One of my constant reminders was, "End practice on a happy note." I wanted the boys to want to come out to practice, and I wanted them to get a certain amount of pleasure out of basketball. It's a game. It should be fun. So I always tried to counterbalance any criticism in practice with a bit of praise. I wanted my players to feel that the worst punishment I could give them was to deny them the privilege of practicing. If they did not want to practice, I did not want them there.

The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.

If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes.

People ask me if I'd permit fancy things, like dunks. Well, if they did dunk, it was with no fancy flair. No behind-the-back dribbles or passes unless necessary. If it was for show, you were on the bench.

Hardship brings people closer together if you share it.

It is easier to reach our potential when we learn the value of including others in our quest.

The courageous struggle for a noble cause should be considered success itself.