COVER STORY
grew up in, that’s more what I think my role should be in this profession. Journal: When you look at your coach- ing career, who were some of the people that heavily influenced you? Perhaps your coaching style, your preference for up tempo offense and defenses, your recruiting priorities when looking for athletes for your program etc.? Hamilton: You know they put people in jail for stealing. But everything I know, I stole from somebody else. I am the ultimate thief. From John Wooden, to Bobby Knight, those I have admired from afar to my immediate coaches that I’ve worked with. Nate Kelly, who I thought was a basketball genius, Joe B. Hall, Eddie Sutton, and then my personal mentors John Thompson and George Raveling. Those two were guys who’d walked a mile in my shoes and whenever I called them for fatherly or big brother advice, I was getting wisdom from men who had already gone through what I was going through. They related so much to my journey that I had both of those guys on speed dial. I learned from all of the coaches I worked for, Nate Kelly, Joe B Hall, and Eddie Sut- ton. I picked up a lot of my basketball philosophies from those people. Then I studied the game and watched other people. Then also I’ve had unbeliev- able assistants. I believe I’ve learned something about the game from every assistant I’ve ever had and that has made me a better coach. Journal: Now that you are universally recognized as an upper echelon coach, how important is it to you to mentor the up-and-coming generation of young African American coaches? Hamilton: By nature, I mentor people all the time. Sometimes I don’t even know that I’m mentoring them. So, I’m always open. I have people that I com- municate with. I had so many guys that helped me, so I always try and give back as much as I possibly can. I try to stay in my lane and just do what helps move the needle for all of us. But I do feel a sense of responsibility to do things the right
way so that I can be the best version of me. And I can encourage people to be the best version of themselves instead of trying to copy somebody else. Journal: It sounds like you don’t have very much free time. But in those rare circumstances when you do, what do you like to do with it? Hamilton: You are correct, I do not have much free time. But when I do I like gospel music. Journal: Just listening or actually creat- ing the music? Hamilton: Well, I have a gospel music label. I have two unbelievable artists and have released one album already. A sec- ond album will be released some time in December. Journal: Wow, that’s amazing. Please share the names of your label and artists. Hamilton: The name of the label is Five Oceans. The artist is Pastor James Bolton, and the name of his album is “Good To Me” I believe. Journal: So are you a musician yourself? The brothers want to know if you have some pipes. Hamilton: Oh no. I hired everybody. I can sing in the shower that’s about it. I sound awesome in the shower though. Journal: The bible says, “make a joyful noise” brother. I’m sure you can do that.
talk it, and exude it. When you really understand your craft. I just encour- age guys to study all phases of it so that they’ll be comfortable with everything they encounter. You know there’s some- thing about a man who’s knowledgeable and confident that speaks volumes even when he’s not saying anything. Journal: What would you be doing if you were not a hall of fame basketball coach? Hamilton: When I’m finished coach- ing, I want to move on to something else that’s meaningful. Were I not coach- ing, I’d be starting charter schools to educate our kids. Because I believe that education is something that no one can ever take away from you. And it gives you a level and position in life where more than likely, you’ll find a way to be successful. So I’d probably working in an educational field or along with some ministries in a church. Journal: Brother, we certainly appreci- ate you taking this time to share a small part of your journey with us. We’ll be following and rooting for your Seminole basketball teams as long as you’re at the helm. Hamilton: Any time brother. It was truly a pleasure to do this.
Hamilton: Well, I’m working on that.
Journal: We have a great deal of young Nupes and kids who participate in our Guide Right and Kappa League programs who may be interested in a career in basketball, either as a player or a coach, what advice would you give them? Hamilton: Become a total student of all that is involved in the game of basket- ball. Just try to study and be knowledge- able, because if you study and you know some things, you can speak it, walk it,
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