How You Know Him: Great athlete and an even better person. This Dallas native and professional basketball player has used his talents to mold a new generation of hardwood warriors by coaching the Texas Crush AAU team. Dominique aims for the kids to make more than just jump shots, he aims for them to make it in life. Basketball is merely the blackboard for his lesson plan.
What does basketball mean to you?
[Laughing] It means fun and expression of oneself.
What is the difference between playing and coaching?
Patience. You have to have more patience as a coach than as a player. As a player you can do things, but as a coach sometimes there is a disconnect between the communication and understanding. But it’s a fun process.
Greatest lesson that the game has taught you
That it can be taken away in an instant.
Phrase you overuse
Consistency. Playing with Consistency.
Who are your coaching inspirations?
I take a little bit from everybody. I heard coaching is stealing [laughing]. My one biggest inspiration would have to be Dean Smith.
One player that you would love to play one-on-one
My favorite player Hakeem Olajuwon. I would want to go against him one-on-one.
Would you win?
I would say yeah. It would be a game, I’ll say that. It would be a game. I play to win.
Hardest thing about coaching
That I can’t make the play for them.
What’s been your greatest coaching moment so far?
There have been so many, but just in general it’s when the guys understand what I’m saying, they apply it in a game and it works. Those moments are the joy I get. The light bulb moments.
