Sometimes looking back at my life up to this point, I
sometimes think if I could have a conversation with the me of 15 years ago what
would I say. Would I try to help myself avoid a mistake or failure? However now
reflecting, I think the me of today would need to do more of the listening
rather than speaking. I have had the privilege to go after many of my goals and
reach them. I was very passionate and energetic, feeling that with God nothing
was impossible for me. I wouldn’t accept no or failure, and always sought to
separate myself by doing the things that everyone else was unwilling to do.
I chose to not fit in with the crowd, and decided that I
would “pay now, and play later.” This approach helped me to walk –on to the
Villanova University basketball team even after getting cut twice (I eventually
earned a scholarship and significant playing time). I have lived out my dreams
working at USA Basketball ; traveling the world with the best players and
coaches in the game, and being a part of numerous gold medal winning teams even
at the Olympics and World Championships.
Sometimes the biggest hindrance to success is success. It is
tempting to relax a bit once you have reached certain goals or obtained things
that you have really desired. However, while it is good to be able to slow down
enough to enjoy your accomplishments, it is not good to rest on them.
Therefore, as I’m listening to myself I hear the BJ of
yesterday telling me today: Never stop dreaming, never stop reaching. Your
success is not for yourself, but serves to inspire those who
are coming up behind you.
Coach B.J. Johnson
USA Basketball
Assistant Men's National Team Director
More fun things about B.J.
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