“I’m Supposed to Feel Disappointed, but I’m So Proud Of Them”
“It is all because of them.” — Hubert Davis on his team’s success against #1 seeded Baylor
As an avid sports fan, March Madness is one of my favorite times of the year. For one month, you get the pleasure of watching some of the gutsiest, nail-biting and exhilarating games that the sport of basketball has to offer.
This past Sunday/Monday, saw the end of what was a thrilling women’s and men’s tournament respectively. On the women’s side, South Carolina took care of business, handily defeating an extremely talented UConn team. The men’s side saw an instant classic between the University of North Carolina and Kansas and, though we could spend hours discussing the game itself, I want to spend just a few moments today highlighting UNC’s coach, Hubert Davis.
Davis took over the men’s basketball program at Carolina in 2021 — filling the shoes of legendary head coach Roy Williams. Expectations for a Carolina head basketball coach are high to say the least and, though his team came just short of a national championship this year, it is safe to say expectations were not just met, but exceeded.
What struck me about Davis was his noticeable lack of the use of “I did…” or “I said…” in interviews. So much of what he said was focused on his team and what they did not what he did. In almost every interview throughout the tournament his comments centered on how proud he was of the team and how happy he was for them to be able to create their own story in “Carolina blue”. The gratitude he has for his team was at the heart of everything he said.
Now, I don’t mean to say, and I don’t think anyone believes, that Hubert Davis’ coaching did not matter (his tactics and strategy are certainly a large part of the team’s success), but listening to him speak reminded me of the importance of being humble and showing gratitude toward those around you. Of course Davis’ coaching mattered, but it was the team that embraced his plan and stepped-up to execute.
Coach Hubert Davis is the embodiment of what it means to be a servant leader. Humble. Honest. And appreciative of what his team does. Despite not winning a national championship, The University of North Carolina has won itself yet another extraordinary role model, coach, and leader for years to come.
