The Parable of Basketball Development: The Wisdom of Be Like David

written by Coach Robert

Basketball is often treated as a game without instruction—just grab a ball, step onto the court, and figure it out. But this mindset is flawed. Every game comes with instructions to learn and master, and basketball is no different. Yet, many players—especially teenagers—believe they already know everything, while many adults, despite years of playing, reject instruction, convinced their way is sufficient.

This mirrors life itself. Many people walk through life as if there are no instructions—no guide, no purpose. But the truth is, instruction exists. It’s simply overlooked.

The Instructions Are Hidden

The instructions for life are written in an ancient book—the book of David's ancestors and descendants. Yet, many ignore it, choosing instead to navigate life by trial and error. The same happens in basketball. The abundance of empty courts, freely accessible to all, creates the illusion that players can make up their own rules. This false sense of freedom leads to confusion, stagnation, and repeated failure.

But instruction is always present—it is found in the problems we face and the purpose we seek.

Problems and Purpose: The Key to Growth

Consider a common struggle in life: the inability to forgive. There is instruction for that. In basketball, a player may struggle to get to the basket. There is instruction for that, too.

A person may seek purpose in life through listening—because listening allows learning. A player may seek purpose in basketball through changing directions—because counter maneuvers create opportunities.

The game, like life, is filled with lessons waiting to be understood. Skills and maneuvers are not random; they are the structured wisdom of the game.

Skills are the knowledge that solves recurring problems on the court.
Maneuvers are the actions that serve a purpose.

Together, they transform a mere player into a student of the game, leading to mastery. Without this wisdom, players wander the court aimlessly, suffering the same struggles over and over again.

The Danger of Ignoring Instruction

The story of Adam and Eve illustrates this truth. They were given wisdom to follow and folly to avoid. When they ignored instruction, they fell into hardship.

Basketball mirrors this reality. A player without guidance suffers from problems they don’t understand how to solve. Many assume they can succeed through effort alone, but hard work without wisdom leads to frustration. The game demands instruction—without it, players toil endlessly, failing to progress.

Be Like David: A Calling to Mastery

David was a shepherd boy who understood that instruction was the key to overcoming obstacles. His humility and faith led him to victory against Goliath. He didn’t rely on blind effort—he relied on wisdom.

This is the essence of Be Like David Basketball. It is a call to players who recognize their need for instruction. They see others struggle without guidance and choose to learn so they can rise above the challenges of the game. They understand that uncertainty on the court is discouraging and that playing without purpose is limiting.

Basketball, like life, is not random. Skills are not opinions; they are the result of decades of problem-solving on the court. Maneuvers are not accidents; they must be performed with clear intention and purpose.

A Deeper Revelation

Coach Robert, the founder of Be Like David, discovered these truths as he grew. He realized that his own life required the Creator’s instruction to break generational curses caused by a lack of knowledge and purpose. He saw the same destruction in basketball development and created Be Like David as a solution.

His journey reflects the triple entendre of the parable:

Life requires wisdom to overcome struggles.
Basketball requires instruction to master the game.
Those who seek truth and understanding will rise above the rest.

If you understand the stories of the Bible, you will see that every parable carries the same message: seek instruction so that you may prosper. Those who do will find wisdom. Those who don’t will remain lost in confusion.

Basketball is no different. To master the game, one must first humble themselves to learn.

Be Like David.

Shalom.