Having a Positive Influence

One of my favorite coaches, Tony Dungy, in his book "Uncommon" with some questions to ask yourself if you want to have a positive influence on someone's life...

1. When was the last time you went to visit someone who needed a visit?
2. When was the last time you made a call - or wrote a letter - to someone who could use a lift in his or her life?
3. When was the last time you had a date with your spouse or a "date night" with your little girl, who adores you?
4. When was the last time you sent flowers to someone for no particular reason?
5. When was the last time you did something that will forever be a positive memory in someone's life?
6. When was the last time you were an encourager for someone else?

Butler Bulldog Philosophy

My first post will be from a program very near and dear to my heart, the Butler Bulldogs. I learned a lot about the game as a kid watching basketball in Hinkle Fieldhouse. Most may think that these thoughts are from an overnight success, but I know how important Tony Hinkle's influence still is on the program, and how current A.D. and former coach Barry Collier began the resurrection process for the program over twenty years ago. Enjoy...

Alan Major, a friend of mine and newly-named head coach at Charlotte, and I were talking about Butler sometime around the 2002-03 season (while he was an assistant at Xavier and I was a G.A. Academic Advisor) and "Maj" commented that, "THEIR PROGRAM IS LEGIT." I've never forgot that and Butler's run to the national championship game this year emphasized the importance of continuity within a program, especially amid a few coaching changes.

"THE BUTLER WAY"...Many of you heard this phrase used by the media throughout Butler's tournament run. This is a program philosophy that was coined by Coach Hinkle himself, and rejuvenated by Coach Collier. This is the short version of it...
"The Butler Way demands commitment, denies selfishness, accepts reality yet seeks improvement everyday while putting the team above self."

Brad Stevens' 8 Components that Make a Great Teammate
1) Selflessness
2) Honesty. "Truth is a prerequisite of trust."
3) Accountability. "We have accountable people. When you don't, you can't improve."
4) Respect
5) Passion. "Kids have to love the game."
6) Enthusiasm. "Attitude is everything."
7) No doubts
8) Servanthood. "If you want to lead, serve first."

Welcome to Xcellence and O's

Welcome! Thank you for following my new blog, "Xcellence and O's." After my recent resignation as head basketball coach at The Summit Country Day School, I am going to need something to keep my mind sharp and keep me connected to the great game of basketball and motivational work. I will be posting thoughts from others, and less frequently my own thoughts, on basketball, leadership, and other topics you may find interesting. I will be using information from books, clinics, and personal discussions on all of these topics. I hope you enjoy the blog and please let your friends know about it, as well!