I recently had the opportunity to exclusively interview Duck Richards about five random facts about himself, what's a lesson he has learned from basketball. Plus learning an interesting fact about Duck Richards . Check out my interview with Duck below:
Loryn: What advice would you give young professionals who are interested in playing basketball?
Duck: Young players aspiring to become professional basketball players must first understand that this is a business and it will take their total commitment to prove that they can play at the next level. It is more than just being physically fit for the game. Basketball is only 30% physical but 70% psychological therefore the mindset must be sharp in preparation for advancement. It is the player's responsibility to market themselves once they have exhausted or forged their college eligibility. Players must make sure that they have 4 Things In Order To Play Pro Basketball Overseas.
1. Passport (No one is interested in a player for overseas if they don't have a passport regardless of their talent).
2. Game Footage (After college, players need updated game film and Semi-Pro leagues such as the ABA can provide that).
3. Image (Attitude is Everything! Appearance, Well Groomed, Personality and Being Coachable).
4. Heart (Giving everything you got on the court. Coaches can't coach hearts. You either have one or you don't).
Loryn: What have you've learned about yourself during this pandemic?
Duck: In the midst of this deadly virus that has killed millions of people, I've learned that either I'm courageous or crazy but life must go on and I refuse to live in fear. I trust God in my daily living because He's in control.
Loryn: What is a lesson you've learned from the game of basketball?
Duck: I've learned that basketball is a vehicle that takes you from Point-A to Point-B. I instilled that in my children when they were very young to train hard in basketball to earn a scholarship and they all received a free college degree. Now they are professionals in other careers thanks to basketball. Players can only play for so long and then it's off to a new venture. Only 2% of players play in the NBA but millions of kids dream to play on that level. The interesting thing about the game of basketball is that it has different levels. Many players stay connected to the game by becoming trainers, coaches, get involved in basketball management or subsequently become team owners. I'm living proof. Since I picked up a basketball during my early childhood, I have never let it go. I totally love the game and can honestly say basketball has been very, very good to me.
Loryn: If you could change anything in the world what would it be?
Duck: I would change the heart of everyone so that people could genuinely love one another.
Loryn: What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
Duck: Most people don't know that I'm a former Presidential Bodyguard for President Ronald Reagan and worked in law enforcement for 20 years.
Be sure to stay updated with Duck Richard by contacting with him on LinkedIn .
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