5 Ways I Can Tell You Suck

The music starts.  

Boom. Boom. Kick.  Boom. Ba-Boom Kick. 

Dunk. 

Crossover.  Dunk.

Steal. Dunk. 

I think you
get the point. 

Don't get me wrong. The basketball highlight film is
really good for the homies.  It's great for facebook.  

Crossing someone over, making them fall, stepping on their back, winking at their girlfriend, shaking your tail-feather and poppin' a fadeaway 'J' will get you plenty of 'street cred.'  But it will do nothing to help your career--at any level. 

Highlight films tell us very little about how you play the game.  I'd even take it one step further.  Most highlight films do nothing but tell us 'U SUCK.'  Here's how.


Is that all this guy can do?
Everybody's seen these.  Dunk after dunk. Dribble move after dribble move. 3 after 3--for 8 minutes straight.  These kinds of films are very limited in what they say about your game, thus leaving very much to be imagined.  A watcher can easily conclude that this is all you can do.  Which, of course, would mean... you suck.


Who exactly am I supposed to be watching? 
Some players do a very poor job of labeling their game film.  There's no jersey number or shirt color to identify them on the court.  There's no circle around them or arrow pointing over their head.  Some players don't even edit the film so it only shows their highlights.  When this happens, one can easily mistake you for a really bad player.  Which, of course, would mean.... you suck.


Where is this, the YMCA?
Don't get me wrong here.  You don't have to have video from a game that was nationally televised on ESPN.  But the video quality and the gym that it was recorded in, says alot about your game.  And that's before we evaluate one play.  

When possible, always cast your game in the best light.  Use televised game footage or HD video. Use clips from a game that was played in a big, packed arena.  If not, one could easily conclude that the highest level of play you've ever experienced was at the YMCA summer league.  Which, of course, would also mean.... you suck.


Does it take a whole season for this guy to show what he can do?
I understand.  We're not videographers.  And we may not have the know-how or the equipment to edit our own game film.  But when you find someone to do it, make sure they don't waste their time or your opportunity.

NBA scouts will tell you it only takes 3-5 games to get a real feel for what a player can do.   Concentrate on showing off 3-5 games that you do a good mix of the following:

• display your full skillset--at the offensive and defensive ends of the court.  
• show great ability to read game situations 
• stepping up in key moments
• win

If it takes you 30 games to show it, then that's not bad, but it's not so good either.  Not showing these things at all would say that you can't do them, and that, of course, would mean... you suck.

Does this guy really expect me to watch this?
The games should be edited as much as possible.  A day in the life of a high level basketball administrator is very busy.  You only get one shot to grab their attention and tell them not only that you don't suck, but your film needs to tell them that you're the next best signing for their team.

Your game film has to 'wow' them.  Not with dunks and fancy passes, but with an organized, quality presentation, and a strong display of your complete skillset.  

If you think you're game is so good that management will sit through a bunch of dead balls, foul shots, and commercials, then I have news for you..  you suck!