That’s a big thing for an NBA player: it takes a specific mindset for a professional athlete to tap into something that’ll allow them to take over minutes, runs, quarters or whole games. Do you think that criticism still resonates? Or have you become a more aggressive player? Paolo Banchero: I’ve become much more assertive and aggressive and she acknowledges that. She’s been proud about the way I’ve changed that about myself. Like you said: in the league everyone is talented. It’s all about who is willing to be the alpha, who is gonna step up when it’s needed. I’ve definitely learned that and understand that now. That’s something I’m gonna have to always be willing to do. It comes from being a great teammate. I make it a point, when I’m on a team, to be cool with everyone on the team, and build relationships with everyone on the team off the court. Because, on the court: you have to be able to hold everyone accountable just like they should hold you accountable. I’ve been really locking in on that. That’s how you become a great leader and build into the role of taking over and being assertive.