Gordon Herbert, the Canadian coach, shares his perspective on what truly constitutes a turning point in a coaching career. While many focus on winning titles and championships, Herbert recounts a profound experience that resonated more deeply than a championship victory.
He describes a period where he experienced a serious health scare. During a practice session, doctors diagnosed him with myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, and immediately halted his activities. He spent two and a half weeks sleeping nearly 16 hours a day, eager to return to coaching. Herbert admits he may have returned too soon, as the team subsequently lost four consecutive away games in the Euroleague, leading to his dismissal.
Following his termination, approximately twenty minutes after informing the players, eight players knocked on his hotel room door. They entered and stayed for about twenty minutes, engaging in a discussion. Herbert felt their empathy and respect, recognizing they had witnessed his struggle and illness. This display of genuine care and solicitude deeply affected him.
After the players departed, Herbert confessed, "I broke down and cried." He states this moment held more significance for him than winning the championship. Over the years, he has learned to differentiate between players who are truly invested and those who are merely spectators. The eight players who visited him, he realized, were the invested ones.
Herbert also expresses gratitude towards the German national team players and extends his thanks to Professor Roland Schmidt, Dr. Sebastian Torka, and the entire medical team at FC Bayern Basketball. He acknowledges their care and professionalism were instrumental in his well-being.
He concludes with a powerful statement: "Results matter. But people matter even more."
The Canadian is currently the coach of his national team and is set to lead the New Zealand Breakers.