Javin DeLaurier: Don't Let Coming Off Bench Hurt Your Confidence
Javin DeLaurier says that the coaching staff has changed the order that it approaches the team’s development this season.
“Knowing the personnel and knowing what it’s going to take for the team to be successful, we’re stressing the importance of being on the same page a little bit earlier than we normally have in the past,” he said.
The team has used different starting lineups each game, and that doesn’t appear likely to change anytime soon.
“It’s really just a result of who we have on our team,” DeLaurier said, “and what the staff feels is best for us going into a game. Everyone, whether they’re starting or coming off the bench has that same confidence. Just based on what we’ve done in practice every day, how competitive things are, there’s not as much separation between the two units.”
The constantly changing starting lineup also leads to more competition in practice.
“That’s certainly one aspect of it,” he said. “Moreso just everyone has to be prepared, knowing they could start at any moment. The biggest thing is keeping guys’ egos in the same place. If you’re coming off the bench, don’ let it hurt your confidence. You’re still the same player.”
Having a deep team also lets players go harder while they’re on the floor and not be afraid to go to the bench when they need a rest.
“I’d like to say no, but it definitely does play into it,” he said. “Knowing if you get tired, there’s somebody coming in fresh off the bench, ready to go and excited to get into the game. That allows us to put on more pressure over an extended period of time.”
