

Shaka Smart on Pick-and-Roll Geometry, Appropriate Help, and Consciousness in Coaching {Marquette}
13 snips Oct 3, 2025
Shaka Smart, the head coach of Marquette men's basketball, dives into the intersections of consciousness and coaching. He discusses how awareness, acceptance, and action shape players’ growth and team culture. Smart emphasizes the delicate balance between team needs and individual development, sharing lessons from coaching legends. He also explores defensive strategies like generating steals and teaching ‘appropriate help.’ Additionally, he highlights the importance of journaling and learning from other sports, showcasing his journey of continuous leadership growth.
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McConaughey Story Teaches Fear Acknowledgment
- Shaka recalled Matthew McConaughey blurting "oh, I'm nervous" on set to acknowledge fear and perform.
- He uses that story to teach players to notice fear and act anyway in training and games.
Awareness As The Competitive Edge
- Awareness is a foundational skill that helps players make better reads and avoid small mistakes at higher levels.
- Shaka links awareness to life skills and winning by improving players' notice of what helps or hurts success.
Begin Freshman Readiness Before Arrival
- Start incoming players early with a freshman readiness program that builds habits before arrival.
- Use journaling, morning routines, and brief readings to create awareness, acceptance, and action.