I was curious. I wanted to improve, learn, and fill my head with the?history of the game. No matter who I was with—a coach, hall of?famer, teammate—and no matter the situation—game, practice,?vacation—I would fire away?with question after question.

A lot of people appreciated my curiosity and passion. They?appreciated that I wasn’t just asking to ask, I was genuinely thirsty?to hear their answers and glean new info. Some people, meanwhile,?were less understanding and gracious. That was fine with me. My?approach always was that I’d rather risk embarrassment now than?be embarrassed later, when I’ve won zero titles.