The Uncomfortable Truth for Young Basketball Players

103,503

5,837 0

Published 2024-01-13

Recently, I came across this tweet that sparked my thoughts on aggressiveness versus efficiency in basketball. Reflecting on my own high school career, I began to wonder: Is it better to shoot more with a lower percentage, or less with a higher percentage?

My goal with these videos has been helping younger basketball players. I've been fortunate in my basketball journey, from playing high level college basketball to now playing professionally in Finland. Because of that, I rarely talk about my own regrets, but there are some lessons worth sharing, especially for those aiming to play basketball at the next level.

So, one thing that I wish I had done differently, and I think younger players who have goals of playing at the next level should do, is to be more selfish. And before you go to the comments to call me out, which, please do if you feel like it (it helps the Youtube algorithm), let me explain what I mean.

Support this channel on Patreon: patreon.com/TuckerRichardson?utm_medium=clipboard_…

Follow me on IG: www.instagram.com/tuckrich/

Please subscribe!

All Comments (21)

@heavenlord4745 5 months ago

This really depends though. Last year, Jokic had a run where out of 20 games, he won 19, and took 10 or less shots in those games, and still got the W. Just this past week, Jokic has had two games where he shot 8 or less field goals, and managed to get the dub in those games. It's good to be selfish when you're playing with people with different goals than you, but part of being a good team player is also about elevating those playing with you, and being efficient.
@SwagLegacy 5 months ago

Before this video i only averaged around 4-5 points per game, i barely took shots and was scared to drive. I watched this video last night and an hour ago in my game i had 15 points and still got 5 assists with it. Thank you so much for the advice it really helped
@IMac1812 5 months ago

You're legit one of the BEST content creators I've come across on yt. I have a lot of the same mentality that you do and this is super encouraging...Not just to trust yourself to take those shots but knowing that if your teammates have seen you put in the work then they will WANT you to take those shots and not be annoyed with you for taking them. Appreciate you!!
@suppressed_viii 5 months ago

Truth of the matter is if you want it you have to go out and get it. People will call you selfish for it, but if you genuinely want it who is going to stop you? You are the main character in your story why would you want anyone else to write it for you?
@CoachDavHill 5 months ago

Agreed bro! I wish I played more aggressively on offense through my career. It’s that mamba mentality! Don’t worry about being called a ball hog, if you can score GO SCORE! 📝💎
@gritbasketball9667 5 months ago

Love this T-Rich!! Way to shed light on the truth. Love it 💪🏾
@simdon11 5 months ago

I started watching your videos about two weeks ago and I can’t explain of how much more confidence I have, how much shots I make and most importantly, how much have I learned about game of basketball and about mentality that I worked on watching this videos. I was a very bad free throw shooter and I was getting around 30% from the line. After I watched your video about free throws i started shooting over 50%!!! Thank you very much, keep on going please because you make me keep on going!
@matettancz 5 months ago

Im a 15 year old player from Hungary. I've been watching your videos, and you help me so much. Its great to see that someone makes videos about the thngs i struggle with. I find myself a good, versatile player, but im struggling with confidence. I played with a team yesterday and we beat them by 100 points, but i only scored 7. I missed like 5 threes, but my problem is why did i only scored 7, when i know i could score like 30. Your videos been helping me, and im trying to find my way out of this struggle. Keep it up!!!!
@zaaz7786 5 months ago

Thanks this helped a lot. Keep making videos like these.
@filippomarchi2733 5 months ago

Bruh, you opened my mind!!! I can't only say thank you, this video has been so useful! thanks bro <3 :)
@ivanjc2325 5 months ago

Amazing video, I really appreciate it , I needed to hear this🙌
@bakersaintlouis8915 5 months ago

Thank you for sharing this with me it's going to help me in the long run
@MrCashTalk 5 months ago

U deserve way more subs, breaking down every basketball legend there is. Wish i had u when i was in ms/hs keep speaking the law to this. New sub here
@iisxyaii 5 months ago

thank you! you really inspire me and help me play better with these tips. i'm a 13 year old who lives in NJ. i'm a pretty good player and practice a lot but then i lose confidence in games but watching your videos is starting to really help me. i'm actually starting to shoot more and drive more. thank you for helping!
@g62a78 2 months ago

great video man, keep this content, its helping lots of young players!
@potrogg1037 5 months ago

That is true! Bro, thank you so much I didn't expect that it will be good for my team!
@CountryViewMeadows 5 months ago

Great video - I've taken on this mentality in pickup and its completely changed my game
@ryderhoehn48 5 months ago

Ik bros AAU team was INSANE with Naz Reid. Good video, I like watching these before games. 👍
@Crimilion 5 months ago

I definitely need this. Been scared all my life being a selfish player and always passing the ball.
@UserName-uk9xb 5 months ago

THIS!!!! Sent it to my son immediately. He’s the top ranked kid in his state. Is known as one of the top “all around” players in the nation, but when playing AAU he defers to players who take worse shots and isn’t aggressive enough. I tell him the same thing: your aggressiveness doesn’t just mean more shots, it will lead to greater plays and make everyone better. Thank you for this