Where Have The Competitors Gone?

In an era of political correctness, Rick Barnes is a throwback. Instead of engaging in coachspeak or carefully crafted soundbites, he tells it like it is. Like so many other coaches and teachers working with college students today, he is dealing with entitled kids who have been told how great they are their whole lives. Asked how J'Covan Brown could restore himself to a more prominent role after sitting out much of the Texas Tech game on Monday night, Barnes said: "One word: consistency in all areas of the game. That's what we've looked for all year. People wonder why we go back and forth. It's consistency. It's preparation. It's the details. It's accountability. He knows what we need from him. He needs to prepare every day, not just when it's convenient."

Monday's speaker, Corey Ciochetti expressed similar dismay about how so many of his students at Denver University avoid any endeavor that might take perseverence. "They do not want to compete!", he says. Dr. Patricia Somers, a professor in UT's College of Education, voices the same concern about UT students. "If you're scratching your head at this point and wondering how a 22 year old who's not able to address her setbacks, disappointments, goals, and progress at the university level is ever going to adjust to a complex job situation and an independent adult life then you've been paying attention."

The same problem exists in college athletics today. Self motivated, tough minded young athletes are still out there, but it has become increasingly difficult for college coaches to find them. Kids do not want to deal with adversity. They are constantly looking to others for direction and, without it, they're lost. One UT coach calls them "robokids." Often the challenge in college recruiting is trying to determine which entitled recruit will be willing to adjust and respond when they are faced with others of equal ability in practice every day..........not just when it's covenient.