There is no shame in learning that someone else is better at doing something than you are. Shame is only justified when someone else is better because you failed to make the effort, 100 percent, to realize your potential.

Dad's Seven-Point Creed: 1. Be true to yourself. 2. Help others. 3. Make each day your masterpiece. 4. Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible. 5. Make friendship a fine art. 6. Build a shelter against a rainy day. 7. Pray for guidance, and count and give thanks for your blessings every day.

"I don't care how tall you are, I care how tall you play."

"Do not mistake activity for achievement,"

But for me the "score" that matters most is the one that measures your effort—and ultimately, only you know the score.

It never got personal, because the purpose of criticism or discipline is not to punish, embarrass, or ridicule, but to correct and improve.

Ward Lambert's priorities in basketball were simple: conditioning, fundamentals, and team spirit. His priority as a person was more direct and demanding: stand up for what you believe—even when you stand alone.

"Never lie. Never cheat. Never steal," was his first set. "Don't whine. Don't complain. Don't make excuses," was the second set.

Young people need good models, not critics.