Lenny Wilkens Quotes & Sayings

Athletes, we were supposed to just be there, and in class I made it a point that I was prepared for every exam, that I got on that Dean's List. Because I wanted them to see that there was a black person on the Dean's List who was an athlete. I accepted the challenge, because I want you to know that we bleed just like you do. We have feelings just like you do. Let us read the same books and we'll understand it just like you do! — Lenny Wilkens

Meadowlark Lemon's book Trust Your Next Shot is written by a remarkable person. I have had the pleasure of knowing Meadowlark for quite some time. He has given back to his community quite generously in addition to serving as an outstanding role model for young people. Meadowlark's career has allowed him to touch people's lives everywhere and I am so proud to be his friend. God has certainly touched his life. — Lenny Wilkens

I learned early that if I wanted to achieve anything in life, I'd have to do it myself. I learned that I had to be accountable. — Lenny Wilkens

I worry about the things I can affect, and the things I have no control over I move by. — Lenny Wilkens

We should never discourage young people from dreaming dreams. — Lenny Wilkens

If you want it, you've got to give it. — Lenny Wilkens

Intimidation doesn't last very long. — Lenny Wilkens

I never really had a chance to know the players individually ... I thought when they were on the floor, they worked hard. But I never really got to know them. — Lenny Wilkens

I always felt that I was as good as the next person, and I didn't care what they had. — Lenny Wilkens

I told Zollie Volchok we needed an ultrasound machine and he asked me why we needed music in the locker room. — Lenny Wilkens

If you fail the first time that's just a chance to start over again. — Lenny Wilkens

The American dream, to me, means having the opportunity to achieve, because I don't think you should be guaranteed anything other than opportunity. — Lenny Wilkens

If you can't go through it, find a way around it. Don't spend all your time banging your head. — Lenny Wilkens

The most important quality I look for in a player is accountability. You've got to be accountable for who you are. It's too easy to blame things on someone else. — Lenny Wilkens

Show people how to have success and then you can push their expectations up. — Lenny Wilkens