Dean Smith - RIP

Legendary basketball coach, Dean Smith, died this week.  His legacy is that not only of a successful basketball coach, but as a good man who was respectful of opponents, and supportive of his players in all dimensions of his life.  I am skeptical about the coaching industry, but here is a man who seemed to be successful while keeping his role in perspective.  He took brave political stands, and his players graduated.  With the cloud hovering over UNC athletics, hopefully, they can use the legacy of Coach Smith to balance athletics with university life (again, I am sceptical).  Maybe Smith was lucky that he did not have to bend the rules to be successful because he was smart and innovative.  In any case, his example is one to aspire to.

Developing Talent

This article in the New York Times is about a young 'prodigy' from Norway who just signed for Real Madrid.  His father - a former pro player - devoted lots of time to his development.  Is it nature or nurture?  Yes, and, probably.