Column: Best Teachers – Even A Hoops Guru – Are Always Learning

(Editor’s Note: D.J. Allen knows Las Vegas, sports and business. Allen will occasionally write a column for LVSportsBiz.com that will show how the lessons of sports can be applied to the business world. This is Allen’s debut for LVSportsBiz.com.)

 

By D.J. Allen

For LVSportsBiz.com

 

Learning opportunities are all around us. If we choose to take them, that is.  

 

A few years ago, we were at a basketball coaching clinic in Arizona which has throughout the years featured some of the top names in the profession, including Oklahoma’s Lon Kruger, Arizona’s Sean Miller and longtime NBA coach George Karl. 

 

Over the two days of the clinic, 10 professional and college coaches – as well as a top NBA executive – gave presentations to the nearly 100 coaches in attendance. Most of the coaches were from junior colleges and high schools.

 

There was one coach in the audience who particularly caught my eye.

 

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During each speaker, he would listen intently while filling his notebook with teachings. And, after each presentation, he would ask the most questions. It was fascinating to see how genuinely inquisitive he was and how much he wanted to soak up knowledge from others.

 

But the story doesn’t end there.

 

See, the best student at the clinic was none other than Tim Grgurich, one of the most-respected basketball minds in the nation. The top coaches in America look up to this longtime NBA assistant as an icon in the basketball industry.

 

Grgurich was actually the final speaker of the clinic and, during his presentation, he referenced something he picked up from literally every presentation throughout the clinic.

 

It was mind-boggling. The smartest person in the gym those two days chose to get even better.

 

The best teachers remain the best students. And we can all learn from Coach Grg – even the elite choose to keep learning from others.

 

D.J. Allen is a performance & communication coach, author and speaker. His company – Xs & Os of Success – works with organizations throughout the nation strengthening teams, enhancing leaders and growing producers.