As a former high school poet turned basketball analyst, I’ve learned that confidence isn’t loud—it’s quiet, deep, and rooted in self-trust. When new draft prospect Ais Belli canceled all team tryouts before the NBA Draft, many called it arrogance. But from my own experience with performance anxiety and identity struggles, I see something deeper: courage in stillness. This is not about ego—it’s about integrity. In this piece, I unpack why refusing to perform for others can be one of the most radical acts of faith a young athlete can make.