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“Are you a big fish in a little pond, or are you a little fish in a big pond?”
This phrase is often used in athletics to evaluate an athlete based on the quality and quantity of talent. This post will break down the different ponds for players. Ponds are not permanent and players can jump from one pond to another. With each year, a player’s pond can change based on the amount of improvement and commitment during the off-season.
My Grade, My School: This is the first level that every high school basketball player must navigate. Making a high school basketball program is a big accomplishment in many cases. The #1 priority of a freshman basketball player is to hang on an earn a uniform for a high school team.
In order to be a good high school player, the player MUST be one of the top three players in a grade. On a 15-man roster, the starters are the bench mark for all other players. A player should keep a current depth chart of his rank within his grade. If a player is really serious, he will figure what he must do to be one of the top three players in his grade. Many players will remain in this pond until their career is over.
- Big fish (Top 5 / Above Average) = starter
- Medium fish (Middle 5 / Average) = role player
- Little fish (Bottom 5 / Below Average) = limited time
To be successful in high school a player needs to be a big fish in his grade. This is the smallest pond and to be a big fish in this pond is a great accomplishment.
My School / My Program: This is the pond that most players dream of when they area youth player in the stands watching the varsity team play. To be a starter on a varsity high school basketball team is really amazing. Only a few players in each grade (usually less than 5) reach this elite level. There is no greater thrill for a high school player than to have you name announced as a starter. The earlier a player reaches this level, the more likely he will search for a bigger pond.
- Big fish (Top 5 / Above Average) = starter
- Medium fish (Middle 5 / Average) = role player
- Little fish (Bottom 5 / Below Average) = limited time
My League: When a player is a big fish in a pond, he starts looking at the other ponds to see if he can really swim with the other fish. When a player becomes a starter at any level, he will look at the starters on other teams in the league and possibly realize they can be one of the top players in their league. These players strive to be the #1 player listed on the whiteboard for a scouting report. All the players on the other team know that this player is the one to stop.
At the end of the season, the coaches will meet to vote on all-league players. This is an INCREDIBLE honor to receive. Very few players will perform at a level that will gain the respect and admiration of opposing players and coaches.
My State Division: The ultimate goal of all high school basketball teams is to win the state championship. Most states assign teams to different divisions or classes based on school enrollment. More often than not the top players in the division have a chance to lead a team to a deep playoff run and in rare cases a state championship. It takes a lot of talent and hard work to be one of the top players in the division.
At this level, playoff success is a requirement. The player must play his best when the lights are brightest. He is fearless and pays great attention to the fundamentals. He is not afraid to take chances or big shots. He enjoys pressure and excels in the moment.
My State: Being selected as the best player in something most players can only dream of. But without fail, every year, there will be a player in each state that will receive this honor. This player will be THE BIG FISH in the state pond. States vary in size and skill level, but no matter what state, this player is special.
My Country: The Gatorade Basketball Player of the Year will most definitely be a household name before receiving the award. The list of past winners is VERY impressive. These special players are often gifted with height, athleticism, and speed. They also possess an above-average work ethic.
McDonald’s All-Americans also would fall into this category of big fish in the national pond.
To all players, follow the wise advice of Dory “Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming!”