Interview with KARLTON MIMS - Professional Basketball player in the Portuguese League
I had the chance to interview a friend of mine from Chicago, that is a professional basketball athlete here in Portugal. I decided to interview Karlton because mostly of my past coaches i lost contact with, and thought to create a different interview. Most of my classmates interviewed coaches, but i thought it would be interesting to get the perspective from an athlete stand point, and how important were his different coaches through his career. Here is the interview with Karlton Mims. If you have any questions, or would like to know a little more about him let me know and i will get in touch with him.
When did you first know what you wanted to do for a career?
I actually loved american football, boxing, and baseball be4 basketball
even crossed my mind. My cousin actually told me that 1day basketball
would be the ultimate sport 4...well here i'am.
What about basketball attracted you?
The attraction was easy. As a young kid watching the high school
christmas tournaments and watching the college march madness and seeing
the atmosphere of the fans (crowd). And not only that just the PASSION
of the players on the floor. I said this is what I want to do.
When you found basketball, did you feel like "this is it?"
I didn't feel it was it. I kinda regret putting all my eggs in one
basket (meaning just picking the sport basketball). cause I was very
very talented in the other 3 sports I mentioned. So when I selected and
continued to get better in basketball. I knew that this is where I
would put all my PASSION, DEDICATION, & HARD WORK into.
Was there any other person who particularly inspired you as a kid to play basketball?
Yeah, Like I said in question 1. My cousin played a big part in why i
play basketball now. And also my father wasn't a big fan of boxing, and
football. He thought it was too violent, and more prone to injuries. So
he suggested basketball.
Who was the most relevant coach in your life so far?
My Dad was the most relevant coach in my life. He continued to push me
to be the best and to succeed. But more important, just the "Dedication
2 Discipline".
Did that coach help build your trust and confidence as an athlete in and out of the court?
I think where I grew up and the hardships of my neighborhood was tough
and hard for most people to live. So trust and confidence was easy for
me. More important I gave my coaches the confidence to have confidence
and trust in me as a basketball player. So once again I think where i
grew up gave me the confidence and trust not only to do anything but
not be affraid to fail, and have the confidence to succeed.
How would you describe the contribution that he had made, the most important thing that he has done for you as coach?
I think the biggest thing a coach has ever gave me was the fearless
drive to succeed not only on the basketball court but in life. Also
just giving me the short term memory on the basketball floor (meaning
if i make a mistake don't think about it the whole game. but move on to
the next play). There's 1 thing about Mims..."IM GOING TO MAKE MORE GOOD
PLAY'S THEN BAD". That short term memory has lead me to be successful.
I
know it's hard to single out particular moments, but is there one or
two in your career that stand out as the most exciting or thrilling?
Uhmmm I think the most exciting thing for me is just being able to
choose my career. GOD has gave me an opportunity not only to play
basketball, but get paid$ playing. Because at the end of the day a lot
of people can't pick and choose what they want to do. I think this is
the most exciting and appreciative thing in my life besides my family.
I know this probably wasn't based on the question, but this is how I
feel.
Now
that you are a professional athlete, and if you look back since you
started to play ball, how can you describe the influence of basketball
coaches in your life?
I can describe each basketball coach in my life as an POSITIVE influence in my basketball game and in life. Even if me and that coach didn't see eye2eye. There was something that he gave me (positive) that I took and applied it to my everyday LIFE and BASKETBALL GAME. And I probably continue to apply until this day.
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Comments
Good interview. I liked the change of pace by interviewing a player about how coaches have affected them throughout their career. It's good to see that his coaches have had such god influences on him and that he has been able to take something positive from every coach. We as coaches don't always see eye to eye with the athletes but if they are able to take something positive from their experience with us coaches then we have been successful.
I thought it would a different perspective for all of us, to have the opinion of an athlete about his coaches, and how their influence led him to success towards becoming a professional athlete.
Nice work. I liked how you interviewed an athlete rather than a coach. We know what the coaches want their athletes to get out of it, but what do the athletes get out of it? I liked how you let us see this side, and also that he is a professional athlete. Not only is he an athlete, but a professional one, meaning sometimes I think they take granted their coaches, but you can tell by him that he still learns things from them and they are still postive influences. Nice work. Was interesting to read. :)
Good interview Tiago. Its interesting to see the perspective of someone and how they view their coaches and how they have affected them.