Dutch Women’s Soccer Team Suffers Defeat Against Italy: What Went Wrong and How They Can Bounce Back

Maintaining a career in the NBA requires determination and hard work.

My initial expectations were that I would be labeled as an undersized tweener and ultimately fail. However, I always believed in my abilities and aimed to achieve great things. I knew I was better than what others perceived me to be. Nevertheless, I could not have predicted that my career would turn out like this. When I first started playing, my goal was to become an All-Star. Yet, back then, I never imagined that I would end up with two gold medals from the Olympics. While I had a vision of my future, it did not match the reality of my achievements.

However, there are times when this occurs privately through practice or being prepared, and also being prepared for when one’s name is called. It involves doing the small actions that may not seem significant on paper. This also involves being a kind and considerate human being. I have found success in being willing to do all the unnoticed tasks, but I am also able to excel in my own game when necessary. Of course, performing at a high level is crucial, but it is important to consider the team’s needs and adjust accordingly to be successful.

Therefore, it was one of the objectives, for the duration of it – to simply focus, continue working, and strive to reach that point. Of course, I have exceeded that now, so I have set new goals, but I was incredibly pleased to reach 10 years. It is truly a blessing to be in this league every day. However, to endure for such a long time, it means that you are doing something well and that others appreciate you.

Biyombo: Boris (Diaw). Eduardo Nájera and Matt Carroll. But with Boris, I spent most of the time with on the road and at home. I was never by myself. But it’s been a blessing, man. Now with young guys, you have to pass on the knowledge. I’m extremely grateful.”

• Green, a player selected in the second round of the NBA draft, has achieved success as a four-time NBA champion, four-time NBA All-Star, and 2017 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. He is currently in his 12th season with the Golden State Warriors and has averaged 8.7 points per game throughout his career.

• Bismack Biyombo, a Congolese center for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has been a veteran in the NBA for 12 years and has maintained an average of 5.1 points throughout his career.

• Tucker, a 12-year veteran of the NBA, currently plays as a center for the LA Clippers. Prior to joining the NBA, Tucker played professionally for five years overseas. He achieved a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021 and has maintained an average of 6.7 points throughout his NBA career.

• Now a member of the Toronto Raptors, Temple was not selected in the NBA draft after playing for Louisiana State in 2009. He has maintained an average of 6.1 points per game over the course of 13 seasons in the league.

• Reworded: Joseph has maintained an average of 6.9 points over his 12-year tenure in the NBA. In 2014, he earned an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs. However, he was recently released from the Golden State Warriors after being traded to the Indiana Pacers.

Tucker: As a college player who was recognized as both a first and second-team All-American, there may have been thoughts that transitioning to the NBA would be a seamless and effortless process. However, the reality is that the odds are not in your favor due to limited job opportunities and playing time. Humility sets in quickly when faced with this reality and it becomes crucial to understand the level of commitment and dedication required to have a successful and enduring career. It’s important to acknowledge that even good players may only have a short tenure of four to five years in the NBA.

Andscape recently held a forum where five individuals discussed the secret to having a successful career in the NBA for over ten years, despite having an average points per game of less than 10. The players involved were:

I could chat about this topic for hours because I don’t believe it receives enough discussion – it’s incredibly challenging to overcome the odds. Achieving 10 years in the sport, and for myself, approaching 20 years as a professional basketball player, the likelihood of accomplishing this milestone becomes increasingly slim.

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Temple: My experience with Antonio McDyess in San Antonio was invaluable. He was a towering presence and Tim Duncan taught me valuable lessons on professionalism with his actions rather than words. I also learned a lot from Ray Allen during my brief time in Miami and Emeka Okafor when I was with the Washington Wizards during my fourth year in the league. I had the opportunity to play with many experienced veterans who each had their own unique insights and teachings.

Rephrasing:

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According to ESPN Stats & Information, there are currently 24 NBA players who have participated in more than 10 NBA seasons without averaging at least 10 points throughout their career. These individuals are known for their defensive skills, as well as for fulfilling various roles such as being third-string players, handling the “dirty work,” and mentoring younger teammates. While there have been numerous NBA players who have scored more points, these individuals have not only outlasted most of their peers from the same year they were drafted, but have also earned large sums of money, won championships, and received full retirement benefits.

According to Tucker, 90% of people who have certain expectations about something are likely to be disappointed. This may seem absurd, but it’s important to prepare yourself for potential disappointment. However, in facing disappointment, there lies an opportunity to discover what will sustain you throughout your career, regardless of whether you are successful or not. It is the disappointments that ultimately guide the decisions we make and ultimately shape our careers. So, the choice we make at a crucial point in our journey will have a significant impact on our future.

Biyombo advises to inquire more frequently. While it may seem foolish at times, asking questions can potentially save your career. Rookies often make basic mistakes that can easily be addressed through seeking advice. Instead of simply checking tasks off a list, take advantage of the wealth of knowledge from those who have gone through similar experiences and are willing to offer assistance. Stay open to learning.

Reworked: Depending on God and allowing Him to guide the way can handle everything. You simply need to rely on Him. My family has always had faith in God. My mom continues to remind us to pray, so we will not deviate from that belief.

“The photo was taken by Garrett W. Ellwood of the NBAE and is courtesy of Getty Images.”

Green: The journey itself is a humbling experience, filled with ups and downs. When things are going well, it’s amazing. But when they’re not, it can be brutal. Trying to maintain a steady mindset is incredibly difficult. One moment, you’re praised as the best thing since sliced bread. The next, you’re told you’re not valuable, should be traded or cut, and that you’re a liability who can never contribute to a team’s success. And this can all happen within a matter of days. People will continue to doubt and criticize, despite the common advice to stay calm and consistent. But we are only human after all.

Find a fantastic veterinarian who will guide and educate you, mentor you, and care for you like no one else can. Make it a top priority to find the perfect vet for yourself. I still communicate with Jarrett Jack, and I believe that connecting with a reliable vet is crucial for a young person. It also benefits an organization to have a great vet for their young members, and I am fortunate to have that. While it is partly the responsibility of the organization, it is also important for a rookie to take initiative and seek out a top-notch vet.

Joseph said that he strongly believes that no one is superior in the game. He took this lesson to heart, especially since everyone was the star in high school and college. When he first entered the league, he realized that he couldn’t do the same things as before. Instead, he learned to be grateful and not entitled. Joseph approaches each day with gratitude and it helps him stay positive. He has played for different teams and has learned to adapt in order to be successful. He also mentions that being a winner is not always apparent to the fans.

I recall when I was in second grade and thinking, “If I could just make it to nine years, I’ll have a full pension when I’m finished.” I wasn’t sure how I would reach nine years, but it was a goal I aspired to achieve. I believe that once you reached four or five years, pension would start, but to receive the full amount, you had to reach nine years. I have clear memories of contemplating this and discussing it with others.

Each day, you make an effort to mentally and physically prepare yourself. Mentally, those individuals were focused. How do you manage your responsibilities when things are not going well on and off the court? Tim, Tony, and Manu imparted valuable lessons to me about that. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to witness that firsthand from players of their caliber. It enabled me to have a lengthy career.

Biyombo advises playing your designated role to the best of your ability. He also points out that each team functions differently and everyone has various responsibilities. For him, the key to success is identifying and fulfilling the needs of the team, which ultimately leads to victory. While everyone has the desire to win, it also requires a willingness to do the difficult work.

Tucker: My journey goes beyond just my family, as they are unaware of the challenges I faced to reach where I am today. Many fans are also not familiar with my struggles. My path was unexpected and I started in Europe, playing in Puerto Rico and Ukraine, where I endured long bus rides just to make it to games. The thought of having a 10-year pension in the NBA was not even on my radar. While it is an accomplishment, I hope it serves as inspiration for others to see that anything is possible with dedication and the right opportunity.

“In retrospect, it’s truly remarkable to enter this league with the goal of making a positive impact and establishing a lasting legacy,” remarked Draymond Green, forward for the Golden State Warriors.

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Joseph: Throughout your career, you have consistently set and achieved milestones and goals. While I was a rookie in San Antonio, I made a commitment to work out every day with Coach Chip Engelland and Assistant Coach Chad Forcier. They both emphasized the importance of reaching 10 years in the league. Coach Engelland pointed out that the average career span in the league is only around four years, so his goal for me was to aim for at least 10 years. This would give me the maximum pension and provide significant benefits for myself and my family. That was the ultimate goal I was encouraged to strive towards.

It’s important to discover your unique skills and strengths. Every team requires more than just scoring ability from its players, although many basketball players prioritize scoring. Therefore, it’s essential to identify your niche and determine what you can contribute to the team’s success. It’s also crucial to recognize the vital role you play and what the team cannot succeed without.

Joseph was fortunate to have the opportunity to play for the Spurs, alongside successful and selfless players such as Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobili, under the guidance of coach Gregg Popovich. One cannot expect entitlement in such a team, as it was built on the foundation set by humble and adaptable players like Duncan. Despite their Hall of Fame status and numerous accomplishments, the Spurs players maintained a lack of ego and were able to thrive under Popovich’s leadership and rotation of players.

What has been the most humbling aspect of your experience in the NBA?

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This indicates a significant achievement. I attribute a large part of it to CP and Michelle’s efforts. As a member of the NBPA board, I can attest to its importance. Even my wife, who comes from a military background, recognizes the value of having good healthcare coverage. Therefore, the benefits we receive as players and the NBPA’s success in securing them for retired players are substantial.

There is a purpose for this. If you possess talent and professionalism, you have the freedom to continue playing for as long as you desire. Ensure that you have a support system that will inform you when you make mistakes. Have someone who can approach you and point out when your actions are inappropriate.

Which NBA players mentored you in your early career and what was the most valuable advice you were given?

I am feeling proud of myself, though it seems unbelievable. I haven’t had the opportunity to pause and contemplate on it. It feels as though I am still in my prime years.

We need to find a way to create a sustainable impact. I will take some time to study film while you all handle the practical tasks. I want to get to know everyone on the team so that I can offer my support. It’s great to see that everyone knows their role and is working to their fullest potential. I also want to understand when I can motivate others and offer assistance. It has been a great opportunity to learn from multiple coaches and teammates, and I am still growing and improving.

I had the privilege of being coached by Dan Majerle, a former player whom I greatly admired and aspired to emulate. He has always been a source of inspiration to me, and having him on the team in Phoenix meant a lot. However, as I returned to the NBA at the age of 27, I was already older than most of my teammates. Therefore, our dynamic was different.

What guidance would you offer if you were a speaker at the NBA’s rookie transition camp?

Kavin Mistry/Getty Images

Marc J. Spears is the lead journalist covering the NBA for Andscape. While he was once able to perform a slam dunk on you, he has not been able to do so for several years and his knees continue to cause him pain.

Garrett Temple commented on the Sacramento Kings owner’s reaction to protests, stating that it is significantly different from what other owners in various sports would have done.

The opportunity for financial change is currently available to you and your family. Appreciate it, and don’t just consider the present moment, but also the potential for the next several decades. Furthermore, professionalism will be more beneficial for your success than raw talent. Conversely, a lack of professionalism can result in a shorter career than a lack of talent. While the majority of you may possess more talent than I do, only a small portion will have a longer career.

Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images

Green reflects on the impact of his former team members. Specifically, he credits Jarrett Jack as his number one mentor, followed by Jermaine O’Neal and Andrew Bogut. Green acknowledges Bogut’s significant contribution to his defensive skills, specifically in the post and with reading defensive angles. He also mentions the role Richard Jefferson played in understanding his personality and embracing it as a skill. Green praises Jack and O’Neal for teaching him what it takes to be a professional and how to conduct himself on and off the court. He expresses his gratitude towards these individuals for both their on-court and off-court guidance.

Joseph advises to absorb information and put effort into your work. However, it’s important to not pretend to be someone you’re not. By staying true to yourself, you’ll discover where you excel in your playing abilities. As a person, it’s important to always stay true to who you are.

Tucker: In this age of social media and extensive knowledge about the game and specific players, it’s become the most challenging time in basketball. Many players don’t fully understand the dynamics of teamwork and the smaller, unnoticed details that contribute to a team’s success. These things cannot be measured by statistics. That’s why there is a growing focus on players who may not have high scoring games but have a major impact on their team’s overall performance. The general public is unaware of the numerous factors at play during a game. Players who prioritize the team’s success can have a significant impact on the outcome.

Reworded: I am amazed every day by the fact that I am where I am. My brother and I often talk about how unbelievable it is that I have been in the NBA for 13 years. I wasn’t considered a top player and it truly is a blessing. I am proud of what I have achieved and I owe a lot to my parents and their upbringing. I am grateful to them for instilling important values in me. I also credit God for my success.

Temple reflected on his early years in the NBA, noting that his first two years were essentially counted as one due to a limited number of games played. However, when he signed with Sacramento for a three-year contract, he became more focused on reaching the 10-year milestone. As he entered his sixth or seventh year, he set his sights on acquiring four or five more years in the league, confident that his skills and character would allow him to continue playing for such a long period of time, barring any injuries.

Biyombo reflected on his time with Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan, noting that Jordan always stressed the importance of contributing to team success in ways other than scoring. When Biyombo joined the Toronto Raptors, he was able to truly understand and appreciate what Jordan had been saying. At an All-Star game, Biyombo ran into Jordan and expressed gratitude for the valuable lessons he had learned. Being in a new environment and having a specific role to fulfill for the team changed Biyombo’s perspective on Jordan’s words.

Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors has gained self-knowledge from his children.

Tucker credited former Phoenix Suns associate head coach Dan Majerle for his improvement on the court. Dan’s advice was simple: guard the best player on the court, be a threat from the 3-point line, and hustle for every loose ball. Dan told Tucker that if he could do these things, he would have a successful career and make a lot of money. Tucker took this advice to heart and focused on improving his shooting skills and being able to defend any position on the court. He was determined to be the best player on the court every game, whether he was guarding a point guard or a center.

A professional basketball player who has been in the NBA for nine years is eligible for a complete pension and lifelong medical coverage. After 10 years in the league, they can also receive medical benefits for their family. Were you aware of the significance of reaching the nine and 10 year marks and their respective benefits?

It can be challenging to pinpoint a single experience that was humbling because the entire journey puts you in a position of vulnerability and can quickly bring you back down to earth. This occurs repeatedly, year after year, and the feeling of being humbled persists even today. It only goes away when you finally walk away from it.

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Dutch Women’s Soccer Team Suffers Defeat Against Italy: What Went Wrong and How They Can Bounce Back

Most Dutch players will undoubtedly have experienced a sense of déjà vu in the Stadio San Vito in Cosenza. Seven months ago, the Dutch team lost to Belgium in the…

The post Dutch Women’s Soccer Team Suffers Defeat Against Italy: What Went Wrong and How They Can Bounce Back appeared first on 247sports News.