Why Be Like David?

How the Story of David & Goliath Represents BLD Basketball

written by Coach Robert

The Legend of David

Most of us have heard the biblical story of “David & Goliath” which depicts a young shepherd named David who confronts the mighty Philistine warrior Goliath.  Before the battle begins, the King offers David his sword and shield. However, despite being significantly smaller and less experienced in combat than his adversary, David declines, recognizing the armor’s weight and discomfort to be more of a hindrance than an aid. Instead, he relies on what he knows best—a slingshot. 

Years of practice defending his sheep against wolves and lions have sharpened his proficiency with the sling. David seeks out five smooth stones, and with this humble weapon, fearlessly confronts Goliath and defeats the giant with a single throw. This inspiring tale teaches us that by honing our skills and trusting in the maneuvers we have practiced, we can overcome any formidable opponent that stands before us, no matter how imposing they may seem.

David’s story is one of faith, courage, and unwavering commitment. As the young shepherd who faced the giant Goliath, David represents the ultimate underdog. His victory wasn’t due to sheer strength or experience but rather his willingness to rely on his faith and his ability to learn and apply. David’s humility and endurance are the qualities that led him to become king, and these same qualities are essential for any aspiring basketball player.

Overcoming the Goliath Within:

In the realm of basketball, Goliath manifests as the unwillingness to learn. This is the great foe that hinders many players from reaching their full potential. It is the destroyer of dreams, the ender of promising careers, and the barrier to true mastery of the game. Just like Goliath, it appears invincible to those who don’t understand or have become resistant to the power of continuous learning and growth.

Unwillingness to learn means refusing or being unable to identify a problem or purpose on the court. This unwillingness in a player is like Goliath because it stands as a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. It looms large over players, creating a barrier between them and their development. It can feel impossible to overcome. This mindset is rooted in complacency and pride, where a player believes they have reached their peak and there is nothing more to learn. This arrogance stifles growth and development, much like Goliath's imposing presence that intimidated the Israelites.

This is pride and ego. In reality, these players have not mastered anything at all and stumble over the same problems and lack of purpose they refuse to identify on the court.

By staying willing to learn, you embody the heart of David. You face the Goliath of complacency with humility and faith in the process, constantly striving to better yourself and overcome the obstacles in your path. This is true mastery and success in basketball and in life.

Emphasizing Effective Tactics:

To Be Like David means to embrace the journey of perpetual learning. It means seeking out problems or a greater purpose to serve on the court, because there is always more to learn. Here are key aspects of this journey:

1. Embrace Humility: Like David, approach the game with humility. Recognize that there is always someone better, something new to learn, and room for improvement.

2. Ask Questions: Cultivate a mindset of curiosity. Whether it’s a new technique, strategy, or understanding the psychology of the game, stay eager to learn.

3. Seek Mentorship: Just as David had guidance and support, seek out mentors and coaches who can provide valuable insights and feedback. Their experience can help you navigate the complexities of the game.

4. Fall then Stand: Continuously reflect on your performance. Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and be willing to grow. Learning from your mistakes is crucial to growth.

5. Faith and Endurance: Have faith in your journey. This will take time and devotion, but patience and belief in the process is essential. Remember David’s unwavering faith in his mission.

My Revelation

I was 13 years old when I had a revelation that would forever change my approach to basketball. Up until that point, I had always viewed the game through a simplistic lens: practice, play, and win. However, as I began to observe the players around me more closely, I noticed a troubling pattern. There were those who seemed to peak early, showing great promise and skill, only to plateau and eventually fade away. They had all the talent in the world, but something was missing.

I realized the Great Sin in basketball wasn’t a lack of skill or physical prowess; it was the unwillingness to learn. These players who once shone brightly were no longer growing. They had become complacent, content with their current abilities and resistant to new knowledge and techniques. Like the soldiers who fell under Goliath’s power, their refusal to remain students of the game led to their downfall. They were no good, not because they lacked talent, but because they lacked the humility and curiosity to keep learning.

The Turning Point

This insight hit me hard. I recognized that if I wanted to avoid the same fate, I needed to adopt a different mindset. I had to be willing to learn continuously, to embrace the role of a perpetual student. This was my turning point. I committed myself to being a lifelong learner, always seeking to improve and grow.

"Players desire to play. Students desire to learn."

This love wasn't just about acquiring new skills on the court. It extended to understanding the game at a deeper level, studying the strategies of successful students of the game, and learning from every experience—both successes and failures. I began to see every practice, every game, and every interaction with coaches and teammates as an opportunity to learn something new.

Facing My Own Goliath

With this new approach, I was able to face my own Goliath. The challenges that once seemed insurmountable became opportunities for growth. I learned to view setbacks as valuable lessons rather than failures. 

One of the most significant Goliaths I faced was overcoming the systemic and generational curses faced by my community. I am a so-called black man in the United States of America. The challenges due to sin that my community—including our women, children, and elders—face are destroying us. This destruction has been ongoing since slavery. These same curses and sins were written about in the Bible, which I knew nothing about! In this ignorance, daily, weekly, and yearly trauma is ongoing and made worse.

As I have grown into a man, I have realized the detriment that these sins and curses caused on my siblings, parents, cousins, and friends to where no prosperity, good health, or longevity can be had. As I have learned my identity in the very Bible that teaches me about these very sins and curses, I have discovered a better quality of life. I am a Hebrew man, not a color. Yet it took me nearly 40 years to learn this as well as teach it to my community. Emphasis on "learning" who I am, who my people are, and why we are in the conditions we are in has changed not only my life, but my trajectory and my power; inside and out.

This is why at Be Like David I stress greatly the importance of learning and ultimately, applying skills and maneuvers. This is why I am passioned when imploring players to become students of the game and embrace the power of learning and acquiring knowledge & purpose on the court. For it is has been my saving grace and my savior. On the basketball court, it will be yours too! Learning is the difference between success and failure, players and students; the chaff from the wheat. This is why I have infused, diligently and meticulously, what I have learned from the Bible into the teaching philosophy of Be Like David Basketball.

It is why Be Like David exists, and it is why you should choose Be Like David.

The Ongoing Journey

This journey of learning is ongoing. Even now, I continue to seek new ways to improve and grow. I understand that the moment I stop learning is the moment I start to decline. The game of basketball is art, and to be an artist, I must evolve with it. This means staying curious, being open-minded, and always creating.

"In basketball, 90% is learning and 10% is playing. We teach the 90."

A Call to Action

To all basketball players, I urge you to Be Like David. Embrace the mindset of a lifelong learner. Understand that true skill comes not from resting on your laurels but from continually seeking to improve. Face your Goliaths with courage and endurance, and view every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Remember, the Great Sin in basketball is being unwilling to learn. Don’t let it be your downfall. Commit to the journey of perpetual learning, and you will find yourself not only a good student but a greater person. It is this commitment that has allowed me to face my own Goliaths and become a king in my own right.

Be Like David

To be a good student in the game of basketball, you must Be Like David. Embrace the journey of learning, stay humble, and remain steadfast in your pursuit of knowledge and purpose. Face your Goliath with enduring faith in the 3 Tenets and you will slay Goliath beneath your feet.

Shalom.