The Best Coach I Ever Had

Denis Jones was the best basketball coach I ever had.

It’s taken me over 20 years to realise that.

Because truth be told, at the time, I hated Coach Jones.

He was tougher on me than anybody has been on me. Ever. Still to this day.

Tougher than any of my mentors. Tougher than any of my family members. Tougher than my parents.

I remember being reduced to tears by Coach Jones on multiple occasions.

I remember feeling like nothing was ever good enough for Coach Jones.

I’d drop 40 points in a game - he’d pick on my shitty defence.

I’d shut down the other team’s top player - he’d pick on the fact that I only dropped 20 points.

I’d post a triple double - he’d remind me that it didn’t matter... because we still lost the game.

Because he knew I had more in me.

He knew I was leaving something in the tank.

He knew I was capable of more.

And he was not going to let me sell myself short.

He was going to get the best out of me. And fuck... did he get the best out of me.

I talk a lot about going all in. I talk a lot about leaving nothing on the table. I talk a lot about leaving no stone unturned.

A lot of that originates from my time being coached Denis Jones when I was a teenager.

Often those who are the hardest on you are the ones who truly care.

They are the ones who are willing to push their own ego aside and be disliked in the short term to help you realise your full potential in the long term.

They are the ones who want the best from you, because they truly want the best for you.

You may hate them right now, but believe me... you will come to appreciate them more than you know.

Thank you, Coach Jones, for everything