I think someone should explain to the child that it's OK to make mistakes. That's how we learn. When we compete, we make mistakes.

We want to show how hip-hop, which kind of fuels today's basketball stars, is directly related to jazz.

I'm still my parent's child, I'm still me, but I made a choice. I evolved into Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. I think it has to do with evolution.

But people don't know if I can teach the game. I know I can. My experience in Oklahoma was positive. It opened my eyes to how the game is played - the interaction among players, fans and media, how all that works. You have to know about the business of the game and how the actions of players and coaches affect the business. I think I have it down now.

If they took the idea that they could escape poverty through education, I think it would make a more basic and long-lasting change in the way things happen. What we need are positive, realistic goals and the willingness to work. Hard work and practical goals.

I always thought I could do a good job coaching, but the opportunities have not presented themselves.

I can do something else besides stuff a ball through a hoop. My biggest resource is my mind.