Do you have "it"?

In an article in USA Today this week, a scouting expert is quoted as saying that when it comes to identifying players who perform in big-game, high pressure situations, "We just can't find them anymore."

Well, they exist. I've seen them! (hint-hint) Those players who you turn to with the game on the line. Players with a natural ability to deliver when it matters the most. Players who genuinely enjoy "pressure situations" that most players try to avoid.

You can just tell by the look in the player's eyes, how they act and respond to the pressure that they enjoy the big stage. In most cases, players who have that look perform well. They have a different level of focus.

As is so much in life, it's about the intangibles (heart, desire, work ethic, competitiveness). The problem with many scouts is that they're only interested in the stat sheet…what can be measured: Height, weight, speed, jumping ability, FG%, PPG, etc.

Who can spot these players the easiest? Coaches, they can sense it (and see it) in a player.

Being a clutch-player is an attitude, a mind-set. Without a doubt, it's something most athletes are born with – call it an inherited quality. You can even see in 10-year-old kids in the youth league games. How they carry themselves when a game is on the line. There’s always one or two on every team that just refuse to lose.

But you can't find it on a stat sheet.

4:13