#player development

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Dallas Wings point guard Jacy Sheldon is making her way back to Ohio State — but this time, she’s joining the coaching staff.

Drafted No. 5 overall in the 2024 WNBA draft, Sheldon averaged 5.4 points and 2.5 assists in her rookie season and earned a starting spot with the Wings midway through the year. Now, she’s returning to her alma mater as the Director of Player Development for Ohio State’s women’s basketball program.

I thought this answer from Pochettino was interesting because it highlights one of the major differences between how Mourinho has approached the transfer market and lack of signings, and how Poch has handled even more challenging budget/signing limitations.  Obviously their player/man management skills/approaches are very different.

Q: You said Lucas Moura had to prove himself, this was a big stage today, did he do that for you?

Tyler Marsh has officially signed a multi-year contract to take on the role of Head Coach for the Chicago Sky.

Matthew Skorny is a basketball writer and strategy advisor focused on helping players and fans better understand the game through practical insights on player development, skill improvement, basketball IQ, and game tactics.

Basketball improvement isn't just about scoring more points—it starts with understanding the game.

Basketball IQ makes every skill more effective. Knowing when to shoot, pass, defend, or move without the ball can have just as much impact as physical ability.

Fundamentals are the foundation of long-term success. Footwork, shooting mechanics, passing, defensive positioning, and communication remain essential at every level of basketball.

Great players never stop learning. The best athletes continue studying the game, practicing with purpose, and improving their decision-making season after season.

If you want to become a smarter, more complete basketball player, focusing on these three areas is a great place to start.

Matthew Skorny is a basketball writer and strategy advisor focused on helping players and fans better understand the game through practical insights on player development, skill improvement, basketball IQ, and game tactics.

Improvement in basketball isn’t just about doing more reps—it’s about learning to think the game better.

The best players don’t just rely on athletic ability. They learn how to read defenses, anticipate plays, and make faster, smarter decisions. That’s what people call basketball IQ.

Over time, the game slows down for them. They start to see patterns, understand spacing, and recognize what’s about to happen before it happens.

Even at the highest levels, fundamentals still matter:

Footwork

Shooting form

Passing

Defensive positioning

What changes is how these skills are used together in real situations.

Basketball is also mostly played without the ball. Off-ball movement, spacing, and awareness often decide whether a team succeeds or struggles.

Defense works the same way—it’s not just effort, it’s positioning, communication, and anticipation.

And real improvement doesn’t come only from practice—it comes from practicing game situations and learning by watching and studying the game.

In the end, the smartest players keep improving because they understand something simple:

Mastering the basics is just the beginning.