“Other than my parents, no one had a bigger influence on my life than Coach Smith. He was more than a coach – he was my mentor, my teacher, my second father. Coach was always there for me whenever I needed him and I loved him for it. In teaching me the game of basketball, he taught me about life. My heart goes out to Linnea and their kids. We've lost a great man who had an incredible impact on his players, his staff and the entire UNC family.” MenHeartKidsFatherGamesLostParentTeacherPlayerInfluenceTeachingTaughtNeededMy HeartBasketballBiggerImpactIncrediblesCoachesGreat MenMentorStaffAlways There For MeUnc Author:Michael Jordan
“True basketball coaches are great teachers and you do not humiliate, you do not physically go after, you do not push or shove, you do not berate, if you are a true coach. If you humiliate or curse them, that won't do it. Coaches like that are not coaches.” IfsTeacherBasketballCoachesCurseGreat TeacherBasketball CoachHumiliate Author:Morgan Wootten
“The gym teacher's name was Mr. Caruso. Mr. Caruso did not speak English. He spoke 'Gym.' One day I was playing basketball and Mr. Caruso told me I would have to get an athletic supporter. He didn't express himself exactly that way, though. He said, 'Hey, you, one day you're gonna go up for a rebound and the family jewels aren't gonna go with ya.' I had no idea what he was talking about. Next day I showed up for practice without my watch and my mezuzah. He said, 'Did ya take care of the family jewels?' I said, 'I left 'em in my locker.' Took us a half hour to revive Mr. Caruso.” WaySaidIdeasCareNextNamesLeftSpeakHoursHalfTalkingWatchesPracticeTeacherOne DayBasketballTake CareHeyNo IdeaEmsSpokesGymSupporterNext DayJewelsAthleticHalf HoursReviveLockersHey YouSpeak EnglishReboundPlaying BasketballGym Teacher Author:Tommy Lasorda
“I was taught by teachers, and if it's one thing I have it's a basketball mind and I try to pass it on and pay it forward.” IfsTryingMindPayTeacherOne ThingTaughtBasketballPay It Forward Author:Doug Collins