A great basketball team’s success isn’t only about talent– it’s about chemistry, trust and shared goals. What separates a good team from a great one? Interviews with many successful coaches and players provide crucial insights into the key factors that contribute to an accomplished basketball team.

Amir Carraway, a former professional player and a current skills trainer at Touch Shooting emphasized the importance of off-court relationships.

“A team that gels together stays together,” Carraway said. “When you understand someone, through the good or bad, it’s easier to relate to them and fight harder for each other.”

Building chemistry off the court is vital, according to Carraway. He highlights the significance of spending time together, whether it’s by hanging out after school, practice or even just grabbing bites to eat. As a professional, he would often get lunch with his teammates or invite them to his apartment to connect with them as individuals, not just as players.

Domantas Sabonis, a professional player for the Sacramento Kings, agrees that trust and unity are essential.

“When everyone is on the same page and working toward the same goal, it elevates the team’s success,” Sabonis said. “Great teams have an identity and focus on the team’s success, not individual accolades.”

Anna Craven, a high school varsity player, echoed this perspective. She shared a similar sentiment, emphasizing that the best teams are those that put in the effort because they genuinely care. Craven recalled a game against Folsom High School as an example of her team’s dedication, noting that they were focused on team growth and college, not just playing for fun.

Another thought Craven shared is that a positive, motivated mindset is critical.

“The best players are the ones who outwork others because they want to, not because they’re forced. If players lack motivation, it becomes miserable for the whole team,” Craven said.

Carraway stressed discipline, as well, as a cornerstone of success for a team. He recognized that when teams are held accountable and led by detail-oriented coaches, they are far more likely to win. He pointed out that such teams that have discipline and attention to detail push through adversity and outperform those who lack focus.

“Discipline and focus are what separate good teams from great teams. If you can stay locked in and be consistent with your effort, you’ll always have an edge over teams that are more talented but lack the same commitment,” Carraway said.

Leadership, both vocal and dynamic, is crucial to team dynamics, according to both Carraway and Sabonis. Carraway believes that a leader earns respect through hard work and dedication, regardless of age or experience. Sabonis shared this view, adding that great teams are those that are on the same page, sharing a common goal and identity. He accentuates that leadership involves not only pushing teammates to perform but also creating an environment where everyone works together for the team’s success.

When a team faces challenges, it must remain focused on the bigger picture.

“Teams should deal with losses by looking at what went wrong and applying that to improve,” Carraway said. “It’s about learning from mistakes and moving forward.”

Craven seconded this viewpoint when she stated, “Just keeping an open mind, trying to think about the future of the team, not just how the event has impacted the team momentarily.”

Trust among teammates is invaluable, according to both players and coaches.

“Trust is everything,” Craven said. “It’s built over time through actions—what you do both on and off the court. You prove you can trust your teammates by showing up and doing the work.”

Sabonis also stressed the role trust plays, speaking about the care and support trust brings to teams, noting that when you want your teammates to succeed, it makes a huge difference on the court. This kind of relationship between teammates can only be built through trust, showing just how much of a key factor it is in teams.

While trust is crucial, a coach’s role can’t be overlooked. Sabonis believes a good coach fosters an environment where players can grow and take ownership of their growth.

“A great team is led by players, but a coach’s role is to guide that growth and manage different personalities,” Sabonis said.

Carraway agrees, upholding that perspective, observing that a coach who holds each and every player accountable, whether they’re talented or hardworking, earns trust and respect.

“A coach who demands effort from everyone, from the most talented to the least, will have a team that buys in,” Carraway said. “I’ll run through walls for that coach.”

Ultimately, the best of the best basketball teams are those that combine talent with unity, discipline and trust. Off-court bonds are just as important as on-court performances, and a team that works together and shares a common purpose has the potential to achieve greatness.