Staying Hungry: From Basketball Tryouts to Building Winning Teams

A couple of weeks ago, I sat across from my 15-year-old son on our usual date night, as he shared his anxieties and apprehensions about his basketball tryouts in High School. The JV team had a lot of talented players trying out, and he was worried about making the cut. Listening to him, I couldn’t help but think about how relatable his situation was—not just for a teenager chasing his dreams, but for anyone striving to achieve something in life or work.

I reminded him of why he fell in love with the game in the first place. It wasn’t about the accolades, the wins, or even making the team. It was about the joy of playing, the challenge of getting better, and the satisfaction of pushing himself. Giving up because something feels hard or uncertain is never the answer. I told him, “What matters is your hunger—your relentless drive to grow, improve, and keep going no matter the outcome.” We discussed that regardless of whether he plays for just one minute or the entire game, when he's on the court, he must give it his all. I pointed out to him that he was among the few who persisted in playing all year long, constantly honing his skills, and that perseverance will always eclipse innate talent.

Thankfully, he stayed true to that mindset, and the coach saw it too. He made the team.

This experience reminded me of a principle I hold dear in my own professional life: when building teams, I always look for people who are hungry. Hunger isn’t about desperation—it’s about ambition, grit, and a deep passion for growth. As Kobe Bryant once said, "Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses."

In my career, I’ve seen how hunger can set individuals apart. It’s the team member who asks, “What else can I learn?” or “How can I help?” It’s the person who approaches challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities. Stephen Curry captured this perfectly: "Be the hardest-working person you can be. That’s how you separate yourself from the competition."

On the flip side, those who just view their role as a paycheck rarely contribute to a thriving culture or a high-performing team. When hiring, I don’t just look for skill; I look for drive. I’ve consistently found that hungry team members bring energy and innovation that elevate everyone around them.

Here’s the takeaway: whether on a basketball court or in the workplace, hunger is the secret ingredient to success. It’s what fuels us to take risks, embrace failure, and continue learning. And it’s what makes others—coaches, leaders, or peers—stand up and take notice.

So, stay hungry. Love the process. And remember that success isn’t just about the outcome; it’s about the journey of becoming better every day.

How do you cultivate hunger in yourself and your team?