The fundamental goal is to win games, so coaches are always looking for players who can contribute to that success.

• Winning Ability: Do they know how to win? Coaches evaluate if a player is genuinely a difference-maker, even if they are currently on a struggling team.

• Player Profile and Role: Does the player understand and operate within their limitations? Coaches assess if their ability will translate effectively to the next level (e.g., can they be a "star in their role" as a key player, starter, or high-minute rotation guy?).
• Improvement and Upside: Do they show continuous improvement? Coaches look for upside and progress, both year-to-year and throughout a single season.
• Consistency: How consistent is their performance over the entire season and during individual games?
• Energy Level (Motor): They look for a high motor—players who dive on the floor for loose balls, take charges, and get deflections.

• Injury Record: How many practices and games has the player missed?
• Stats (Beyond Scoring): Coaches analyze advanced metrics and efficiency, including:
  • Field Goal Percentage (FG%) and Free Throw Percentage (FT%).
  • Assist-to-Turnover Ratio (AST/TO).
  • Plus/Minus (+/-) and Defensive Rating.
  • Total Rebounds (REBS).
• Defense: Commitment to defense, ball pressure, performance in pick-and-roll situations, communication, and proper close-outs and rotations off the ball.

• Tactical Fundamentals: Evaluation of advanced concepts like offensive spacing, defensive reads, foul discipline, and off-ball movement.
• Body Language: How the player’s body language is directed toward teammates, coaches, and referees.