In this impactful episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with two remarkable figures in the world of collegiate basketball: Coach Jordan Mincy, a respected basketball coach known for his commitment to developing young talent, and Anakin Brown, a promising college basketball player following in his father’s legendary footsteps. The conversation dives deep into the intersection of sports, family, and community, offering listeners a rich exploration of what it means to build a lasting legacy both on and off the court. Key Topics Discussed: Community Involvement and Leadership: Coach Mincy opens up about his philosophy on the importance of community engagement as a pillar of his coaching approach. He shares anecdotes from his career that highlight the role of sports in bringing communities together and how he encourages his players to be active, positive forces within their local communities. Anakin Brown adds his perspective on the significance of giving back and how his father’s example has shaped his views on community involvement. Family Legacy and Personal Motivation: Anakin Brown discusses the weight and privilege of carrying on his father’s legacy. He reflects on the pressures of living up to expectations and how he channels these into motivation to excel in his sport. The conversation also touches on the broader theme of how athletes can honor their family legacies while forging their own paths, with Coach Mincy providing insights from his experience guiding young athletes. The Determination to Succeed: Both guests delve into the mindset necessary for success in college basketball. Coach Mincy talks about instilling resilience and determination in his players, emphasizing that success is as much about mental toughness as it is about physical skill. Anakin shares his personal journey, including the challenges he’s faced and the mental strategies he employs to stay focused and driven. The Changing Landscape of Collegiate Sports: The discussion takes a turn towards the evolving world of college sports, particularly focusing on the recent changes brought about by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights and the transfer portal. Coach Mincy provides a coach’s perspective on the challenges and opportunities these changes present, especially in terms of recruiting and retaining talent. Anakin offers a player’s viewpoint on how NIL and the transfer portal have influenced his experience as a college athlete and how he navigates these new dynamics. Challenges in Recruiting: Coach Mincy discusses the increasing competitiveness in recruiting, the factors that influence a player’s decision to commit to a program, and the strategies he employs to attract and develop top talent. He also touches on the importance of character and fit, not just skill, in building a cohesive and successful team. Raising Young Men through Sports: A central theme of the episode is Coach Mincy’s dedication to raising young men, not just athletes. He elaborates on his role as a mentor and how he uses basketball as a tool to teach life lessons about responsibility, leadership, and perseverance. Anakin reflects on how Coach Mincy’s guidance has impacted his own growth, both as a player and as a person.