Lessons in Leadership from John Chaney
John Chaney was born in Jacksonville, Florida on January 21, 1932. His family moved to Philadelphia where he received awards and recognition for his basketball performances in high school. He graduated from Bethune Cookman and later played for the Harlem Globetrotters and in the semi-pro basketball league. He became the basketball coach for Cheney State University in 1972 then moved to Temple University in 1982.
John Chaney was a believer in caring for his players, working hard, teaching his players to have strong work ethics and standing up for what he believed was the right way to operate. His teams were known for their zone defenses and discipline. As recalled in Inspirational Quotes ” I’m just a blue-collar guy that goes to work, … In any job I’ve ever had, I’ve never thought about a time when I would leave. I just go to work.”—John Chaney
Articles of Interest:
New York Times Jan. 29, 2021
John Chaney, Hall of Fame Temple Basketball Coach, Dies at 89
2. The Athletic article By Mike Kern Jan 29, 2021
John Chaney: ‘I just want to be remembered as someone who cared’
3. ESPN article by Jeff Borzello ESPN Staff Writer January 29, 2021
Hall of Fame Temple basketball coach John Chaney dies at 89
Clear focuses of Coach Chaney:
- Player Relationships
- Strong Work Ethic
- Discipline
- Willingness to voice his opinion about injustices
- Basketball was use to teach about life lessons and growth