People love to talk about talent in sports—verticals, shooting percentages, athleticism. And sure, those things matter. But if there’s one thing I learned as a college basketball player at LSU, it’s this: mindset is what separates the good from the great.
For me, success on the hardwood wasn’t just about what I did in practice or during a game—it was rooted in my faith, my grit, and my mental approach to everything I faced. As a walk-on in the SEC, I wasn’t handed anything. I had to earn every minute, every moment. And looking back, I’m grateful for that.
Walking On with Purpose
When I joined the LSU men’s basketball team as a walk-on, I knew I wasn’t going to be the headline guy. I knew I wouldn’t always get playing time. But I also knew that my role mattered—and that I could contribute in ways that weren’t always visible in a box score.
That mentality didn’t come out of nowhere. It came from my faith. I believe that when you do things for a greater purpose—when you work with integrity and serve the people around you—you don’t need the spotlight to make an impact. That belief grounded me when things got tough. It helped me show up every single day, ready to do the work, with a mindset focused on the team, not just myself.
Faith That Fuels You
Faith gave me something deeper to hold onto, especially during the moments when self-doubt crept in. When you’re a walk-on surrounded by scholarship athletes, it’s easy to feel like you’re not enough. But I reminded myself constantly that I wasn’t here by accident.
Whether it was a long practice, a quiet ride home after a tough loss, or the grind of juggling academics with athletics, I leaned on prayer and scripture for strength. I truly believe God opened doors for me—not so I could boost my own ego, but so I could serve, grow, and eventually lead in a different way.
Grit in the Grind
If faith gave me direction, grit gave me drive. College basketball isn’t glamorous 90% of the time. It’s early mornings, long film sessions, tough practices, and constant pressure. And as a walk-on, your margin for error is razor-thin.
There were days I was exhausted. There were moments I felt overlooked. But that’s where grit kicked in—the ability to keep showing up, to keep bringing energy, to keep being a positive voice in the locker room. I embraced the grind because I knew my presence mattered, even if it didn’t always show up in the stats.
Grit is also about bouncing back. After a tough day, you don’t get to sulk. You recover, refocus, and come back stronger. That’s not just a basketball skill—that’s a life skill. And it’s something I know will serve me well long after the buzzer.
The Power of a Growth Mindset
Throughout my time at LSU, I learned how powerful a growth mindset really is. Instead of focusing on what I didn’t have—minutes, media attention, a scholarship—I focused on what I could control: my effort, my attitude, and my preparation.
I soaked up every opportunity to learn from our coaches, study film, and support my teammates. I became a student of the game, and over time, I saw how that mindset created opportunities—both on and off the court. I may not have been the most gifted player on the team, but I was one of the most consistent. And that consistency built trust.
A growth mindset also helped me reframe challenges as chances to grow. Instead of seeing mistakes as failures, I saw them as feedback. That mental shift made me more resilient, more coachable, and ultimately more prepared to step into leadership—even without the title.
Mindset for Life
Now that I’m pursuing a career in coaching, I see just how essential mindset is—not just for players, but for coaches, leaders, and anyone trying to make a difference. My goal is to help young athletes see that the game is about more than just scoring points. It’s about how you approach adversity, how you treat people, and how you carry yourself when no one’s watching.
Faith, grit, and mindset aren’t just part of my story—they’re the foundation of it. And if there’s one message I want every player I coach to walk away with, it’s this: success isn’t just about how high you can jump or how fast you can run. It’s about how strong your heart is, how deep your belief is, and how committed you are to the journey.
Because at the end of the day, the scoreboard fades, the buzzer sounds, and the lights go out. But who you become in the process? That lasts forever.