Intangibles Series: Communication
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Every coach knows how difficult it can be to get players communicating, whether that’s on the court and off it. Needless to say, every team needs to talk. Talk on defense is crucial to winning. Talking strategy and setting up…
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Continue ReadingEvery coach knows how difficult it can be to get players communicating, whether that’s on the court and off it. Needless to say, every team needs to talk. Talk on defense is crucial to winning. Talking strategy and setting up plays during free throws could be the difference in a tight game. Furthermore, an important layer to communication is how a player talks; is it emotionally charged or is it calm, confident and measured? Check out this list of composed communicators.
Nylah Mitchell, 5’9 W/F – Blueprint Basketball Class of ’25
It’s rare to hear the gym go quiet when Nylah is in the mix. Mitchell is in ongoing communication with teammates throughout a game, and with her high hoop IQ the reads she makes could be the difference in a close contest. Defensively Mitchell is positionless, so it’s a necessity that she communicates as much as she does. Whether it’s incoming perimeter screens or post actions, you can hear Mitchell calculating the offenses movement and sharing it with teammates. Offensively, you’ll often hear her directing traffic as she tries to help her team take advantage of opponent’s weaknesses and rotations. Otherwise, you’ll often hear her boosting teammates confidence or assuring them that they’ll get it right next trip. Mitchell is a positive force in constant chatter.
Maya Auger, 5’7 G – Blueprint Basketball Class of ’25
A balanced player with sound basketball instincts, Maya’s communication is an aid to all teammates on the floor and off. Auger is quick to communicate whether or not she’s in the action. She’ll ask teammates to call out incoming screens or where her help is so she can send ballhandlers into the teeth of the defense. Or she’ll be the one actively communicating those messages, setting teammates up to respond well before the action has begun. Moreover, Maya is a sturdy support for her teammates, giving them encouragement, insights and confidence. I like Auger’s willingness to elevate teammates as she maintains her even-keeled disposition.
Emma Litchfield Emma Litchfield 5'10" | SG Colchester | 2025 State NewE , 5’9 G/F – Lone Wolf Athletics Class of ’25
Litchfield is a unique talent; she can guard multiple positions and often plays numerous roles on offense. Since she inhabits so many spaces her basketball smarts are well-rounded, and she shares those insights with her consistent talk. Emma often finds herself defending screeners in pick and rolls and is quick to call out her hedge, switch, etc. She’s also able to sense actions when she’s on the weak side and communicates her help positioning well. Moreover, she has a good sense of how defenses are guarding her squad’s sets and is able to communicate counters in the midst of the action. Ultimately, Litchfield communicates effectively on both sides of the ball.
Allie Fullem, 6′ F – Blueprint Basketball Class of ’23
A defensive anchor in the paint, Fullem is exceptional at calling out actions both inside and on the perimeter. Allie actively communicates incoming screens and actions even if she’s not directly in the action, giving teammates a chance to respond before it’s too late. During dead ball situations she is consistently talking with teammates too, getting ready for their next possession or working out rotations that faltered on previous plays. On the sidelines Fullem is full of support and encouragement, uplifting teammates regardless of the score. Allie’s got her teammates back, both on the court and on the sidelines.
Elyse Macdonough Elyse Macdonough 5'7" | PG Rice Memorial | 2025 NewE , 5’8 G – Lone Wolf Athletics Class of ’24
MacDonough is highly talented, and her talent, as well as those around her, are elevated by her chatter. Elyse is often communicating strategy with teammates and coaches, relaying information that she and others see in order to refine the team’s approach. On defense, she communicates opponents’ actions well as a means to prepare teammates for incoming screens or cuts. She’s also quick to ask what’s coming, trusting her teammates to offer insights on a pick and roll coming in behind her. And offensively, Elyse typically runs the helm, calling out plays or signaling actions in order to break down the defense. Elyse is an on-court coach who runs a tight ship.
Nicole Norton Nicole Norton 5'8" | CG Colchester | 2024 State NewE , 5’9 G – Lone Wolf Athletics Class of ’24
Nicole already has the physical traits of a lockdown defender with her length and lateral quickness, but it’s her communication that enhances those abilities. Norton is quick to call out approaching screens and realizes early whether or not she’s going to switch on or encourage her teammate to fight through. In doing so, she’s consistently stifling offenses that rely on off-ball screening action. Moreover, Nicole is a solid help defender, letting teammates know when she’s sitting in gaps or rotating out on shooters. Nicole keeps the defense running smoothly with her chatter and movement.