WINTER HAVEN – Under Head Coach Brandon Giles, Polk State Basketball has prided itself in helping players reach their potential and develop as people once their playing careers are over.

On Sept. 16, Giles and staff had a little bit of help – nationally renowned help. Tony Gaskins, a motivational speaker, life coach, and author spoke to the team.

"We emphasize to our players that they are going to be men for much longer than they're going to be basketball players," Giles said. "Hopefully they left with some life lessons they can use long after their playing careers are over."

In his speech to the team, Gaskins urged them to stay focused on basketball and academics while avoiding vices such as partying, eating poorly, and spending too much time on their phones or playing video games.

"When you're going through life, every day there's that spiritual battle," Gaskins told the team. "Every choice makes a difference. Every choice comes with a consequence."

A native of Polk County, Gaskins has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Tyra Banks Show, and 700 Club, among other well-known programs. He was also the NBA's first life coach. Gaskins is an owner of 13 different companies, and an author of 17 books.

"It shows that he gives back and that he cares," freshman guard Dominick Nelson said of Gaskins coming to speak to the team. "He definitely opened a lot of eyes."

Despite his success, Gaskins had many trials along the way. He told the team that he was arrested as a minor and began selling drugs as a teenager. Gaskins played college football at West Virginia Wesleyan, but said he dealt with many injuries because he didn't take care of his body. He was ultimately dismissed from the program.

"I didn't understand what sacrifice meant," Gaskins said. "I thought sacrifice was going to practice and doing your homework. Because I was naturally gifted, I looked to cut corners. If you take shortcuts, you will be cut short."

After leaving college, Gaskins said he returned to selling drugs. Married at 23 and consumed by material possessions, Gaskins said it wasn't until his oldest son was born that he sought to change his life.

"I feel like it was inspirational, but more so, necessary for us to understand what it takes to get to the next level," said Kenny Burns, a sophomore guard. "It was also important to learn to enjoy the journey."

Gaskins has been working with athletes since 2010. This will be his fourth year working with Baylor University Basketball. A life coach for Baylor when the Bears upset undefeated Gonzaga for the 2021 national championship, Gaskins noted how the players stayed focused on what was important.

"When you come from certain areas, guys try to fit in. Those guys didn't care to fit in," Gaskins said. "They don't smoke; they practiced hard. Each played their role. They read their bible at night. They had a common goal. They started winning off the court."

Working with athletes for more than a decade, Gaskins has seen the rise and fall of many. Some of those with the most potential, he said, didn't last very long as professionals because they were consumed by other things.

"Anything that has control over you, get it out of your life," Gaskins told the team. "When the ball stops bouncing, you have to have control over your life."

Conversely, Gaskins has seen some of the more unheralded athletes flourish. Gaskins said he regularly speaks with Portland Trail Blazers star guard Damian Lillard. An under-the-radar prospect from Oakland, Cal., Lillard was not highly recruited before starring at Weber State University. Entering his 11th year in the NBA, Lillard is a six-time All-Star and was recently recognized by the NBA as one of the 75 greatest players ever.

"In order to have drastic results, you have to make drastic changes," Gaskins said. "I'd rather read your story than a guy who was a five-star since he was 8 years old. Let your work speak. You can work in silence, but your work is going to do a lot of talking."

Jeremiah Russell, a freshman forward, said he felt inspired afterward.

"It was a great speech," Russell said. "It really helped me lock in. It made me realize how important it is to focus. He went through a lot of hardships, but he made it. We learned we can do it, too."

Burns is one of six NCAA Division I transfers playing basketball at Polk State this season. All six hope to get back to Division I. Burns said he was thankful that Gaskins took the time to address the team.

"I loved it," he said. "He gave us all a blueprint. This person could be making speeches anywhere. He chose us and this setting."

Gaskins referenced the 2020-21 Baylor basketball team on a few occasions. He noted that team success would lead to more attention for the individual players, who hope to go on to play at four-year schools.

"You have to put your egos aside," Gaskins said. "When you win, everyone gets seen. If you're in the state championship, you're going to be seen."

Nelson is one of three true freshmen to join the Eagles for the 2022-23 season. Following the speech, Nelson said he was eager to begin his college journey.

"You have to sacrifice a lot," Nelson said. "Everybody's grind is different. You have to trust in yourself in your own journey."