Are you not entertained? Are you not entertained? Is this not why you are here?
March Madness is upon us and I’m pumped, but for a whole different reason than normal. Yes, my beloved Tar Heels are a 2-seed. But even more so, I get to watch one of my former players on the biggest stage. He’s a contributor for NCCU Eagles (4pts, 3rebs, and an assist in 16min/gm). Sure, he’s in a play-in game (First Four, or whatever the NCAA is calling it now) and is likely to not make it more than one game, considering no 16-seed has ever beaten a 1-seed and Xavier is waiting for them. But for one glorious game, he gets to play in THE tournament.
All the more impressive is having just a small insight into his journey. He was a multi-year varsity starter for our top program in NC, ending his career as a top-25 all-time scorer in school history. He was integral to our success, playing the left wing in our high-powered offense. However, when he left school, a year or two of maturity would be good for him. He played at two JUCOs before jumping to D1 this season as a junior. I can still see the player I coached out there, but a better version of himself. He hasn’t changed, just improved himself. I have no doubt when he was dreaming of playing at the next level, his journey is not what he envisioned. Just imagine the choice he had to make between the vision of his dream and reality. He takes the more difficult path – lots of hard work, long hours, heavy travel – just on the basketball court, to speak nothing of the improvement and strides he’s taken as a student and a man.
So them rings and things you sing about, bring ’em out
When I think of what Atlas Recruits could be, I think of my former players and their journeys to keep playing. How can I help other athletes like my former player recognize there is no one path to achieving success? Or even that how they define success will change over time?
@WhoChecking_BG
For now, I know where I’m going to be at 6:40pm on Wednesday
What more can I say? Guru, play the beat!
