Life Lessons From The Court
Posted by: David Bunch
I am always amazed at the life and leadership lessons that can be learned from the sports world, especially basketball.
Zig Ziglar says, "yesterday really did end last night", meaning our mistakes do not have to follow us around-unless we let them. This concept is actually Biblical when you think about what the Psalmist said about God's mercies being new every day.
That said, I found this same amazing attitude on display in J.J. Redick, who spoke to the press about tonight's matchup against LSU.
Coach Mike K. said of Redick's ability to compete:
This is the winning attitude that separates the winners from the losers-on the court and in life.
I am always amazed at the life and leadership lessons that can be learned from the sports world, especially basketball.
Zig Ziglar says, "yesterday really did end last night", meaning our mistakes do not have to follow us around-unless we let them. This concept is actually Biblical when you think about what the Psalmist said about God's mercies being new every day.
That said, I found this same amazing attitude on display in J.J. Redick, who spoke to the press about tonight's matchup against LSU.
The Duke star insisted he's not fretting about past failings in the NCAA's round of 16 -- and he's certainly paying no heed to those who say he runs out of steam when the calendar flips to March.
"I can't remember what happened the first three years in the Sweet 16," Redick said Wednesday, sounding downright persuasive heading into an Atlanta Regional matchup against LSU. "Did we lose one of the games or something? I don't know. I can't remember"
Well, here's a quick refresher:
Redick had probably the worst game of his brilliant career against Kansas in the 2003 regional semifinals, managing just five points on 2-of-16 shooting -- including 1-of-11 from beyond the 3-point arc. Last year, the Blue Devils went out at the same point of the tournament against Michigan State, which held Redick to 13 points on 4-of-14 shooting -- equaling his second-worst output of the season and nearly nine below his average.
Even in 2004, when Duke made it to the Final Four,Redick managed just 13 points against upstart Xavier in the regional final.
Coach Mike K. said of Redick's ability to compete:
"If you just focus on J.J., just watch him, you'd be shocked at the maze of things that he usually has to go through to get a shot," coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "When you are doing that, there are times when you can get distracted or get down or get emotional about it, which would take away from your next play. So, one of the key words for J.J. is maturity."
This is the winning attitude that separates the winners from the losers-on the court and in life.
