In this week's episode of SportSquire, Brad is afforded the opportunity to sit down with former Southport High School teammate and current Head Basketball Coach and Athletic Director at Crispus Attucks in Indianapolis. Chris Hawkins has proven to be the one of the fastest coaches to 100 wins in Indiana High School Basketball history and doing it in just over four years!! His preparation met opportunity in 2017 as he led the Crispus Attucks team to their first State Championship since 1959.
Chris took over the historic Crispus Attucks Program that was made famous in 1955 when they won the Indiana State Championship and became the first All-Black team in the nation to win a state championship. The Attucks Program was dominant during the 1950's winning State titles in 1955, 1956, and 1959. The 1955 and 1956 teams were led by the ever talented Oscar Robertson. When asked about what it means to coach at such a historic program, Chris said, "I'm just looking to add to the legacy of what has already been created here at Crispus Attucks".
Chris speaks about his 8-10 year journey of being an assistant coach and head AAU coach. He describes this time as being a necessity in what would later prepare him for taking over the Attucks program. In referencing an AAU team he coached which had several high level division 1 commits, he states " I learned how to manage egos. I learned how to manage parents and expectations. The experience was invaluable". He gives credit to several local Indy coaches who have and still today serve as mentors to him.
When speaking on the value of his previous experiences that prepared him to be a head coach, Chris states, "You have to sit in seat fifteen to know how to handle seat one. Because when seat one is set on fire and you haven't really been through the fire as far as watching how head coaches handle things like parent meetings, meeting with district principals, and district AD's it can backfire quickly and then you are out of a job. So, No. I wanted to master chair fifteen before I got to chair one".
This is a can't miss episode. Chris is a rising star among young men and an exceptional basketball coach! His wisdom and leadership advice is beyond his years!
