Your job is righting the ship, getting it headed back on course. P213

There's no direct, surefire way to that mountaintop. It's an everyday, hands-on, development-and-growing process that gets you there. P25

The only way to get the things you want is to work for them. Just wishing and hoping won't get it done. There is no trick, no shortcut, no substitute for hard work. P265

Any person who truly gives it his or her all can come out on top. P293

You do what you have to do to get the job done, no matter how long it takes. P151

The impossible dream can come true. It takes hours and hours of hard work; it takes sacrifice and sharing. It takes believing in yourself and the men who stand with you. P226

We had a good mix of talent, and I said there was only one way I knew to reach a goal: through hard work. Not now and then, but every time we stepped on the floor: We couldn't loaf in practice and then turn it on in the game. To be a successful team, every one of us, including me, had to put the team first, above our personal needs and wants. P174

Del Harris believed it had to be an everyday thing for your big guys to get comfortable with shots close to the basket. We constantly taught the fundamentals: how to show a target for the ball, how to catch the ball, how to make that first countermove. P137

It's amazing how many mistakes are made if the fundamentals are not explained. P151

Explain the proper technique: let him know I think he's good at a skill, but show him a way to be more effective. It's much better than going "No, no, no. You're doing it wrong. Do it this way." P165

I vowed never to show any outward signs of negativity toward a player. P165

When I played, I felt I performed better when the coach was positive and supportive. When I knew he was pulling for me to do well, I felt that I had an ally on the sidelines. I also wanted him to be honest with me and tell me when I wasn't doing my job. I didn't want to be penalized for something I didn't realize I was doing wrong. P164

It takes time to perfect a defensive system; it must be taught step by step, starting with the stance and footwork of the individual defender. You progressively move to two-man situations. all the way to five men helping each other. P176

In order to have a good defense, teamwork is essential. The term teamwork is usually applied to passing the ball on offense, but it's also the basis for good team defense. All five guys have to help each other. This concept of working together and helping together builds confidence that you can play your man aggressively and feel secure there will always be a teammate there to support you if you happen to get beat. P226

The Rockets' record how many points that they allow on the fast break. Less than 10 points, excellent. 10 to 15, good. 15 to 20, fair. Any more indicates that they are not getting back. P179

Everybody has to find his way of being successful. P116

There would be a strong team pride that our system-the way we do things-is right for us. It's our identity. It's how we get it done. It's how we win. P167

When you're on top, a lot of people love you. But a lot of people also love to see you trip and fall. P230

I've always believed in using the bench a lot, especially for team morale. 271

During time-outs, I have to show I have confidence in the team and not show frustration or panic. P272

You don't always have to do something drastic. You don't have to change your whole system. A very subtle adjustment can make a big difference. 148

I've always felt that players get a better feel for their opponents when they can see the man on video. P277

Players win games. But a coach can help by putting them in situations where the players can do the most good. P272

You've got to stay hungry. You've got to stay humble. P255