βDeveloping Your Own Style of Play!β
May 13, 2024ποΈ As a little boy, Wade Houston knew that he wanted to be in athletics but he wasn’t sure if it would be basketball, football or baseball. Baseball was his best sport growing up. With Wade growing up in the industrial town of Alcoa Tennessee, involvement in sports was critical for the youth in the area.
ποΈ Even though Wade’s Dad and Uncle’s worked at the Alcoa Aluminum Plant he would listen to those that suggested that he get out of Alcoa and do something different.
ποΈ Initially, Wade’s goal was to play sports for an Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). However, Wade was the first Black Player to receive a scholarship to play basketball at the University of Louisville in May of 1962! Standing on the shoulders of the football players that had already paved the way was critical to the difficulty of the times!
ποΈ It was a bus ride home for Christmas break in December of 1962 that traumatized Wade to the point that he didn’t want to go back to the University of Louisville. However, with strong persuasion from his Dad, Wade decided to go back to U of L. Wade graduated with both his Bachelors and Masters Degree from U of L.
ποΈ At that time, there were only a few professional teams so Wade started teaching, coaching and playing on semi pro teams before eventually playing professionally in Europe.
ποΈ His first coaching job was at Ahrens High School which prepared him to go on to The Louisville Male High School. He was fortunate and blessed to coach Darrell Griffith, Bobby Turner and Jeff Mack! They were ranked the #1 high school team in the United States and would go on to win the State Championship in 1975!
ποΈ The style of play was very different in Europe. Athletes played all 5 positions instead of just being designated to one position like the U.S.. Denny Crum would come to U of L in 1975. Between learning from Denny Crum and the knowledge of the European style, Wade was able to bring those aspects of the game and dominate at the high school level.
ποΈ Since U of L wasn’t able to recruit the 7’1” athletes, they developed their own style of play with the talent that they had!
ποΈ Leadership would be the main lesson that athletics taught that would also be instrumental in the Business world for Houston.
ποΈ Back in the day, black assistant coaches were primarily recruiters. Realizing that they had unrecognized talent, they would form an organization called “Black Coaches Association”.
ποΈ Wade Houston would go on to become the 1st Black College Basketball Coach in the South Eastern Conference (SEC).
ποΈ Preparation is the key to handling high pressure situations. Networking is also an important skillset. Wade is constantly emphasizing leadership as well.
ποΈ Wade’s tips for what you should look for when picking a life and business partner:
- Common Goals
- Common Strategy
- Exit Strategy
ποΈ Wade also gives tips for starting a trucking business. It’s so much more than the trucks that you see going down the highway.
ποΈ Putting a bow on the conversation…
- Be engaged in your community
- Give back
- Be a good leader
- Be active
- Don’t be afraid to take risks
ποΈ God didn’t put you out there to let you fail! To whom much is given much is expected!
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