Josh Powell-Wolfpack Post

http://packinsider.com/2010/06/josh-powell-bigger-than-expected/

Josh Powell: Bigger Than Expected

June 24, 2010 by Matthew Bradham
The fact that great things are attainable, is the sole reason people develop large sized aspirations and dreams. As a child, the sky is the limit. They believe that everything is possible. In their minds, they will one day walk on the moon, be the best fire fighter, and play in the NBA and have championship rings on every finger. Unfortunately that childlike faith eventually fades, reality sinks in, causing most to be skeptics and doubters. Eventually aspirations and dreams go from grand to microscopic.Former NC State forward Josh Powell can relate to this fact. According to him, he didn’t see any of this coming. If you would have told Josh that one day he would be a 2-time NBA world champion, playing for one of the most storied franchises of all time, under one of the greatest coaches of all time, and along side of one of the greatest players of all time...he wouldn’t have believed you.“I didn’t foresee any of this coming. It’s a blessing for me to even be where I am at, to even be a part of the NBA”, Powell said. “To be a part of championship teams, to be a part of history is a blessing I never thought I would have. I’m very, very thankful and grateful. I don’t take any of this for granted.”Powell collected his second championship ring in his 4th year in the NBA. His path up until this point has been unconventional to say the least. After leaving NC State after his sophomore season, and going undrafted, Powell spent time playing overseas and in the D-league before being called up by the Dallas Mavericks. After stints with the Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers and the Los Angeles Clippers, Powell found himself sitting under the leadership of Phil Jackson, who had 9 championship rings at the time. As we all know, Jackson has picked up two more rings since Powell joined the Lakers. That gives the Zen Master 11 championship rings in the past 20 seasons (he only coached in 18 of those seasons). Powell never dreamed of being coached by a living legend like Jackson, and he attribute’s the coach’s success to his patience and his relationship that he has with his players.“Phil is a guy that definitely allows his players to be in control. A lot of times he will ask us how we want to play a team defensively, or what we want to do offensively”, Powell said. “He allows guys to grow on the court. He’s not one of those guys that will pull you out of the game when you make a mistake. He’s really patient, and that’s the good part about him. With him as the coach, you are able to grow and develop as a player.”After earning his 5th championship ring, Kobe Bryant has talk-radio hosts and basketball analysts discussing whether or not he is the greatest Laker of all time, and possibly one of the best basketball players of all time. Playing alongside of a player of Kobe’s magnitude was another thing that Powell didn’t see coming, and according to him, it’s been inspirational.“It’s amazing to be in Kobe’s presence. To be able to watch a guy like that and see the things that he’s accomplished, day in and day out, it’s a blessing”, Powell said.” Kobe and I both share a really intense work-ethic. We both have a lot of heart and determination. It’s because of these qualities that we have been able to have the relationship that we have on and off of the court.”
The fact that great things are attainable, is the sole reason people develop large sized aspirations and dreams. As a child, the sky is the limit. They believe that everything is possible. In their minds, they will one day walk on the moon, be the best firefighter, or play in the NBA and have championship rings on every finger. Unfortunately that childlike faith eventually fades, reality sinks in, causing most to become skeptics and doubters. Eventually aspirations and dreams go from grand to microscopic.
Former NC State forward Josh Powell can relate to this fact. According to him, he didn’t see any of this coming. If you would have told Josh that one day he would be a 2-time NBA world champion, playing for one of the most storied franchises of all time, under one of the greatest coaches of all time, and along side of one of the greatest players of all time...he wouldn’t have believed you.
“I didn’t foresee any of this coming. It’s a blessing for me to even be where I am at, to even be a part of the NBA”, Powell said. “To be a part of championship teams, to be a part of history is a blessing I never thought I would have. I’m very, very thankful and grateful. I don’t take any of this for granted.”
Powell collected his second championship ring in his 4th year in the NBA this season. His path up until this point has been unconventional to say the least. After leaving NC State after his sophomore season, and going undrafted, Powell spent time playing overseas and in the D-league before being called up by the Dallas Mavericks. After stints with the Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers and the Los Angeles Clippers, Powell found himself sitting under the leadership of Phil Jackson, who had 9 championship rings at the time. As we all know, Jackson has picked up two more rings since Powell joined the Lakers. That gives the Zen Master 11 championship rings in the past 20 seasons (he only coached in 18 of those seasons). Powell never dreamed of being coached by a living legend like Jackson, and he attribute’s the coach’s success to his patience and his relationship that he has with his players.
“Phil is a guy that definitely allows his players to be in control. A lot of times he will ask us how we want to play a team defensively, or what we want to do offensively”, Powell said. “He allows guys to grow on the court. He’s not one of those guys that will pull you out of the game when you make a mistake. He’s really patient, and that’s the good part about him. With him as the coach, you are able to grow and develop as a player.”
After earning his 5th championship ring, Kobe Bryant has talk-radio hosts and basketball analysts discussing whether or not he is the greatest Laker of all time, and possibly one of the best basketball players of all time. Playing alongside of a player of Kobe’s magnitude was another thing that Powell didn’t see coming, and according to him, it’s been inspirational.
“It’s amazing to be in Kobe’s presence. To be able to watch a guy like that and see the things that he’s accomplished, day in and day out, it’s a blessing”, Powell said.” Kobe and I both share a really intense work-ethic. We both have a lot of heart and determination. It’s because of these qualities that we have been able to have the relationship that we have on and off of the court.”
Even though sometimes our childlike dreams can fade away, every once in awhile we are blessed beyond the level of our faith, or the size of our goals and dreams. Such has been the case for Josh Powell, and a lot can be learned from his example. We should all dream big dreams and be thankful for all of the blessings in our lives, especially the ones we don't see coming.
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