When people think of college basketball, they often focus on the highest NIL earners —the players scoring the big points, hitting clutch shots, or earning All-Conference honors. But having spent four years as a walk-on at LSU, I learned quickly that the heartbeat of a team isn’t always the starting five. It’s the bench players, the passionate teammates, the guys who show up day after day and push everyone to be better. These are the people who often shape a team’s culture and chemistry in ways that no stat sheet can measure.

The Unsung Role of Being a Walk On

Being a walk on at a major SEC school comes with challenges. You’re putting in the same hours as the starters, learning the plays, understanding scouting reports, and running drills at full speed—but most of the time, you won’t see significant minutes in actual games. For some, that can be discouraging. For me, it was an opportunity to make a different kind of impact.

Walk ons often serve as the standard-bearers for effort and attitude. If we show up with energy, focus, and resilience, it sets the tone for the team. We might be simulating the opponent’s star player in drills, which means we have to push the starters in ways that challenge them to adapt and improve. That role requires toughness, humility, and, above all, leadership—even if it’s leadership that goes unnoticed.

Leadership Beyond the Court

Leadership on a team doesn’t always come from scoring points or making highlight reels. For walk on’s, it often comes from setting an example. Show up with a good attitude, put in extra shots, encourage teammates when they’re frustrated, and staying positive during tough stretches—these actions speak louder than any stat line. In many ways, being a walk on is like being a coach on the floor, teaching and reinforcing effort, attitude, and focus.

I remember one season where our team struggled with morale after a string of tough losses. The starters were feeling the pressure, and tension began creeping into practice. A few of us on the bench decided to step up. We called a team meeting & corrected our energy, reminded everyone of the team’s goals, and encouraged healthy communication. It didn’t make headlines, but it helped rebuild trust and camaraderie. That’s leadership—quiet, consistent, and impactful.

Building Team Chemistry

Chemistry isn’t something that happens automatically; it’s cultivated. Practice players play a huge role in creating that bond. By pushing starters in practice, offering constructive feedback, and supporting each other through both wins and losses. The bench becomes a glue that holds the team together. We might not get the glory, but our work helps everyone perform better when it counts.

One of the most rewarding parts of being a walk on is seeing how your effort translates to the team’s success. Watching a starter make a clutch play because you simulated the opponent’s defense, or seeing a teammate grow more confident because you encouraged them in practice, reinforces that leadership and contribution aren’t always about minutes on the court. Sometimes, it’s about lifting others up.

Lessons That Translate Beyond Basketball

The lessons I learned as a walk on aren’t limited to basketball. They apply to coaching, careers, and life in general. Leadership isn’t always about being in the spotlight; it’s about influence, example, and consistency. You don’t need a title or recognition to make an impact. Whether it’s supporting a teammate, mentoring a younger player, or contributing to the overall culture, leadership is defined by action, not accolades.

As I transition from being a player to pursue a coaching career, I carry these lessons with me. I understand the value of every role on a team and the importance of recognizing and developing leaders in unexpected places. A strong program isn’t just built on talent; it’s built on culture, trust, and the willingness of everyone—from starters to practice players—to give their best every day.

Creating a Legacy

Being a walk on may not come with awards or headlines, but it offers something just as meaningful: the chance to shape a team’s legacy. When a team is remembered not only for its wins but for its cohesion, character, and resilience, practice players often played a key role behind the scenes. That’s a legacy worth striving for.

For young athletes considering their role on a team, my advice is this: embrace every opportunity to contribute, even if it’s not glamorous. Lead by example, support your teammates, and push everyone to be better. Your impact may not show up on the scoreboard, but it will be felt in the locker room, on the practice floor, and throughout the season. And that’s the kind of leadership that truly lasts.

Final Thoughts

Basketball is more than just individual talent; it’s about culture, chemistry, and collaboration. Walk ons—often overlooked—are vital to that ecosystem. They teach, challenge, and inspire, creating a foundation that helps every player thrive. My time at LSU taught me that leadership isn’t measured in minutes played; it’s measured in effort, attitude, and the ability to elevate those around you. That’s a lesson I’ll carry into coaching and beyond, shaping the next generation of players both on and off the court.