Great thanks first to Lia Ottaviano for encouraging me to write this book and to Lauren Freestone for her terrific production assistance.

Many thanks also to the entire team at CoachUp who helped me in this undertaking, especially all the CoachUp coaches who spent hours sharing their insights with me and contributing to our surveys; and special thanks to Grant Covington, who put those surveys together.

To all my coaches over the years—from my youth to the professional teams I played on—thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your patience and support. This book is a direct reflection of your effect on my life. In particular, I would like to thank my college basketball head coach, Tim Gilbride; you've always put your players first. To my long-time private coach, Greg Kristof, thanks for teaching me how to be disciplined and efficient on and off the court; without your coaching I would never have made it as a high school varsity player, much less enjoyed all the benefits that my eventual sports career brought me. Finally, to my boxing trainer and good friend, Tommy Duquette, thank you for being a true Zen master of the ring. I've learned so much from you, and I look forward to having you in my corner for years to come.

To Shane Battier, world-class team player, leader, family man, and friend, thank you for being such a source of inspiration to me and to so many others. Sincere thanks also for contributing the hard-won wisdom in your powerful foreword to this book.

Along with the genes for height, my parents also bestowed on me, for better or worse, the desire to try my hand at writing. Thanks to both of you for your encouragement and help with this book.

To my father, Dorian Fliegel, thank you for helping me boil down what I'm trying to say to its essential meaning. As you have done throughout my life, Dad, you helped me focus on what truly matters, and for that I am forever grateful.

Last, but most certainly not least, a huge thank you to my mother, Kathleen Lancaster, without whom this book would still be in my head rather than on paper. What I enjoyed most about the process of writing this book was the excuse it provided to spend even more time with you. I can't imagine a better writing partner. I love you, Mom.