Tony’s Take: Volunteer | NBA | Mad Dog | Edition 95 

By Tony Duckworth, [email protected]

Volunteer.  The AP reported on May 13 that a federal judge in California has given final approval to a $303 million class-action lawsuit against the NCAA, which will pay former volunteer coaches in sports other than baseball a minimum of $5,000 for unpaid work. 

The 7,718 members were volunteer assistants between March 1, 2019, and July 1, 2023. By NCAA rule, they were prohibited from receiving pay or benefits. The rule was rescinded in January 2023, and the lawsuit was filed two months later to resolve wage-fixing claims. 

The Judge approved the minimum payment of $5,000 and an average payment of $27,000 per class member, with some potentially receiving significantly more. 

When I began my high school basketball coaching career in Macon following my college graduation in 1990, I began asking coaches how to break into the college ranks.  Given that I did not play college ball, I didn’t have a network of coaches to help direct my path.  Some mentioned trying the graduate assistant route, but again, having not played sports in college, I had no “in” to the college game.  Others told me a path to gain experience was to find a program where the coach was understaffed and looking for a volunteer assistant.  I found a home with a former coaching volunteer at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA. 

I am not siding with the NCAA, but having personally benefited from a volunteer “apprenticeship,” I would not have had any heartburn if the coaches had never filed the claim.  I am offering a different perspective on the value of delayed gratification and learning skills while earning no wage.  Being single and debt-free afforded me the ability to chase my dream.  I worked various jobs at the beginning of my journey.  I had two wealthy retired men who employed me to do yard and landscaping work, and one summer, I was a part-time employee of the Chattanooga YMCA.  The Y worked well as I was completing my Master’s degree at the University of Tennessee – Chattanooga.  The work that best aligned with my desire to coach was to recruit teams for a team camp for the retired legendary Tennessee Temple University men’s basketball coach, who founded SCORE International. SCORE is similar to Athletes in Action.   

Volunteering opened the door for me to enjoy a 31-year intercollegiate career, first coaching men’s college basketball and later serving as an NCAA D-II director of athletics for 15 years at three universities.  

Over the years, when a young professional contacts me for advice about breaking into college athletics, I am quick to encourage them to keep an open mind to volunteering.  You never know what doors that experience will open as these young professionals begin the climb in their careers. 

NBA.  I have never had the impression that this is NBA country.  I’m certain there are fans who share my enthusiasm, but nothing like the Braves, NFL, CFB, or CBB.  

Regardless, general sports fans owe it to themselves to tune in to watch a rising star who is a once in a generation talent.  The Spurs Victor “Wemby” Wembanyama is the reigning NBA defensive player of the year.  The 22-year-old is the youngest ever to win this award, and Wemby is the first unanimous winner.  His ability to disrupt the game due to his 7’ 4” wingspan, length, and explosiveness is a sight to see. 

Wemby’s defensive prowess is amazing, but I marvel at the offensive skill level of the Frenchman.  Wemby can rebound the ball and go coast to coast like a guard.  He is an effective 3-point shooter with the skills of a perimeter player.  In short, he is the total package. 

Regardless of how this season’s version of the playoffs ends, Wemby will be the league’s MVP and an NBA champion in the near future. 

By the way, Wemby’s inaugural Western Conference Championship stat line was off the charts.  41 points | 24 rebounds | 3 assists | 3 blocks. His one three-pointer was from 30’. These are Wilt Chamberlain stats you told your grandpa were not legit due to the lack of talent he competed against. Maybe, but Wemby did this against the defending World Champion OKC Thunder.  

Maddux.  @BBGreatMoments reports that Braves great Greg Maddux won 4 straight Cy Young awards. During that time, he pitched more complete games (37) than he allowed HRs (33).   

Follow Tony Duckworth on the X platform at @tonyduckworthsr or email him at [email protected].  Duckworth is a native of Macon and is the President and CEO of the Albany Area YMCA.  Tony worked in intercollegiate athletics for thirty-one years.  He was an NCAA Division II Director of Athletics at three universities, including Albany State, following ten years as a head men’s basketball coach at two colleges.