Part 6/8:

Abans shares personal anecdotes to emphasize the value of criticism in development, citing an instance from his own life where his father provided honest feedback about his efforts. He reflects that accepting tough love is essential for growth, especially for young men. The inability to face criticism without perceiving it as an attack reflects a profound weakness that they must confront to progress in life—both on and off the court.

Citing historical players like Kobe Bryant, Abans argues that true athletes must develop thick skin and learn how to separate criticism from personal attacks. He underscores that the ability to endure hostile environments and remarks from fans is an intrinsic part of the sport, further lamenting how players today have seemingly lost this grit.