5 Characteristics of Successful Teams

Todd Golden, the head coach at San Francisco, and his high school coach Dan Mannix from Phoenix.

A day before the Grand Canyon game, Golden and the Dons practiced at Sunnyslope, bringing the coach’s basketball life full circle. With players seated for a film session, Golden introduced Rosenbaum, who stood off to the side. Then Golden asked former Sunnyslope head coach Dan Mannix to say a few words in a gymnasium that bears his name.

Mannix told the Dons that successful teams have five characteristics. They communicate. “On the court and off with teammates and coaches.” They trust. “If I’m pressuring the ball, I’m trusting that you got my back.” They’re responsible. “Individual and collective.” They’re caring. “You care about each other and care about what you’re doing.” And they have pride. “You take pride in yourself, pride in your team, pride that you represent your parents and your school.”