One of the underrated attributes of a successful coach is a good listening ear.
It is something that former National Basketball Association (NBA) coach Mike Dunlap has honed over the last 43 years, some of which were spent working with the sport’s biggest stars – including Milwaukee Bucks’ power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Dunlap, who was assistant coach when the Bucks won the championship in 2021, told The Straits Times: “You learn early that you manage personalities, the technical end of it is strategy.
“But more than that, is the behaviour and the motivation of trying to get them to play hard because we have so many games, so it’s a delicate balance.
“Be a good listener, and also, when they’re frustrated, help them with their frustration, and instead of being judgmental, empower them to be part of the solution.”
Working with a “generational talent” like Antetokounmpo when he was there from 2020 to 2023 was a career milestone for Dunlap.
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