#101: Former NBA Player & Coach Dishes on March Madness, God, COVID

Sam Mitchell played professional basketball for 18 years in the NBA and overseas, then went on to coach, including being the 2007 NBA Coach of the Year when he led the Toronto Raptors. He knows a lot about the sport and lessons learned, on and off the court! (5:19) We start our chat talking "March Madness" as most of the men's NCAA Tournament basketball games start today/Thursday. He talks about his experience playing for the Mercer Bears, helping take them to their first NCAA Tourney in the early 1980's. Mitchell also gets honest about kids missing out when they don't play college ball, and how the anyone can beat anybody in "Big Dance," where the little guys have a shot. After we hear a little about his post-pro career fitness, (9:59) Mitchell says he had a great NBA career with memorable relationships but is more focused on what's ahead, with new young basketball stars. (12:04) As a now basketball TV analyst, he also gives his take on NBA during COVID, how fans are back and how God is teaching us through truth vs. alternative facts. On the faith aspect of things, (16:00) Mitchell says he didn't bring personal, spiritual beliefs in the locker room as a coach, but possibly in 1-on-1 settings. He also remembers playing against basketball icons like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, but also knows the more stardom and money someone has, the more of a target they have. (20:19) Mitchell talks about a few hot topic teams as we inch closer to the NBA playoffs, with "no clear-cut favorites." (22:19) We close by talking how important it is for him and all of us to give back to our community, especially kids that are struggling, challenging us to show that support! One way he does that is through annual camps and also the SaMarc Foundation Boys & Girls BiCity HS Basketball Awards Luncheon, happening today (March 17) at 11:30am in Columbus GA. Thanks for listening! And tell your friends about the #RunTheRace podcast. Subscribe to it! For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.