Yesterday .. Today .. Tomorrow..!

When I look around and try and wrap my head around everything that is happening, I have to focus really hard to avoid feeling depressed.

It’s everywhere… the social and “especially” the political climate is frustrating.
The area of sports is just as bad.
It’s hard to decide which one is the cause and which is the effect.

The lack of respect for authority and laws is mind boggling, and the level of entitlement versus common courtesy is way out of balance.

The bottom line is … “We have to do better.
I wrote this some years ago, but it seems like things continue getting worse.

When I was 15, I spent every spare minute at Mann Recreation Center at 5th & Allegheny, in Philadelphia. I “practiced” and played there every day, for hours a day. It was there that I met a young college player who was there to play in a tournament with a few of his college teammates.

It seemed that a number of his players didn’t make it to the game. He asked me if I would be their 5th man. I jumped at the opportunity.

It wasn’t until years later that I learned who he was. Our paths crossed many times after that. We became friends. I worked at basketball camps with him. He often spoke of his great family, and they truly were just that.

His dad “Rocky” taught me how to officiate. My friend, Jimmy Valvano gave all of us these words of advice – “Cherish every Opportunity to suit up!”

As we struggle through this strange and unexpected period in our lives, maybe we should think about his words. Ask yourself if you have taken advantage of all of your opportunities.

Yes, I am talking about basketball, but don’t forget that there is more to basketball than “just” basketball. His advice extends to many aspects of our lives.

As you think about that, ask yourself where our game is going. Ask yourself where you and those around you are going. Phil Jackson said “There is more to life than basketball” .. to that I would add “There is more to basketball than “just” basketball”

Where are we headed….? It’s beginning to feel like a self-fulfilling prophecy….

Yesterday….. Today ….. Tomorrow….!
Maybe I’m lost in my “Old-School” World … Maybe I’m just pessimistic.
Maybe I’m just looking around and writing about how it looks to me….

Yesterday….. You went to a Game and said… “Someday maybe I’ll be out there.”
Today …. You don’t go to the Game…. because… You’re not playing in it.
Tomorrow….?

Yesterday….. You watched good players and said … “If I work really hard, maybe I can be like him.”
Today …. You watch players and say… “I can do that…!”
Tomorrow….?

Yesterday….. You got a day off – and asked… “Hey Coach… Can I come in and get some extra work ….”
Today …. You get a day off – and say… “Great… that works… Now I don’t have to find an excuse for not coming.”
Tomorrow….?

Yesterday….. You worked hard in the off-season so you could be better and ready for next season.
Today …. You say …”It’s off-season… I’ll get ready for next season in the pre-season.”
Tomorrow….?

Yesterday….. You couldn’t wait for the first day of official practice and couldn’t wait to get started.
Today …. You say … “Man… I only have two or three more days of vacation left….”
Tomorrow….?

Yesterday….. You couldn’t wait to say that you were part of the team and you and your guys were going to have a great season, work together, and work for each other and really enjoy being part of something special.
Today …. You’re writing in your “Whatsapp-Group” … “Can’t make it today… Somebody tell coach… and the other guys”
Tomorrow….?

Yesterday….. You couldn’t wait to get the Game Schedule and when it came…You immediately blocked off every Game Day … You didn’t want to miss a single one…
Today …. You look at the schedule and hope that the games don’t conflict with other things you “might” be able to do
Tomorrow….?

Yesterday….. Coaches (and other players) came to practice (and games) motivated because their players were excited and enthusiastic

Today …. Coaches come to practice (and games) and hope that there will be enough players to have a good practice (or game)
Tomorrow…. The Coach will again ask himself why he continues to do it… But the answer won’t really matter because… That’s who he is and he’ll continue because he believes there is maybe one player who is listening.

🗣️If you can identify with, or appreciate what I’ve written here, then you are someone who can appreciate the stories in my book and…
Maybe something in the book can help you or someone you know with a decision when you come to a crossroad during your journey.

There is more in my book… ✍️
👉🏽 Direct Purchase
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👉🏽 Publisher Bookstore
https://store.bookbaby.com/book/it’s-the-coach’s-fault1

👉🏽 Apple eBook Bookstore
Https://books.apple.com/us/book/its-the-coachs-fault/id6742160552