YOU MUST ALWAYS BE READY

Jordan Farmar told a story recently about "scarfing down a burger at halftime" of a mid-season game against Seattle in his rookie season.

Besides being hungry, Farmar figured that because "he hadn't played in weeks" it wouldn't make much of a difference.

Coach Phil Jackson caught him eating the burger and used that moment as a teaching tool, not only fining him but also inserting him into the game in the second half to show the dangers of expecting not to play.

"He put me in and said, 'I hope you throw up," Farmar said. "It was just to show that you have to always be ready. No matter what the situation, no matter what the circumstances."

Although a humorous story, it is the perfect illustration of being totally prepared for your moment when your moment arrives.  Being prepared doesn't mean when the game starts.  It starts in the days leading up to the game - in your practices.  It starts in the amount of sleep you get the night before the game.  It starts in the meal you eat on the morning of the game.  It starts with the mindset you have on the way to the gym.  The mindset you have when you step out onto the court.

It's not about showing up and playing, it's about being ready...

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