Shelf Space

Shelf Space 

This one’s for the Moms…

What we know today didn’t just come to us, in a vision, or out of the clear blue sky.  Most, if not all of what we know today is because of what we learned once upon a time, from someone else. 

What we know today, in most cases, we actually began learning weeks, months, or even years ago.

My mom was a school teacher for 27 years.  She taught Kindergarten, 1^st, 2^nd, & 3^rd Grade.  Depending on the time of year and topic on the lesson plan, she would transform her classroom into an ocean or a rainforest or an elegantly set dining room for high tea, for a Mother’s Day Tea Party – complete with antique tea cups, table cloths, and dishes.

My mom didn’t just teach…she created.  She told me once that her goal, in teaching these young people, was to simply create shelf space.  During the unit on The Ocean or The Rainforest she would aim to merely plant a seed, creating a shelf in the mind of an 8-year old, who perhaps one day would have an opportunity to study or work in a related field later in life, adding to that shelf space of knowledge first created in the 3^rd Grade.

At the Mother’s Day Tea Party for 2^nd Graders, seven-year old boys and girls learned how to be well-mannered Men & Women.  Mom wasn’t as concerned about 2^nd graders mastering table manners or proper etiquette right then and there, but instead she was simply creating shelf space…so as young adults or professionals later in life, they could not only draw from what they’d learned, but also add to their knowledge on the ‘etiquette shelf’ first created in the 2^nd Grade.

The OneMoreStep Thought on shelf space is two fold: 

1)    You and I have opportunities every single day to create shelf space for someone else – our friends, family members, coworkers, teams, bosses, and even our students, Guests, or customers.  We all may not be experts, but all of us do have unique talents, time, and passions…sharing any one or all of them with the people in our lives just might create shelf space in their hearts and/or minds that one day could lead to a new sense of purpose, an inspiring journey, or simply a positive difference in their lives.

2)    Sure we work hard, and absolutely we can be proud of our accomplishments.  While some may have created their own destinies or climbed their “mountain” by his or herself, most of us have what we have today because of someone else.  Somewhere, at some point along the line, someone either gave us a break, gave us a shot, taught us a lesson, or inspired us to make a decision that would change our lives for the better.  We should remember those people, and tell them or show them how much we appreciate the positive impact they’ve made in our lives.

Join me in honoring all Mothers, Grandmothers, Great-Grandmothers, and Aunts on this Mother’s Day weekend, for the lessons and shelf space they’ve created for us over the years.  

To my Mom – Every single day I draw from or add to one of the thousands of ‘shelves’ that you first created in my heart and mind - some years ago, while others were just days ago.  Thanks for the lessons and thanks for the love.   

I love you…Happy Mother’s Day.

One for the road…

I was a unique case, having my Mom for a Kindergarten teacher, both of my Aunts were educators, and both of my grandmothers were educators.

Last week several colleagues and I participated in Junior Achievement’s – JA in a Day program.  We spent the day at a local Las Vegas elementary school, teaching Kindergarten, 1^st, 2^nd 3^rd, 4^th, & 5^th Graders about Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy.  

At first I was a bit nervous, standing in the front of a 4^th Grade classroom teaching 32 ten-year old students about Entrepreneurship, Business, Revenues, Expenses, Profits, Losses, Problem Solving, Risks, & Rewards.

However, thanks to the greatest teachers in my life – Mom, Nini, Jennifer, MomMom, and MaMa – I had ample “teaching” shelf space…so I just connected the dots backwards to all the years I watched and listened to my Mom, aunts, and grandmothers...teaching felt quite natural after that.

…and my colleagues and I took great pride in creating some ‘entrepreneurial’ shelf space for the students of Cunningham Elementary School. Who knows whom among them will become the next Steve Wynn, Walt Disney, Steve Jobs, or Bill Gates...

Happy Mother's Day...

Have a great day.

Taylor

"  ...you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life. " 

  -- Steve Jobs

Being there... Guest Blog Post by Sonny Ritacca

Guest blog post, by Sonny Ritacca:

Being there….

Greetings, One More Step Nation. 

It has been a privilege to read, live, love, and grow with the One More Step Revolution, and watch it evolve into what it has become today.    

However, having the privilege to have Taylor Scott in my corner for over 12 years, there is little I haven’t already seen put into action, on our playing field, better known, as “life.” These are not just words or concepts to him… They are his way of being.  

The greatest lesson learned and one that has been pivotal in my leadership journey is “being there”. 

I can’t think of one important day in my life, where Taylor has not been there in some form or fashion.  Whether it’s a promotion, graduation, heartbreak, loss, screw up, or simply to bounce off an idea or strategy; I don’t remember every beer we’ve enjoyed together, or all the antics that have ensued over the years (well I remember most), but I certainly remember every time he was there for the aforementioned moments. 

Not only does he celebrate with me, he cries with me; a true measure of one’s character.  “Being there” synergy is often the common denominator in our trusted circle of our Band of Brothers (we hit it off and immediately became the best of friends during and following the tragic events of September 11^th, 2001.)  Perhaps that’s why we have such closely knit, trusted group. 

In leadership or friendship, I truly believe that “being there” is what separates the good from the great.  To establish trust, loyalty, and partners that will go shoulder-to-shoulder with you, this is the right way to get there.  Be there for our people at the times that are most important to them and when they need it the most. 

As a leader, do not confuse this with the ability to have the tough talks with your people or an excuse for not holding your people accountable.  If your people feel that you love them and that you are there for them, the tough talks and measures of accountability become easier, and with greater impact.  How?  Because they understand that your position comes from a place of love for the person and the business.  They will walk away from it, feeling they let you down, and an unbridled hunger to do better and tear down the walls for you.

Furthermore, they will understand that you will be right there with them.  If they are not the right fit for the business, they will understand that you made every effort to get them there, before it’s time for separation.     

In his book, Leadership, Rudy Giuliani passes on a lesson he learned from his father: “Weddings are discretionary and funerals are mandatory”.  I love this lesson.  While being mindful of crossing personal boundaries for those you lead, understand when you need to “be there”.

Cheers,

Sonny

One for the road...

We took the month of April OFF, from writing OneMoreStepRevolution blog posts.  

I talked to Sonny the other day, and he said he hadn't seen a post in a few weeks.  I told him I was taking a break after feeling a bit discouraged, down, and even disappointed in a few outcomes as of late.  As usual, Sonny had some encouraging words, picked me up, and even went OneMoreStep in sharing some of his encouraging and passionate words with OneMoreStep Nation.

Thanks, for being there, Sonny...thanks for bringing us back. 

#45

Have a great day.

Taylor 

A few weeks after we first met, both Sonny and I experienced the 'not so magical' side of a breakup.  Two weeks later we found ourselves bonding at a Jimmy Buffett concert together in Manassas, VA on September 9th, 2001...cheering each other right up.  (Needless to say, we grew even closer just days later after the events of 9-11-01.) 

He grew up in Chicago loving baseball, and I grew up in Kentucky loving basketball.  He always appreciated the rich tradition and heritage of the Kentucky Wildcats, and I grew up with a fascination with Wrigley Field and watching the storied Chicago Cubs on WGN.  

We clicked instantly over sports, Disney, and Jimmy...to this day we go to games, Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Jimmy Buffett concerts...nothing like being there...

We both love Summertime, palm trees, oceans, islands, live music, Disney, and William James Buffett...12 years and upwards of 20 Jimmy concerts later...we seem to always remind each other of the importance of 'being there' for one another; which is how this whole thing started.

The more things change, the more they stay the same... 

 

Context Is King

Context is King

We get upset.  We get confused.  We’re often disappointed.  We are frustrated too frequently.

By the same token, we upset people, confuse people, disappoint people, and whether we realize it or not…chances are pretty solid that we also frustrate the people in our lives at work and at home. 

(People that know me will tell you that I've managed to become a professional at all of the above...however, I'm working on it...)

Why?

Too often we don’t know where they’re coming from on certain topics.  Maybe they don’t really know where our sudden burst of conviction and passion is coming from on those very same topics.  We AND They…far too often, just don’t know WHY…

OneMoreStep Thought: Tell ‘em why!  Give people the why’s.  Give people the context, the reason, the back story, the challenges…give them the CONTEXT of the situation.  The real OneMoreStep lies in not only giving the context, but ASKING FOR the context. 

It’s easy to preach, pontificate, and dictate our thoughts and our convictions.  That’s what everyone usually does; which is what usually turns off the person on the other end of the phone or the person in the other department or the person that has a complete opposite view.  Relationships get nowhere, fast, as a result.

On the other hand, when we pause, take a deep breath, and ask for more context, and ask for the why’s; if and when we not only ask, but listen to them…that’s when we begin to understand.  That’s when they begin to feel more comfortable with us; and it’s that comfort that leads to TRUST, and the trust, is what leads to thriving, productive RELATIONSHIPS.

Now…we’re partnering.  Now…we’re a team.  Now…we’re enjoying the conversation rather than avoiding it.

The challenge is usually rooted in the inability to communicate effectively, and the missing link, more often than not…is CONTEXT.

Context is King.  Provide it and Ask for it.

Have a great day.

Taylor

Related Post: Content is King with a twist

Championing

Championing

Champions are special…

They’re usually “the best’, the “winners”, and deserving of the title.  They’re talented, skillful, and have earned the respect of everyone.

They didn’t get there alone.  More often than not, they had a coach, a mentor, a leader, supporters, advocates…they had champions along the way. 

When you look up the word – champion; (champ · pi · on) – on Merriam-Webster.com, the #1 noun definition reads, “WARRRIOR, FIGHTER”.

One of the verb definitions reads – “to act as militant supporter of…”  I like that one too.

Champions are special because of all the championing they had along the way.  How awesome would you be if you had warriors and fighters, actively and aggressively supporting you? 

Better yet, how awesome would you and I be, if WE were the ones…what if we were the coaches, mentors, leaders, supporters, and advocates who made somebody go OneMoreStep, reach for the stars, diligently dream their dreams, realize their full potential, and/or helped them become that person God created them to be?

Champions are special…So wouldn't it be cool to be somebody's champion?

Who are you championing?

Have a great day.

Taylor 

Championing for the road…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY (March 19th) to one of my biggest supporters, one of my coaches (career and otherwise), one of my advocates, and one of my champions…my friend, Sonny Ritacca. 

We met in the summer of 2001 at a get together for returning Walt Disney World College Program Alumni.  We all loved (and still do) Disney and we were sort of champions for the Disney College Program, in our own right back then. 

A few months later, on September 11^th, 2001, those planes flew into the World Trade Center, and the world changed.  Our worlds changed.  We needed jobs.  We needed hope.  We needed friends.  We needed champions, in our lives.  We needed each other. 

Sonny was then and continues to be a champion, for me, his friends, his family, and his company.  Since that summer of 2001, every big day on the job, big interview, big test day in grad school, or even just for fun, I’ve received text messages, phone calls, emails, and social media posts, from Sonny, that read, “Play Like a Champion Today”.  Supporting, advocating, encouraging, and championing...

Son, thanks for being you, and thanks for championing me and others, for as long as we’ve known you. 

Happy Birthday, and as you continue to go OneMoreStep after OneMoreStep, for Avis Budget Group, to revolutionize the car rental industry, on behalf of OneMoreStep Nation:

Communities...

Communities…

Communities…

·         Consist of individuals, but they make a unified impact

·          Give life and meaning to otherwise meaningless situations

·         Support the greater good and a higher purpose, other than ‘self’

·         Ground us in familiarity, common bonds, and a sense of belonging

·         Complement individual strengths with the power of the sum of all the parts

·         Offer comfort, assistance, and encouragement

·         Serve their people well…

Even for those of us that enjoy our “alone time”, and for folks with a high need to ‘handle it’ on their own…the old adage, “there’s strength in numbers” is true.

We can only do so much on our own.  We can only be strong enough, emotionally, for so long.  We’re often smart enough, but only to a certain point.  We enjoy our alone time, but even that gets old, (particularly when we begin to sing to ourselves, talk to ourselves, or…or am I the only one?)

We’re no match for this world, on our own. 

Think about the teams we’ve been a part of, or those we belong to today.  How about our hometowns, where we grew up?  What about our past or current jobs, the department we worked in, for the company or organization or cause. 

It would have been tough to win a basketball game – One vs. Five.  It would have been rough sledding growing up, going to school, walking down Main Street, and trying to figure this whole thing out, at an early age, alone.  That first day of work, in a new job, in a strange company, around new people, tasked with delivering a high performance in areas about which we didn’t know what we didn’t know...facing that alone, with no support, would have been so difficult...

Chances are…we needed someone else.  We needed someone to spend just a little bit of their time…a part of their day, week, or maybe even one time per month was enough?  Not only did we have a need, that person or those people on the team, in the department, or in the company came through for us.  They helped us.  They made us feel like we could do it…we did belong…we all of a sudden had a strong sense of familiarity despite finding ourselves in an unfamiliar place.

It wasn’t the gym we played in, the job we had, or the company’s name on the outside of the building that helped us in those times of need…it was the community of people around us.

OneMoreStep thought: Since communities have and continue to serve us so well, it’s incumbent upon all of us to find ways – on our teams, in our jobs, at our companies, and even in our families – to serve our communities well.

Wherever you are, and whoever is in your life, in your family, in your department, or on your team…go OneMoreStep, on a regular basis…serve them well.  They may be in need…they may need some community in their life, and you could be the one to make the positive impact.

Have a great day.

Taylor

One for the road…

Recently my grandmother passed away, and I went home to Grayson, KY to be with my family.  It was a sad time for all of us in our family, and in our community.  My grandmother was a teacher for 38 years.  So Facebook comments from past students and people close to our family lit up our news feeds.  Flowers were sent to the funeral home. 

People from not only the Grayson community but also neighboring communities came to visit our family to pay their respects. The East Carter High School Raiders basketball team and coaching staff sent me a gift (though I graduated from high school over 15 years ago).

A group of folks from our church put together a late lunch for our family after the funeral. 

Our entire extended family met at our church, following the funeral, and we were met with a buffet style lunch, complete with multiple entrees, salads, and especially desserts (plural…many desserts).

It was so touching, to see these folks take time out of their day, on a Monday afternoon, to serve others in their community who needed some comfort and assistance.

That type of community service inspires me to serve my communities well, early and often…

Thank you, First Church of Christ community, and thank you, to my friends, former coaches, former and current teammates, and friends of my family, that supported us last week.

Gifts from a Coach

Gifts from a Coach

For: Coach Baker, Coach Easterling, and Coach Calhoun…

My childhood and high school years were largely centered on the game of basketball; watching, playing, coaching, learning, practicing…or dreaming about basketball.  I loved it…still do…and I always looked up to my coaches.

When I was a senior, our head coach, Charles Baker, now retired and in the Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame, brought a gift to our house.  It was a beautifully framed still life print, full of authentic memorabilia of ‘Kentucky Life’:

a Kentucky Derby Trophy (Proud Carrion's), Derby roses, a mint julep in a traditional silver julep cup; jockey racing silks, cap, whip, saddle and a fox horn to represent horse country, a U.K. basketball and jersey (Ron Mercer's); the first printing of the state song, "My Old Kentucky Home" by Stephen Foster; the state tree and flower; a "hand" of tobacco: a decanter of Bourbon; lumps of coal; a flintlock pistol; arrowheads and a buckskin jacket to represent Daniel Boone, pioneers, and native Kentuckians; and a banjo for our world renown "Bluegrass" music.

Earlier, in my high school days, I had seen this print in his office, and I commented on how cool it was…months later, Coach gave it to me as a graduation gift.

My grandfather went to all of my high school (and Junior High, for that matter) basketball games, sat on the front row, and cheered us on…win or lose, we always knew he was there.  My sophomore year at Florida Southern College, my grandfather, Nick DeSantis (PopPop), went home to Heaven.  I flew home to Kentucky, of course for the funeral, to be with my family. 

In addition to visiting with our family, Coach Baker sent a special gift, addressed to me – it was a white, wooden and ordinary looking clock…but the message Coach sent was extraordinary.  He knew of my close relationship with PopPop, and he knew how tough this life event would be for me.  The card simply read, “It just takes time…” He later explained more to me, in person, how it will get easier...with time...and to hang in there and be strong for my mom, aunt, uncle, and my grandmother. 

When I saw Coach at the funeral home, he came up, gave me a huge hug, and told me all about how PopPop had been a loyal East Carter Raider basketball fan long before I came along.  We shared some laughs with several folks gathered around, told stories of PopPop, and Coach stayed, visiting with my family for hours during that tough time.

Since leaving my hometown to pursue my college education and a career in hospitality, I’ve lived in Lakeland, FL, Orlando, FL, Ithaca, NY, Las Vegas, NV, Miami, FL, Orlando, FL (again), and then Las Vegas, NV (again).  The “Kentucky Legacy” print and the white clock are both proudly displayed in my living room, today, and I’ve kept them on display, with every move I’ve made, for the past 16 years.

I tell this story because it’s a great metaphor for both the opportunity and gift of COACHING.  The clock and the beautiful Kentucky Legacy print were tangible gifts.  Coach Baker, Coach Easterling, and Coach Calhoun, during my high school years, also gave me countless intangible gifts, as they taught, illustrated, encouraged, and pushed me, almost daily; to strive for excellence…they coached.

As March Madness approaches, I can’t help but reflect on the many gifts my coaches have passed along to so many East Carter Raiders and Lady Raiders over the years. 

The gifts of their coaching all those years ago are now relevant in life, and they still guide me today in business:

“Fight through it…” – Coach E.

“Be around the ball…” – Coach Baker

“Play smarter, not harder…” – Coach Calhoun

“Don’t get satisfied…stay focused on improving…” – Coach E.

“Get mentally tough…MTXE…” – Coach Baker

“Don’t think of yourself as a second class player…you belong here…” – Coach Baker

“Be confident…” – Coach Calhoun

”Don’t get ‘flustrated’…slow down” – Coach E-ism

“Knuckle down…and get after it” – Coach Baker-ism

“Play hard…Have Fun…Listen to your coaches…” – East Carter Raider Basketball’s culture, driven home, every day, by our coaches.

For Leaders, Bosses, Teachers, Professors, Doctors, Lawyers, or actual coaches of teams…we should never underestimate the opportunity we have, to teach and coach.  We just never know how impactful and meaningful our words may be to the people on our teams and in our lives.

Never underestimate the gifts from a coach.  If delivered in the right ways, they last forever.

Have a great day.

Taylor

One for the road:

Good luck to Coach E., and the Lady Raiders, as they take on the Lewis County Lady Lions in first round action of the 16th Regional Tournament, Saturday at Ellis T. Johnson Arena, in Morehead, KY.

Go Lady Raiders!   

Play hard. Have fun. Listen to your coaches...

#MTXE  (Mental Toughness eXtra Effort)

State of the Union & a Hoops Illustration

State of the Union & a Hoops Illustration

President Obama gave his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress earlier this week.  I’ll stay on the edge, but I won’t go off the political cliff on this post, I promise.   

There’s an underlying OneMoreStep opportunity here…

The president gave his address and almost immediately thereafter, newsrooms and politicians on both sides of the aisle fired up the political debate.   

Everyone commenced, with their own spin, their own ideas, most of which pointing toward their own personal or political agendas.

WHOAH!!!!  Aren’t we all on the same team? For one cause? For one country, our country, our…Union?

I thought it was the ‘State of the Union’ address…Operative word – UNION –, which is defined as:

1) the action or fact of joining together or being joined together
2) a state of harmony or agreement

This made me think about the state of the “union” as it applies to our lives at home and at work. 

Friends, community groups, relationships, marriages, coworkers, leaders, bosses, colleagues - Are we “joined together” in “harmony”?  Or are we at odds with one another, paralyzed by differing opinions and polarized by opposing personal agendas?

Unfortunately, too often we find the supposed unions in our lives in a less than harmonious state.

The OneMoreStep opportunity, in the context of enhancing the state of our unions, at home or at work, is to spend time and energy building more community WITH each other as opposed to building a better business case AGAINST each other. 

It should be all about We, not Me.  After all, the Constitution of the United States begins with, “We the people…” not “I am awesome…”  

Pardon my love for basketball in this quick illustration, but hang with me here.  If nothing else it will be the only post in the blogosphere that goes from ‘State of the Union’ to ‘Michael Jordan & the Chicago Bulls.’   

It’s blogging history in the making. For those of you just joining us, Welcome Aboard…

Remember the Chicago Bulls, in the Michael Jordan era?  When MJ first got into the league, it was all about him – ’87 & ’88 Slam Dunk Champion, Michael Jordan…League’s Leading Scorer, Michael Jordan…Hot New Shoes, by Michael Jordan (I had em all. #UrWelcomeMJ).   

Jordan, Jordan, Jordan… As fans it was spectacular for us to watch, but as far as the state of their union at Chicago Stadium in the early days, it was a sad scene.

The Bulls didn’t start winning championships until it became less about Michael Jordan and ALL about the Chicago Bulls, the TEAM – Scottie Pippen, BJ Armstrong, Horace Grant, Bill Cartwright, Toni Kukoc, Steve Kerr, Dennis Rodman, and the list of supporting cast goes on and on.

Once their state of the union was in a good place (thanks to coaches Tex Winter and Phil Jackson’s leadership), they rattled off three consecutive NBA Finals championships in ’91, ’92, and ‘93.  MJ stepped out for two years, which broke up their union, and the Bulls went two years without winning a championship. 

Michael rejoins the team in the ‘95/’96 season; they further enhance their sense of union...

Michael averaged 30 points per game that year and shot 50% from the field, which is sick.  However, in the NBA no team can win only scoring 30 points per game.   

MJ had the likes of Randy Brown, Jud Buechler, Jason Caffey, James Edwards, Jack Haley, John Salley, Dickey Simpkins, Bill Wennington, Luc Longley, Steve Kerr, Toni Kukoc, Ron Harper, Dennis Rodman and Scottie Pippen…all of whom combined for an average of 75 points per game. 

That Chicago Bulls TEAM, averaged a total of 105 points per game, holding their opponents to an average of 92 points per game.  They had a record of 72-10 that year and won the NBA Finals Championship.  To this day, it still stands as the best record of any TEAM in the history of the NBA.  They proceeded to win it all each of the next two years in ’97 and ’98.

Michael was the best player…but the Chicago Bulls won their six championships because of their ability to play as a team.  They had a great state of UNION.  I used to watch and re-watch games, Sports Center, and NBA Specials over and over again.   

I remember a clip of Michael in the huddle at a time out, encouraging his teammates, “come on…we’re alright…everybody get together…”  #Union

Remember Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs in ’97?  It became known as “The Flu Game”.  Michael had the flu and was extremely ill during the game.  He had no energy and was at the brink of exhaustion, but Scottie literally, physically held him up, kept encouraging him. 

We all watched what greatness is all about, as MJ was MJ and dropped 38 points, as the Bulls won the game and eventually would win their fifth title.   

It was the other guys on the team that kept Michael from quitting.  They helped each other, and together they won a championship ring.

Even in his finest moments and in his most amazing individual performances, Michael Jordan understood the importance of a strong union among the team.  He even appreciated the magnitude and significance of doing what he did where he did it, in the greatest sports city in this great nation, Chicago, IL. 

As great as he was, individually, his awareness and appreciation of the bigger picture was evident in his comments to over 300,000 people at the Bulls Championship rally in Chicago’s Grant Park in June of 1998. 

The Bulls had just won their sixth NBA title, and Michael said: 

“Nobody knows if we're going to be in Grant Park next year. But the one thing I do know is my heart, my soul and my love has always gone to the city of Chicago. And no matter what happens, my heart, my soul and my love will still be in the city of Chicago."

Dennis Rodman’s comment, at the same rally, summed up that team’s strong state of their union:

“I've always told myself I would never get married again. I would never have another wife," Rodman said. "But if I had to marry anybody, it'd be these 12 guys right here."

I love the United States of America, the greatest union in the world.  I love basketball, and I loved the Chicago Bulls. 

And I just love it when we all join together…a true state of 'union'.

Have a great day.

Taylor

Two for the road...

February 17th is MJ's birthday..

On behalf of basketball fans, players - past, present, and future - coaches, and leaders all over the world, HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY TO MICHAEL JEFFREY JORDAN.

Thanks for the memories... 

Also earlier this week, the Kentucky Wildcats were dealt a tough blow, as Nerlens Noel suffered a season-ending injury, tearing his ACL in a game at SEC rival, University of Florida.

It was so tough to watch, as a KY Wildcats fan and as a fellow TORN ACL / RECONSTRUCTIVE KNEE SURGERY (times two) ALUM.  

What was beautiful to watch was the scene that unfolded just after the injury took place and just before play resumed, at the eight-minute mark in the second half.  

The Cats were making a bit of a run, coming back, cutting into Florida's lead, in front of a sell out crowd - 12,000 rowdy reptile Gator fans - at the unfriendly confines of the O'Connell Center at UF.  

All of a sudden the game itself seemed to become secondary, to the Kentucky players.  Five guys gathered around Nerlens, literally picked him up, and carried him off the court...all the way into the tunnel.  

Each of them giving their injured teammate and eventual top five pick in the NBA Draft, a hug and words of encouragement before heading back onto the court to finish the game.

Pretty strong sate of 'union', for a group of 18, 19, and 20-year old young men...that was a beautiful site.  

Big Blue Nation is still behind our Wildcats 100%, as we lace 'em up again Saturday, on the road at Tennessee.  We'll be rooting for them, and win or lose, this Wildcat Team will play together...you count on that.  

And we'll probably win it all...again.

Go Cats!