Show me. How does our coaching empower players? We make a difference to the extent that we change lives.
We remember Dean Smith for many achievements, including coaching Michael Jordan and encouraging his early entry into the NBA. But bringing Charles Scott into the ACC changed the game and history.
Some say that Alabama’s crushing defeat by USC in 1970 did more to integrate the South than any political act. Bear Bryant and John McKay left fingerprints on history...and the Crimson Tide won the rematch the following season.
Jerry Tarkanian went into tough neighborhoods and gave kids a chance to succeed. UNLV went from basketball unknowns to national champions.
Andrew Smith may be best remembered for premature death. Brad Stevens eulogized the twenty-five year-old but helped design the center’s two Final Four trips for Smith’s Butler Bulldogs.
Patrick Ewing started Georgetown as a polished athlete and with John Thompson’s mentoring became a willing student, capable media personality, and college coach.
Brett Ledbetter’s What Drives Winning and seminars emphasize growing the person ahead of the player.
John Calipari’s NBA train rolls on. If advancing players to the Association to get paid is his primary mission, then he’s minting money for many athletes.
Tim S. Grover practices his preaching in Relentless. Training superstars like Jordan, Kobe, and Wade left indelible marks on the sport.
Even the ultimate task-oriented Bob Knight believed in practice time flexibility, because he trusted players to know what worked.
Taking time to educate players in media relations advances their cause. We teach them to recognize team and teammates first, and prioritize team values like selflessness, sharing, and humility.
What about us? Are we promoting academics? I have multiple former players earning masters degrees this month. Many coaches help players find jobs, and others sponsor players into an AAU program or subsidize their own programs. We help players find the right college fit, write recommendations, and even help players into service academies.
We belong to a noble profession. Coaches who last put people first.
