Basketball is a game of conditioning and fatigue. That's why I believe in practicing a team to train when it's exhausted.
Pat RileyA particular shot or way of moving the ball can be a player's personal signature, but efficiency of performance is what wins the game for the team.
Pat RileyWhen you're playing against a stacked deck, compete even harder. Show the world how much you'll fight for the winners circle. If you do, someday the cellophane will crackle off a fresh pack, one that belongs to you, and the cards will be stacked in your favor.
Pat RileyTo have long term success as a coach or in any position of leadership, you have to be obsessed in some way.
Pat RileyThere's always the motivation of wanting to win. Everybody has that. But a champion needs, in his attitude, a motivation above and beyond winning.
Pat RileyManagement must speak with one voice. When it doesn't management itself becomes a peripheral opponent to the team's mission.
Pat RileyAll I did from day-to-day is coach. That's what my job was, that's what my passion was, and the fact that now it's something I'm being considered for is just mind-blowing to me, that I would ever be in that kind of company.
Pat RileyGreat players and great teams want to be driven. They want to be pushed to the edge. They don't want to be cheated. Ordinary players and average teams want it to be easy
Pat RileyShoulda, coulda, and woulda won't get it done. In attacking adversity, only a positive attitude, alertness, and regrouping to basics can launch a comeback.
Pat RileyIn every contest, there comes a moment that separates winning from losing. The true warrior understands and seizes that moment.
Pat RileyFrom nobody to upstart. From upstart to contender. From contender to winner. From winner to champion. From champion to Dynasty.
Pat RileyIf you have a positive attitude and constantly strive to give your best effort, eventually you will overcome your immediate problems and find you are ready for greater challenges.
Pat RileyThere's no such thing as coulda, shoulda, or woulda. If you shoulda and coulda, you woulda done it.
Pat RileyPeople who create 20% of the results will begin believing they deserve 80% of the rewards.
Pat RileyThe changes in your life aren't always what you hoped for. But they usually help you grow.
Pat RileyAll of us have at least one great voice deep inside. People are products of their environment. A lucky few are born into situations in which positive messages abound. Others grow up hearing messages of fear and failure, which they must block out so the positive can be heard. But the positive and courageous voice will always emerge, somewhere, sometime, for all of us. Listen for it, and your breakthroughs will come.
Pat RileyThe true warrior understands and seizes that moment by giving an effort so intense and so intuitive that it could only be called one from the heart.
Pat RileyAm I a control freak? No. Do I believe in organization? You bet. In discipline? In being on time and making sure everything at the hotel is ready and right? Definitely. I don't control players. I try to control the environment around the players so they can flourish.
Pat RileyIt's a reality we have to understand. (O'Neal) has to be more diligent. We have to be more diligent protecting him. We need him in the game.
Pat RileyWhen a gifted team dedicates itself to unselfish trust and combines instinct with boldness and effort, its ready to climb.
Pat RileyBeing ready isn't enough; you have to be prepared for a promotion or any other significant change.
Pat RileyIn all the research you do as a coach, studying other coaches and championship-type situations, you find that all those teams combined talent with great defense. You've got to stop other teams to win.
Pat Riley