Hey!
I ordered two (author) proof copies for my upgraded/updated book with visuals… They come in on Sunday. I’m getting closer to releasing the updated version and am excited AF!
I want to share an updated chapter with you all and the book cover (I like it currently, this may change).
The chapter:
Updated Stats Lie Chapter
(This is an updated version of the first chapter in this book.)
Disclaimer: I’m not telling you to make 5% of your shots and say, “Well stats lie.”
Players can have advantages over others (some deserved, some not).
It’s difficult to compare yourself to a player who has the ball in their hands more than you. (Not that you should, it’s just true).
If you set a screen to get a shooter open and they make it, you don't get a stat, but you do get rewarded. (Not that "getting a stat" is what you should value but because it’s true).
You get rewarded by impacting your team.
Getting tracked stats is worth valuing. It’s important and it helps you have an impact. But, what many athletes don’t realize is that solely focusing on tracked stats is bad.
A better focus to have: Your impact.
If some of that is through tracked statistics, then great. Don’t base your “performance” off of only tracked stats. There are many ways to contribute to a team’s success outside of tracked statistics.
Viewing only tracked statistics, some players can have awful games... but those same players can have a huge impact through “Untracked Stats.”
Untracked Stats are the stats that don’t get enough credit and sometimes don’t get any credit at all.
For example:
Communication (leading by reminders "Box out here")
Setting up others to succeed on offense and defense
Forced turnovers
Charges taken
Drawing fouls (preferably on the opposing team's best player)
Making an extra pass
Tipping a loose ball to a teammate
Sprinting back on defense and causing a missed shot
Calling out the other team’s actions/plays
Blocking out
Giving out high fives
Diving for loose balls
Encouraging teammates after they get down on themselves
Calming a teammate down after they get frustrated with a call
Bringing out the best in others
It doesn’t have to be an “either-or.” Impact the game through both tracked and untracked statistics.
Another good example: This is like when my mom asked me, “Did you eat all the cookies?” And I told her, “What? No.” Everything I told my mom was true. I just didn’t tell her everything. I ate every cookie but one. (Mom if you’re reading this, I’m sorry).
Call me the statbook, because everything I said was true, I just didn’t tell her everything.
Your tracked stats don’t define your worth as a player. Your impact does.
I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing (and drawing) it!
Also, here’s what I think the book cover will be:
Thoughts?
See you next week,
Dylan
P.S. I’ve sold one copy of Dear Hooper this month, make it two!