# 9

Failure to prepare is preparing to fail--John Wooden

There comes a time in every athletic event when something happens that proves to be the turning point--a transcending moment--that affects the outcome of the event. The same is true in business. And, as Robin Williams said in the movie "Dead Poets Society"--"Carpe, Carpe Diem seize the day lads".

I was recently involved in a professional minor league basketball game when such a moment presented itself to me. Let me set the scenario. I am working with the Dodge City Legend of the United States Basketball League as an Assistant Coach/Consultant.

Three years ago, I helped the USBL relocate a franchise in Salina , KS . I served as the Vice President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach/General Manager. In the minor leagues, everybody wears a lot of different hats. The first year was a success on the court.

We won the Southern Division Championship. The second year we placed second in our division. However, as the season was ending I made a decision to leave the organization.

This winter we tried to put an International Basketball Association franchise in Salina . It was a mistake, to say the least. We failed!

However, as Zig Ziglar says: "Failure is an event, not a person." And, Henry Ford says this about failure: "Failure is a chance to begin again more intelligently."

Tom Nelson, the General Manager of the Dodge City Legend called me and asked if I would be interested in helping him out for the season. I was mentally, physically, and emotionally worn out from back-to-back seasons. I told him I would think about it. He called again--he needed help. I told him I would come and help him any way I could, but I wasn't sure I wanted to get involved in the coaching aspect.

The Legend Head Coach Kent Davison was bringing former NBA player Cliff Levingston to Dodge City as his Assistant Coach. However, there were going to be several games when Cliff couldn't be present due to previous obligations. On those occasions, I would help Kent as his bench assistant. One of those games, June 4th; we would travel to play in Salina against the Cagerz. The rivalry between the Cagerz and the Legend is quite heated. This game would prove no different.

Early in the game Kent was assessed a technical foul. During the third quarter, Kent picked up his second "T" and was ejected from the game. With Kent gone, I had to assume the Head Coaching role, in a heated game vs. our rival--with a one point lead. The moment had arrived. It was up to me to lead us--win or lose.

The first thing that I did was get our players together. I told them the following during a time out:

1. Stay focused--focus means finish. If we stay focused we are going to win.
2. You have been working together as a team for over a month. You know what has to be done to get a "W".
3. You need to believe and trust in each other.

The story doesn't end there. Our best player had gotten re-injured during the first few minutes of the game, and wouldn't return. Another player was ejected from the game during a shoving incident (players from both teams were ejected). A third player had fouled out. Looking down the bench, I didn't have many options. We finished the game with two point guards, a shooting guard, and two post players on the floor.

I was more of a cheerleader than a coach. They needed to hear someone telling them that it was going to be okay, that we were going to win. I provided that voice for them. We withstood a furious rally by the Cagerz. We stayed focused...We looked for one another....and we trusted in one another. We also won the game, giving the Kansas Cagerz their first home loss of the season.

I am thankful that I had the opportunity to be a part of this very special basketball game and provide the leadership that these young men needed to win this basketball game.

Contact Tom at: tomhughes@motivationNmore.com

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