I recently coached at the Southern Nevada Invitational, a golf tournament for the top high school teams in Las Vegas and California. We were encouraged to come early on day 2, so that we could listen to world-renowned golf instructor Butch Harmon. Tiger Woods, Greg Norman, Phil Mickelson, Ricky Fowler, and Tommy Fleetwood are among his past or present players. Butch surprised us by bringing along a friend - two-time Master's champion and Ryder Cup winning captain Jose Maria Olazabal. While they both spoke about golf, many of their insights apply to any type of performance.

• Pros glance at the ball, and stare at the target. Amateurs stare at the ball, and glance at the target.
• To handle adversity, you must prepare yourself for it first. Then, if you can accept the adversity, you're in a good position to act.
• You must control your emotions and the ball.
• The best of the best understand their game and how adrenaline affects their body. They have learned how to perform under pressure, even if it's with their B or C game.
• Bad shots and bad holes are part of the process.
• Successful teams start with relationships, which requires spending time together.

 
You would be hard-pressed to name a basketball player who had more fun during March Madness than NC State's DJ Burns. With his ever-present smile and savvy court awareness, Burns led the Wolfpack on an unexpected run through the ACC tournament and on to the Final Four. There's far more to Burns, however, than being a basketball player. As his mother says, "DJ is bigger than basketball." Consider:
 
DJ Burns, the musician. Burns plays the upright bass, tuba, piano, and saxophone. He was a long-time student at Winthrop University's program for artistically gifted children. That same rhythm, musicality, and improvisation shows up on the court, as well.
 
DJ Burns, the servant. Burns enthusiastically cheers for his teammates and gladly shares the spotlight. He takes as much joy in passing as he does in scoring.
 
DJ Burns, the friend. Burns is seemingly a friend to everyone he meets. As a second grader, he literally gave coats and sweatshirts off his back to other students who needed them more.
 
DJ Burns, the jokester. Burns once showed up to practice wearing (only) a robe. He insists on keeping the mood light, and says when basketball stops being fun, he'll quit playing. He even made Zach Edey laugh during their national semifinal game.
 
DJ Burns, the vending machine owner. In addition to his many NIL deals, Burns owns two vending machines, earning a tidy profit selling snacks like peanut M&M's and jumbo Honey Buns.
 
DJ Burns is well-rounded, in the best sense of the word. His fun, vibrant and charismatic personality will serve him well in every endeavor.