A Story of a Parent Who Empowered His Son and Respected the Coach
Duane and Brad Shilling
Brad Shilling was a short, skinny, non-athletic freshman who loved basketball. There was a solid group in his grade, but not many skilled players in the grades above them. Brad and his father Duane Shilling came to me at the end of that season and asked what he needed to do to get on the court the following season. After I thought about it, I said this: “If Brad can hit the open 3, I could see him getting some minutes to stretch the defense so our big can get freed up in the middle. Little did I know the commitment Brad had for the game, and his father was willing to help him reach his goals. Together they made a plan that would enable them to track every shot Brad took over the course of the off-season. Brad worked on his release and his free throws and charted every shot he took so he could track his improvement.
Brad came back a confident young man who gained the ability to knock down open shots. Frankly, I was stunned. Now, I had a player that hadn’t demonstrated his new ability in games yet, but had put in the work in the off-season, and his improvement was obvious. He was still undersized, but I felt like he had earned it. Despite my hesitancy, I kept my word and threw him out there. Brad didn’t start or play a ton of minutes, but he had made himself into a shooting specialist for us.
It didn’t happen instantly. I remember I put him in one game and he passed up on an open shot. I pulled him over and I said, “Hey, you’re in there because you can hit that open jumper. I don’t have you in for your defense!” We both smiled. On the next possession he got an open look and he buried it. He threw a fist in the air showing the confidence we had seen in practice. It felt good for Brad, and it felt good for me too. He was a knock-down shooter for us all year busting zone defenses left and right.
Our season came to an end. We had a good year. Brad and Duane came to me again. “What can Brad do to get better to help the team and get more playing time?” He didn’t want to talk about coaching strategy, or anyone else on the team. He asked a great question that I have only heard from a short list during my 15-year coaching career. He was only concerned with how Brad could get better. I said, “If Brad could increase his athleticism, he could be more effective at both ends of the court.”
Brad planned his off season workouts with this in mind. The shooting continued as Brad and his father still tracked all of his shots and improvement, and they also added plyometrics and strength training to his regimen. When the season started, I noticed Brad was willing and able to guard bigger stronger players. His confidence was off the chart.
By the time Brad became a senior, he was able to guard on the ball really well. He was able to finish in transition, and he was a cold-blooded assassin behind the arc. We were a good team, but having someone like Brad who worked so hard to grow as a player was so rewarding as a coach. It made the success feel even better because of how Brad had earned it. He was committed to getting better every day and added something to his game every off-season. He understood the process and put in the work necessary to get good. In a 3 season span that team went 52-6. I always think of the effort and work Brad put in for that run. His ability and work ethic made everyone on our team better. We won back to back state titles and one league title Brad’s junior and senior year. But I’m even more proud of the men they have become after basketball.
Brad #11
But I also always appreciated Brad’s father. Duane Shilling was a high school football coach who was raising Brad on his own. He taught Brad that he had to earn everything he got in life. Duane never questioned my tactics. He never complained about playing time or compared Brad with other players. He only had one agenda- How Brad could get better. I am sure he had questions, but he trusted us with his son and helped his son develop a growth mindset and strong work ethic.
Brad finished college, and has a full time job. But he isn’t finished. He has a special love for soccer. He still plays in leagues around the area and even gotten a few looks by a semi-pro team. When I text or call Brad, one thing resonates with me: I’m reminded of a young man willing to work hard. Someone who is willing to work hard will reach greater heights in life than because of it. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you don’t put hard work with that talent, you’ll never find out how good you could be. Give me someone who wants to work hard and I’ll show you someone who will be successful in life.
Fellow coaches, as we aim to build teams, let’s not forget most of these young people will never play in professional sports. However, they will become adults. They will become parents. Let’s develop young people who will become great leaders.
Without exception, great leaders work hard. They embrace the tedious process of improving day by day. They stay consistent even through the struggles.
Let’s support them in this process. Let’s give them direction and also encourage them to think for themselves. Let’s create an environment that encourages individual growth. It’s the growth that breeds success. I’m glad Duane Shilling encouraged Brad to work hard to reach his potential as well as his dreams. I’m glad Brad continues to do just that. Reach your dreams. Get started today.
Duane Shilling, I salute you. You truly are one of the Greats.
Leave a Reply