his understanding of what is needed for his team, as well as his understanding of the opponent and what they want to do… (and by the way, could mention his skill set at well; this can be shown through his efficiency ratings and his assist-to-turnover numbers.)

The Scriptures are full of reminders to us (the body of Christ) that we need to work as a team… each playing his part. In 1 Chronicles 12 we read of those that made up David’s army. The majority of the warriors that are discussed are mentioned because of a specific skill set they brought to the battle. But verse 32 mentions “the sons of Issachar” and doesn’t even mention a skill set; just that they “understood their times, and what they should do.” These guys were the “orchestra conductors” of the army… the true point guards of the group.

We need to take time to understand what is needed to reach the people we encounter… Learn your gifting and play your part! Work on your skill set! Surround yourself with complimentary teammates!

And a super cool side note: It is important to have a skill set too. As a coach I am always training players and encouraging them to be “total players” that develop proper skills… including the ability to use either hand. Check out verse 2 of 1 Chronicles 12 and you will see a group that was included (recognized) for their ability to use “both the right hand and the left to sling stones and shoot arrows from the bow.” I love it… Ambidextrous Warriors!

No comments: