Happy Thanksgiving

Kyle Lyddy, NACBM Director 

Thanksgiving is really a day to sit back and think. Really a day where we can sit back and say, "You know what, I'm a lucky freakin' person."

There is always, always something to be thankful for. At times we're too shy to share those things. Too scared to say "I Love You" or a simple "Thank You". But as hard as it may be to do; it's important to do. It's important to recognize those people and those things that mean so much in your life. Maybe they don't know? This is the time to say it.

People say basketball is just a game. Well, okay.... they're right. It is a game. But basketball goes far beyond just a game for me. I'll bring it back to my high school days, where I learned through basketball about friendships and team work. I'll take a step further while at UConn, where I learned some serious life lessons from Coach Calhoun. Yeah, basketball taught me about how to live my life. It's more than a game to many of us. It's a lifestyle. It's a calling. It's something that I truly love.

While at school, on the road or at a tournament far from home - you inherit a new "family". Your basketball family. No, it's not a home cooked meal and no it's not a nice comfy bed at home. Instead it's about the experience. About the people you are around - people who you will most likely be friends with for life. It's work.. It's a business trip. But it's all about the experience. Staying in hotels and away from your family is tough. But again, it's important to make the best of your experience and to lean on those who you are around. You may not be having your mom's home cooked turkey - or seeing your cousins you haven't seen in forever this week - but you will be spending time with 20 other people who are in the same boat; so I challenge you to make the best of it. As for those of you in the Bahamas, Maui, etc. Sorry, I have no sympathy.

Be thankful - for we live in the greatest country in the world. Be thankful - that there can't be a lockout in college basketball! Be thankful that you're in a position that plenty of people want to be in.

Enjoy your experience - as it will go by quick. Be humble with how you go about your business and realize that those who truly work hard will be the ones rewarded.

I encourage you all to continue to spread the word of the NACBM. I encourage you all to participate in the NACBM conversation on twitter (@NACBM) and our message board. Our momentum is strong, however need you to continue to spread the word. I am personally thankful to all of you - for your efforts and enthusiasm toward the NACBM - and for your work that at times goes unnoticed. We recognize that hard work and understand the hours upon hours that go into your position. Keep plugging away!!!

Yerooo