Not too long ago, the good folks at Hachette Book Group were been kind enough to send me an advanced copy of Coach K’s new book, The Gold Standard: Building a World-Class Team. They asked me to read it and review so I figure I would oblige. I would have done this sooner, but my wife took the book away from me and read it before I had a chance to.
First, I should mention that my wife gave this book a big thumbs up. After reading this book, she said she would love to read other books by Coach K. This comes from a person who isn’t really a Duke fan, just a good supportive wife…although she lives for March Madness. This was also the first book written by Coach K that I have read and it won’t be my last.
Basically, this book is the story behind Coach K and Team USA’s three year journey in pursuit of the winning the gold medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. It starts off with Coach K being named Head Coach of Team USA and ends with 12 gold medals around his neck after Team USA beat Spain for the Gold. However, what happens in between is the best part. As the title suggests, he explains what it takes to build a world-class, gold medal winning team. Each chapter starts with a lesson about leadership and a particular step one must take to build a successful team, not just in sports, but in business and life. From there, he goes into greater detail on how he executed each step, using Team USA as the example.
One thing you’ll really love are the “moments” Coach K reflects on in each chapter. You’ll gain a newfound respect for guys like Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd, DeWayne Wade, and even Carmello Anthony through these moments. You’ll also read how Coach K established patriotism, selflessness, trust, and respect among twelve of the best basketball players in the world. You’ll read how he set the standard that allowed them to play as a team, not just for each other, but for their coach and for their country. You’ll also read about love and respect those twelve guys had for Coach K because of the methods of leadership he implemented.
As I was reading this book and taking in all the lessons Coach K presented, one name quickly popped in my mind, Gilbert Arenas. I remember he was making some ruckus about not being named to the Men’s National Team. He said he believed he was not given a fair tryout and a groin injury that he had was just an excuse not choose him for the team. Truth is, guys like Gilbert are too selfish understand Coach K’s concept of team basketball. Guys like Gilbert are why we lost the gold in the past. Coach K has too much class to bring up that subject, but it was painfully obvious while reading this book. Gilbert, you may be a great basketball player, but you’ll never be a champion as long as you put yourself above the team.
Ultimately, if you are a fan of Duke Basketball, College Basketball, or the NBA, you’ll love this book. Also, I believe this book should be read by coaches or those who want to become coaches. Coaching goes beyond X’s and O’s and Coach K gives you the blueprint on how to build a world class team. If you haven’t read this book yet, do so soon, you won’t regret it. While this book is a great read, ultimately, I believe this book makes you want to be a better leader and an even better person.