Have We Forgotten Why Basketball Exists?

What I Discovered at Big 12 Media Days

What happens when you ask some of the best coaches and players in college basketball a simple question:

Why was basketball created?

After attending Big 12 Media Days and interviewing Division I men’s and women’s coaches and players, I came home with something much greater than basketball content.

I came home with a renewed conviction about the purpose of the game.

In this special episode of Redeeming the Game, I share my experiences asking questions about Dr. James Naismith, discovering a documentary project exploring the origins of women’s basketball, and having meaningful conversations with coaches and athletes about their identity beyond the scoreboard.

Because somewhere along the way, many of us have allowed basketball to become more than a game in the wrong way.

We’ve allowed our wins, accomplishments, recruiting success, and performance to determine our value.

But what if understanding the game’s origins could help us rediscover its purpose?

And what if basketball could become a vehicle for something greater than our own success?

Basketball is a gift. Jesus is our identity. The gym is our mission field.

Join me as I share three discoveries from Big 12 Media Days and why I believe it’s time to redeem the game.

If could go back and talk to my younger self as a coach, these are the 10 things I’d tell him first.

I put them all into a free guide called “10 Things I Wish I Knew as a Young Coach.”

No fluff. No playbooks. Just real lessons from years of coaching, leading, winning, losing, and learning.

If you’re early in your coaching journey, or you want to coach with more purpose and clarity, grab it for free below.

👇 Free download linked below 👇

www.redeemingthegame.com/10things

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matt@redeemingthegame.com