Basketball is a team sport, you are one player amongst many other players. These players are your TEAMMATES, FRIENDS, & FAMILY. Each player, including yourself, are responsible for both the integrity and consequences of his/her own actions. If you do not show characteristics of integrity and do not take responsibility of your actions, you are letting the whole team down.
For example, maintaining a good GPA. If you slack off at school and fall below the minimum GPA requirements, you will not be eligible to play basketball until the GPA is raised. Your teammates need you on the court! Get to class, take responsibility of your actions, and let your teammates know they can count on you!
DO NOT CHEAT! Just because your GPA is lower than desired, IT IS NOT OKAY TO CHEAT TO GET BETTER GRADES! That is not a very ethical thing to do and it could jeopardize your basketball career all together. The excuse of “Well, I will be able to play basketball again if I cheat in this class” is not a good reason to cheat. Cheaters never win and winners never cheat.
The big picture is to make ethical decisions to better yourself, work together with your teammates, and show your coach how much you want to be on the team. If you are struggling to maintain a good GPA, ask for help. Coaches appreciate seeing their athletes show integrity and dedication on and off the court.
Fix what might be holding you and your team back from success. Grades, communicating, confidence, education, basketball knowledge, teamwork, etc. Anyone on the team that makes an unethical decision or does not show integrity can potential put the rest of the team at risk of having a good season.
Remember: There is no right way to do a wrong thing