Pyramid Tribute: Initiative, Steve Lavin (Head Coach - St. John's)
After carving out a niche as a well-respected television analyst for seven seasons, Lavin, a 15 year coaching veteran (UCLA and Purdue), returns to the sidelines in 2010-11 as head coach of St. John's University.
Prior to his time in the studio, Lavin led the Bruins for seven
seasons, winning an impressive 65 percent of his
games (145-78) while on the bench. UCLA was also no
stranger to post-season play under Lavin, qualifying
for the NCAA Tournament six times. In those six trips,
the Bruins reached the Sweet Sixteen on five
occasions.
In addition to his success on the court at UCLA, Lavin was
always a winner on the recruiting trail, signing seven
McDonald's High School All-Americans to play in Westwood, many of
whom went on to careers in the NBA.
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During my 12 years coaching basketball at UCLA from 1991-2003,
I had the good fortune to establish a close friendship with Coach
Wooden. That relationship extended through my time as an analyst
with ESPN, and into the first few months of my current tenure at
St. John's University. Coach Wooden was a mentor, advisor and
trusted friend, and he is missed dearly.
Coach Wooden spoke about "initiative" as an individual's
ability to take action without hesitation - often with regard to an
altruistic act that benefits a greater good, organization or team.
The altruistic action taken reflects upon both the individual, and
the group as a whole. Therefore, the individual act of goodness not
only shows the individual's character, but becomes synonymous with
the organization of which the individual is a part.
The group can be defined by the actions taken by the
individuals within it, and taking decisive and productive action
becomes part of the group's identity.
If an individual is taught correctly, the ability to act when
necessary becomes innate. "Initiative" involves knowing what to do,
and when to do it, and doing it the same way every time. An
individual who takes decisive action for the benefit of the group
displays the elements of leadership that Coach Wooden always tried
to impart on those around him.
- Steve Lavin
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Photo courtesy of St. John's
Athletic Communications
Design courtesy of K-T-Studio.com
