Parents Playbook- Don’t Be That Parent

Last night, the Indiana Pacers had an unbelievable comeback to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 119-118 to win the first round series 4-1. When the Bucks led by 7 with only 40 seconds to go, ESPN probability set the odds of a Milwaukee win at 97.8%. 

A couple threes by the Pacers, paired with a couple turnovers by the Bucks set up Indiana with the ball with about 10 seconds to go. Indiana purposely set up their 25 years old guard, Tyrese Haliburton to go off a ball screen. Tyrese got a step, turned the corner, and layed it in with about 1 second to go. 

Can you imagine the thrill for a 25 year old, still young by NBA standards? Here is what he did:

** Game winning shot with 1 second.

** Win the series.

** 26 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks, and only 1 turnover

On the NBA podcast that I listen to each day, the comment was made,”Tyrese Haliburton had the biggest game of his professional career on the biggest stage of his career.” 

But…. Tyrese Haliburton was not the story in the post-game. The story was John Haliburton, his father. 

Immediately after the game, John Haliburton ran onto the floor and sought out Milwaukee star, Giannis Antetokounmpo with the sole purpose being to taunt Giannis after the gut wrenching loss. A skirmish occurred with security rushing to get in the way of John Haliburton. 

This incident by Tyrese’s father swallowed up the media attention post game. This morning on my podcast, they talked 10 minutes about this game, and 15 minutes about the incident after the game. 

Tyrese Haliburton is very good, he will have more great moments in the future. On this night, he was not allowed to bask in the glory of his great game. 

Since I am no longer coaching, I don’t have to worry about offending any parents. So John Haliburton and last night’s incident has inspired me to come up with a list of advice for parents. 

“It’s Not About You, It’s About The Players”

Row 5 thru 15 in high school gyms are really great seats. Don’t sit in the first couple rows, you are just drawing attention from your son/daughter.

Don’t be that voice that is constantly yelling instructions to players, criticism to refs, and taunting opposing players or coaches. Understand your voice becomes a distraction to all around you in the crowd. When you yell there “valuable tips” what everyone else is hearing is you yelling, “look at me.”

After the game, NEVER go onto the floor when the team is either celebrating or dealing with a loss. The floor belongs to the players and the coaches, it is their time.  After things calm down, your player will seek you out. 

Post-game whether riding home, going out to eat, or talking at home- remember THE GAME BELONGS TO THE PLAYERS. Let your son/daughter decide what they do or don’t want to talk about. NEVER analyze the game, players, or coaches without your son/daughter asking you for your analysis. 

Championship players want a parent to be a parent. Championship players want their parents to let them enjoy the attention they have worked to earn.