23 Best Greg Popovich Quotes To Keep You Guessing

Gregg Popovich, or “Pop” as everyone affectionately calls him, is more than just a basketball coach.

Sure, he’s racked up five NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs, but Pop’s legacy extends far beyond the court. He’s a grumpy grandpa with a heart of gold, a master motivator with a dry wit, and a guy who isn’t afraid to speak his mind, even if it means ruffling some feathers.

Before Pop became a coaching legend, dispensing wisdom (and a healthy dose of sarcasm) to reporters and players alike, he was a young Air Force officer and a little-known assistant coach. So, how did this unassuming guy from Indiana become one of basketball’s most respected and quotable figures?

Let’s examine Pop’s mind through some of his most memorable quotes and discover what makes him tick.

The Best Greg Popovich Quotes

We win or lose as a group.
You win, you lose, you celebrate, you suffer. And you do it all with your teammates.
If you’re going to compete at a high level, you better expect to deal with disappointment.
A reporter started off: “I know a lot of this is kind of speculation.” Popovich interrupted: “You’re going to ask me anyway.” Reporter: “And you’re going to shoot it down.” Popovich replied: “Next question.”
Basketball’s a game of mistakes. You just try to make sure your opponent makes more than you do.
I don’t even understand the word happy. Happy” is a stupid word. It really is. It makes no sense.
Timmy, he’s the beginning of it. He doesn’t have to be the end all the time now.
We would have two fewer championships here if it was not for Manu Ginobili. In my eyes, he’s the stud of the world.
Basketball is a pretty simple game. What wins is consistency and competitiveness.
It’s never been my goal to be king of the prom. It’s been my goal to do the right thing and get the job done.

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Good Popovich Quotes

Being able to enjoy someone else’s success is a huge thing
It’s hard to appreciate or enjoy torture.
Greg Popovich, when asked if he appreciated being in Game 7.
I asked them if it wasn’t too much trouble if I wasn’t being too pushy, and if they could execute what we were trying to do. And if it didn’t make them too angry, if they also wanted to play some defense on the other end, that would be great.
Greg Popovich

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We didn’t send mariachi bands, birthday cards, or breakfast in bed.
Greg Popovich
We want your fanny back on the court, and I promise I’ll be nice. Get back here.
Greg Popovich to Craig Sager Jr., whose Dad was battling cancer.
It makes a lot of sense. I think that any team that can get in night before a back-to-back, go to bed at 4 or 4:30 in the morning, then play at 6 the next day, I think that’s a good thing. I think more of us should do that. Really puts a good product out on the floor.
Do they allow zone defenses in the Olympics? Would any of the pros want to play zone? Does Boeheim know how to coach man-to-man? Not trying to be snarky. I really do not know the answer to the above questions. Pros playing zone – maybe, they are more used to man Boeheim and man to man – it’s not what he’s focused on I think your questions argue against his candidacy, but I just don’t see him as the top dog. K is the master communicator.

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Pops Quotes

Now, ask me a couple of inane questions.
Greg Popovich to Craig Sager Sr. upon his return and after a hug.
You have to make shots to win basketball games, and we didn’t do that. You also have to get back on defense, so it was a double-whammy.
Greg Popovich
Good teams become great ones when the members trust each other enough to surrender the Me for the We.
I was thrilled he came back in Phil’s case because I think it’s huge for the league. When you think about what he’s done and how many championships he’s won, there’s always drama when he comes back in.
Greg Popovich
Your job as a leader is to make sure everybody’s comfortable being uncomfortable.
“If you’re a competitive person, that stays with you. You don’t stop. You always look over your shoulder.
There’s no magic pill. It’s hard work. It’s fundamentals. It’s going to the gym and working on your game.

Read about Popovich’s Trailblazing moves at the Washington Post

By Mike O’Halloran

Founder and Editor, Sports Feel Good Stories

Mike O’Halloran founded Sports Feel Good Stories in 2009. He co-authored four trivia books for kids under the Smart Attack line. Mike coached basketball for 15 seasons, taught tennis, and has written four books on basketball coaching. He has been a contributing writer for USA Football, the youth arm of the NFL. Mike is the founder of the Fantasy Football Team Names Hall of Fame.