The Philosophy of Basketball Coaching: The Components Necessary for Genius/Greatness/Mastery/Success/Originality

Matthew Brown, Linfield College

Abstract

This thesis takes a philosophical approach towards looking at basketball coaching. It first evaluates the status quo of basketball coaching in which there are major negative ethical implications present. It then provides a prescription on how one ought to most effectively coach basketball teams and individual players. This thesis does not center too much on the tactical side of the game; its primary focus is around social and human issues. The primary sources of philosophical inspiration for this thesis include Friedrich Nietzsche, Edward Abbey, and Phil Jackson.