Adapting in the Face of Adversity
3/25/2020 10:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Panther Nation,
Over the past week, our nation truly has started to understand the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the beginning most people, myself included, didn't understand the severity of it. We thought it might go away quickly and hoped the cancellations were instances of decision-makers erring on the side of caution. I think everyone understands now that is not the case.
For me, the city of Pittsburgh represents strength, toughness, unity and resilience. It is during these uncertain and scary times when the formidable heart of this city and its traits on display. We have remained steadfast in the face of daunting times before, and I know this city can do it again. We will continue to help each other, to support each other, to uplift each other, and to embody the true essence of community.
One of the messages I have been re-iterating to the team is one of gratitude. Gratitude in the midst of chaos is not always easy. It can become tempting to think of the things we have lost, allowing that to obscure the things that remain. It can be very tempting, for me at least, to complain. As an antidote to constant complaining, I challenged my players, my staff, and myself to think daily of something for which they are thankful. Even in our most desperate times, we can find something for which we are grateful.
I was talking to one of our guys over the weekend and he shared how bored he is just being at home. He mentioned that he and his family were sitting around playing board games. I asked him when was the last time his family did that. And he said, "Coach, that's a good question. I don't know. I don't remember the last time we've done this." And there it is – despite being incredibly bored (can't we all relate to that?), there was a family reconnection happening. There was something good to be identified.
My family and I are grateful for the many people putting themselves on the line to allow our community to function. To those in the medical professions, first responders, law enforcement, government workers, grocery workers, delivery services, janitorial services, and so many more – Thank you.
A second message I have been sharing with the team is our need to adapt. As is the case with everyone across the nation, our basketball team is learning to adapt to changing circumstances. Social distancing has eliminated our ability to have face-to-face, in-person communication right now. That goes for current players, incoming players, and recruits. We are being challenged to get creative with text messages, FaceTime, phone calls, Zoom, etc. We even are putting together materials that we can share with potential recruits via video conferencing, creating virtual tours of our facility, our campus and our city. Technology allows us to remain connected. For this we are grateful.
A final message I shared with the team is understanding how much we need each other. This is a message I have been preaching since I arrived in Pittsburgh, but right now, this message has even greater significance. In the game of basketball, in order to become a good team, you must have five guys acting as one. Every player must be committed to the team, not just himself. Every player has to make individual sacrifices for the betterment of the team. Every player must understand the role he plays. The really good players understand this simple truth: every role is necessary, vital and important. No role, no matter how small, is more important than another. This includes the managers, the support staff, the coaches, the Oakland Zoo – EVERYONE! Every individual who touches our program must be willing to understand, embrace and star in his or her role.
Right now, with what we are facing as a nation, this message is vital to us beating COVID-19. Everyone must be committed to understanding his or her role, embracing that role, and starring in that role. We need the leaders to lead. We need to listen and follow the instructions of our leadership. Right now, that means practicing social distancing as much as we can. If we all are willing to STAR in our roles, then TOGETHER, we will conquer COVID-19.
These times are unprecedented. My mind swirls with so many questions that I have lost count. I certainly do not have the answers to the issues that challenge us as a nation. I do know, however, that we will emerge from this episode with even greater determination and drive, more creativity and empathy, and more patience and gratitude. I wish the best for each of you and I thank you for support of our program.
Stay safe and Hail to Pitt!
Jeff Capel
Over the past week, our nation truly has started to understand the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the beginning most people, myself included, didn't understand the severity of it. We thought it might go away quickly and hoped the cancellations were instances of decision-makers erring on the side of caution. I think everyone understands now that is not the case.
For me, the city of Pittsburgh represents strength, toughness, unity and resilience. It is during these uncertain and scary times when the formidable heart of this city and its traits on display. We have remained steadfast in the face of daunting times before, and I know this city can do it again. We will continue to help each other, to support each other, to uplift each other, and to embody the true essence of community.
One of the messages I have been re-iterating to the team is one of gratitude. Gratitude in the midst of chaos is not always easy. It can become tempting to think of the things we have lost, allowing that to obscure the things that remain. It can be very tempting, for me at least, to complain. As an antidote to constant complaining, I challenged my players, my staff, and myself to think daily of something for which they are thankful. Even in our most desperate times, we can find something for which we are grateful.
I was talking to one of our guys over the weekend and he shared how bored he is just being at home. He mentioned that he and his family were sitting around playing board games. I asked him when was the last time his family did that. And he said, "Coach, that's a good question. I don't know. I don't remember the last time we've done this." And there it is – despite being incredibly bored (can't we all relate to that?), there was a family reconnection happening. There was something good to be identified.
My family and I are grateful for the many people putting themselves on the line to allow our community to function. To those in the medical professions, first responders, law enforcement, government workers, grocery workers, delivery services, janitorial services, and so many more – Thank you.
A second message I have been sharing with the team is our need to adapt. As is the case with everyone across the nation, our basketball team is learning to adapt to changing circumstances. Social distancing has eliminated our ability to have face-to-face, in-person communication right now. That goes for current players, incoming players, and recruits. We are being challenged to get creative with text messages, FaceTime, phone calls, Zoom, etc. We even are putting together materials that we can share with potential recruits via video conferencing, creating virtual tours of our facility, our campus and our city. Technology allows us to remain connected. For this we are grateful.
A final message I shared with the team is understanding how much we need each other. This is a message I have been preaching since I arrived in Pittsburgh, but right now, this message has even greater significance. In the game of basketball, in order to become a good team, you must have five guys acting as one. Every player must be committed to the team, not just himself. Every player has to make individual sacrifices for the betterment of the team. Every player must understand the role he plays. The really good players understand this simple truth: every role is necessary, vital and important. No role, no matter how small, is more important than another. This includes the managers, the support staff, the coaches, the Oakland Zoo – EVERYONE! Every individual who touches our program must be willing to understand, embrace and star in his or her role.
Right now, with what we are facing as a nation, this message is vital to us beating COVID-19. Everyone must be committed to understanding his or her role, embracing that role, and starring in that role. We need the leaders to lead. We need to listen and follow the instructions of our leadership. Right now, that means practicing social distancing as much as we can. If we all are willing to STAR in our roles, then TOGETHER, we will conquer COVID-19.
These times are unprecedented. My mind swirls with so many questions that I have lost count. I certainly do not have the answers to the issues that challenge us as a nation. I do know, however, that we will emerge from this episode with even greater determination and drive, more creativity and empathy, and more patience and gratitude. I wish the best for each of you and I thank you for support of our program.
Stay safe and Hail to Pitt!
Jeff Capel
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