Coaching Path, Challenges, Communication and the expectations he has from his staff.

One of the most accomplished coaches in European history agreed to visit with me on my podcast and talk “all things basketball & life”. Coach Messina is in the FIBA Hall of Fame class of 2021, a 4 time Euroleague Champion, 2 time Euroleague Coach of the Year and won countless domestic titles across Europe.
After spending a year as a consultant for the Lakers (2011/12), Ettore came back to CSKA for a second stint and this is where our paths crossed. After the two season together Ettore went on to work as an Assistant Coach to Gregg Popovich in San Antonio (2014/2019) before returning to Italy as the Head Coach of AX Armani Milano.
He was also the National Team coach of Italy 1993-1997, which ended with a Silver Medal at the 1997 Eurobasket in Spain.

I broke this episode down to 4 quarters….because, well…that’s what I do for a living…:-)
1. History, 2. Communication, 3. Philosophical, 4. Basketball Topics.

Summary of topics discussed:

Q1: Coaching:

1. Early Adjustment Challenges during his coaching career
2. Paradigm Shifts
3. “Favourite Failure”

Q2: Communication:

1. Having Hard Conversations:
2. Preparation for NBA Head Coaching job interviews:
3. Communication change/challenges over the years:

Q3: Philosophical:

1. Purpose: Basketball & Life / Developing trust / Patience
2. Overthinking and decision-making process: Gut & Intuition

Q4: Basketball specific:

1. Expectations out of his staff / Obvious vs Non-obvious discussions
2. Topics discussed around the game these days
3. Finding balance / Routine on Game-Day
4. Listening to me reading a book….a classic way to end.

Follow Ettore Messina:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/et.messina/

I would be grateful if you choose to support my podcast on Patreon (Ačiu!!): 
https://www.patreon.com/bmatke

#ettoremessina #coach #milano #euroleaguechamp #legend #basketball

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