Like many of you, for Michael Jordan I drank Gatorade to "be like Mike." I would do anything to attain his superhuman abilities. But realistically, few will ever experience the heights that professional athletes reach – physically, financially and socially. However, if given a chance to truly elevate one's self, maybe we'd like to attain what is in Andre Iguodala's cup. It's a drink that doesn't enhance our physical abilities. Few will ever experience being the NBA MVP and four NBA championships. The more profound effect, which we may desire, is how Andre has and continues to elevate himself and those around him. This is the Iguodala effect.
As a seventh-grader in Springfield, Andre experienced racial bias firsthand. As a tall, athletic black student being questioned for walking into an honors class is a moment he recalls vividly. He worked hard in that class and received an A. The class and the teacher became his favorites. A moment that could have fostered resentment was one that built resilience. It was motivation to erase any doubts in the teacher's mind about his intelligence. It is a moment he still relies on, because one must know "when to let someone sit in their ignorance or when to properly address them and how they are interacting with me." It is a lesson he still uses when dealing with teams, owners, and now in the board room. It's a lesson his junior high teacher likely also learned.
The energy shift in teammates and spectators as Iguodala would enter the game from the bench was visible and palpable. Being the sixth man would require him to start on the bench, giving up a role as a premier player. "The gift of sacrifice was not an easy one," Andre explains. "We as humans do not like to sacrifice." Yet it was what was asked of him, to do what would be best for the team. Andre would need to buy into this concept, as it could negatively impact him, mentally as well as financially. He acknowledges, "It was hard to buy into, but it was natural as well." Making this sacrifice, to become the sixth man, catapulted him to be an even more impactful player. Andre recalls it being "probably the greatest outcome of my career." This became another elevating moment for him, another lesson for all of us to learn.
While younger Andre may have dreamt about winning championship rings, the mature and now retired Andre has a vision of "helping to build the next generation of forward-thinking individuals." Andre understands the impact of youth development as he experienced firsthand during his tenure at Springfield's Boys and Girls Club. Exposed to kids from diverse and various socioeconomic backgrounds, he learned how to take constructive criticism while he learned the art of conflict resolution. These are skills he calls "street smarts." They are qualities he uses presently to navigate boardrooms and business deals. The Boys and Girls Club is also where he saw the need to inspire and support youth in marginalized communities.
His current mission to improve the representation of disadvantaged youth within the tech business world has become a passion for him. His jersey during the pandemic bubble games read "Group Economics." The concept is to build sustainable economic businesses and partnerships to elevate these communities.
Andre Iguodala is very intentional about decisions made in his name. They must be impactful and not self-serving. He and his mom, Linda Shanklin of Springfield, continue to advocate for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois. CEO Tiffany Mathis-Posey says their support has elevated services to 22 locations, which serve on average 2,200 kids daily. Tiffany says that these two understand that "our youth are our most precious asset." Having a safe space for her children was a big deal for Linda as a working mother. She currently serves on the board of directors of what has become the second largest non-metro club in the state of Illinois. This is the result of humble work, along with much more effort behind the scenes.
Andre assigns his direct success to the strength and sacrifice of his mother and grandmother. They built a foundation on "being a good person through God and doing right by others," Linda explains. These matriarchs helped the brothers understand who they were as black men in society. They impressed upon Andre and his brother, Frank Jr., early on to take care of business at school and "that nobody outside the house better tell me their business," says Linda firmly. Being accountable was a must. The sense of agency cultivated was a strong force in Andre's work on and off the court. That mindset continues as Andre has been elevated to be acting executive director of the National Basketball Players Association.
To Andre, faith is everything, though he doesn't talk about it much in relation to his life. Andre holds it close to himself. Being in God's word daily and living it is his form of discipleship. His mom is especially proud of his spiritual legacy and of him as a father. His legacy being how he operates, and impacts others, which is more important than any material legacy. Andre's humility in relation to his accomplishments is exemplary, as is his spiritually led work off the court. He reminds us of Phillipians 2:3 which reads, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."
We all know Andre Iguodala's accolades on the court. Let us also celebrate how he has elevated himself beyond the game. Teaching us that good guys do win. The faithful do flourish. Showing us that not putting yourself first – even being the sixth man –can get you farther. When asked about a future in coaching, he speaks of having ambitions of being a general manager or owner. He responds passionately about books read and completed business deals more than about past statistics. He speaks quietly and unselfishly about serving his community. That's the drink I'd like to drink. One that humbly elevates oneself beyond all expectations, all while taking us along for the ride.
Like Dre. If I could be like Dre.
Nicole Florence of Springfield is co-director of Memorial Wellness Center. She is exploring life outside of medicine as a documentarian and a writer.
