In The Know w/ Finke & Hill

As athletes, we live to compete. It is one of the main reasons we play the sport we do because we love going head to head with the opposing team/person. Not only do we love competing, but it makes it that much more enjoyable when we are playing our rival. Players may say publicly that these games are just another game and we will treat it like any other, but we all know that isn’t true at all. These are the games we have circled on the calendar from the start of the season. They are the type of games where it is hard to sleep the night before because you are so anxious to play. It is the type of game where fans from both sides hate each other and make their presence known in the gym. Although, it may just be a regular season game and counts the same as any other game towards your record, it’s not.

I think back to when I was in highschool at Champaign Centennial and we played our cross town rival, Central. The whole town would show up and pack the gym full. The student sections were filled to the brim and then it was our duty to give those people a show.

Fast forward to college, there were multiple rivalry games, but none more important than the annual game against Missouri in St. Louis. Half of the arena is in their Fighting Illini, Orange and Blue and the other half is in that ugly Yellow and Black (yes, I still am not fond of them and would like to add that I am 4-0 against them in my career).

Now I’m a professional and am currently on my fourth season. I have played in some big games, but it was clear this past weekend that the rivalry my team, FC Porto, has with Benfica, is like nothing I have experienced as a professional. The gym is packed, the fans are screaming, and the players on both sides are giving every amount of effort they have to win. There are hard fouls, and smack talk going on all throughout the game. It really brings the term “rivalry” to a whole new meaning. It is more than just a game. It means something to these clubs, the fans, and the whole communities on both sides.

The biggest thing for me personally as I play in these bigger games is that I try to control my mental approach. It is something my dad taught me when I was younger and then other coaches have talked about it as well throughout my career. As we approach these types of games, it is easy to get over excited and anxious. That type of energy can affect you poorly on the court. It is great to play with emotion, but too much of it could cause you to do things you may not typically do in a game. In reverse though, if you don’t come with enough energy and are flat, you will not be up to the task of competing at that high level your team needs you at from the start of the game. There is a line that I try to meet at which is not too high or too low, but right in the middle. This allows me to soak in the moment and play at the level I need to be at for my team.

Before the ball tips off as warm ups are going on, I sit on the bench and take deep breaths with my eyes closed. I just really try to soak everything in and get in the right frame of mind. Doing this helps me get to where I need to be. It isn’t much, but it is enough to remind me of what I need to do to compete at the level I need to be at. It calms the nerves and those anxious feelings I get.

Now what about you? We all experience big situations in life. It doesn’t have to be just athletes. Maybe you have a big performance, a meeting with a big client, a tough conversation with a family member/friend or a big test that you need to ace. Whatever it is, there are always these types of situations that will get our heart beating faster and anxious for what is about to come. My two cents is to take a deep breath and get caught in the moment with it all. I know it sounds easier said than done, but taking a moment to come to the realization of your situation and not letting your emotions get the best of you is something that I have truly found to be successful for me. It is okay to feel your emotions, both high and low, but realizing that your feelings are just feelings, can help you move onwards in the right direction with the right mindset.

We aren’t going to win every game or land every big client we need to get, but going in with the right mindset and being properly prepared will only make you better.

It has been a few months since I have written here, but I am glad to be back. As I continue to go through my season in Portugal with FC Porto and Malcolm goes through his season with the Chicago Bulls, we will be writing here more consistently and giving you all a taste into what’s on our minds.

God Bless.

Michael

P.S.

As always, leave any questions or comments that you might have for Malc and me. We appreciate all the support!