The Presence at Cameron Indoor Stadium-Duke Univeristy

I just left a quick visit to Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, NC, home of the Duke Blue Devils Men's Basketball team.  As we drove on to campus, we could not find the place.   We approached the football stadium and noticed a small, unassuming, old brick building with the sign in front of it that read "Cameron Indoor Stadium."  "This is it?" said my friend.  We immediately entered to witness a basketball cathedral of excellence.  Wooden chairs, gold copper railings, light wooden paneling in the bleachers and the famous announcer's booth hanging from the low ceiling.  "This is where a powerhouse was created?  This is the team that has won more championships than any other school in the last 30 years?"

The answer is an emphatic, YES!  After leaving this humble installation I was even more impressed by the work of Coach Mike Krzyzewski.  The place definitely has a "presence."  It is a good presence that speaks of wholesome values, hard work, humility, and doing things with pure intentions.  I became a Duke fan for life after today.  If excellence comes from humble origins, this is truly a case study for that theory.  I left inspired realizing that greatness can come from anywhere if the right leaders are in place to make it happen.

Learning From The Dallas Mavericks-no shortcuts

We have a new, and first time, NBA champion--The Dallas Mavericks!  Let's look at the qualities in the individual players that has made them champions:

• Tyson Chandler-brought a positive attitude, energy, and defensive toughness.  His attitude changed the culture of the team.  
• JJ Barea-fearless, consistently aggressive, constantly on the attack and putting pressure on defenses
• Jason Kidd-incredible court vision, unselfishness, and game awareness
• Jason Terry-confident and explosive leader/scorer.  A leader who puts team first.
• Dashawn Stevenson-great defender, tough, not concerned with scoring or accolades.
• Dirk Nowitzki-incredible offensive talent, unstoppable, took shots within offensive flow, held teammates accountable
• Ian Mahimi-big defender who maximized his minutes
• Brian Cardinal-big bruiser, better passer than appears, very tough, adds a hard-nosed attitude to the team
• Shawn Marion-athletic defender who causes matchup problems.  A steady and calm influence
• Owner Mark Cuban-the team's biggest fan and supporter.  He loves his players and they love playing for him
• Coach Rick Carlise-pushed all the right buttons with substitutions, defensive changes, and understanding his personnel.  Rick understood his team.  His calm and confident demeanor set a tone.

Dallas created a culture of unselfishness and they did so by repeated failure.  For 13 years they kept the main pieces of the puzzle and this loyalty to its core paid off.  This title was 13 years in the making!
Congrats Mavs!