I believe in second chances. My coaching career has been defined by this conciliatory approach to some degree. After all, everybody is prone to making mistakes from time to time. In dealing with situations, I often ask myself how I'd want to be treated if the roles were reversed. The usual conclusion is to extend an olive branch, and see if a story of redemption comes about.
Nearly one third of the players I've coached come to me with a checkered past. During my second year, for example, one of my key players was a gang member who decided to leave his hood for a chance to play college basketball. The following season, a "stick-up" kid found his way to my program with the same resolve to turn over a new leaf. In the former case, he ultimately left the gang life behind completely, but the aforementioned "stick-up" kid didn't even make it through half of a semester with me.
The results have surely been mixed along the way. I've come to realize that I can't reach the ones who are fully immersed in "the life." The former gang member didn't change his ways because I touched his shoulder with a magic wand. Before enrolling at the college, he had already taken steps towards cutting the negative influences out of his life. My program just provided him with an outlet to cut those guys out completely. The other character wanted to have his cake and eat it too. He didn't like robbing people, but it was an easy way to get money and whatever else he needed. I also learned later that he suffered from some severe mental health issues that weren't being treated.
The most recent character I decided to take a chance on was Husky. During an "open gym" session for prospective players, he showed up and left a strong impression. Although Husky wasn't incredibly skilled, I liked that he played with passion and toughness. He stood at about 6'3 and had a very solid frame. For the entire hour that the guys played, he clearly stood out among them for his physical presence. I definitely needed him on the team.
There was a problem, however. I knew a little bit about Husky and from what was circulating in the wind, I felt like a conversation was needed before we could talk about basketball. He had a bad reputation around the community as a troublemaker who rolled with a crew in town. Since Husky took it upon himself to enroll in school, however, I figured he was salvageable.
Me: I liked what I saw out there. You're tough.
Husky: Thanks. That's just how I play, man. No fear.
Me: I can see that. What's your story, though?
Husky: What you mean?
Me: I've heard about you. Didn't you do time recently?
Husky: (surprised) Wow. Word flies like that? Yeh. I did time. Right now, I'm on probation.
Me: I'm not asking you these questions to disqualify you. I just want to know what I'm working with.
Husky: Nah. I understand. I'm just here tryin to get an education. Figured I try the college thing. Do the HVAC program and put all that other stuff behind me.
Me: What's the other stuff? Why'd you do time?
Husky: Aggravated assault and battery. I slashed somebody with a blade during a fight.
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