for my coach—who taught me to see things differently

Have you ever come across a person in your life who had a profound influence on you?

Who brought the best out of you, challenged you, and encouraged you to keep fighting in life?

Someone you hated at times because he or she spoke the truth? 

But you needed to hear it in order to learn and grow.

I've been blessed to know a handful of people like that in my life but none with the HUGE heart and charisma of my coach, Noel "Buddhi" Bodaghi. Noel coached my "ragtag" basketball team from my teenage years to mid-twenties. We played in Bay Area men's leagues and traveled around California to play in Assyrian basketball tournaments. We were undersized, not very athletic, and timid. By the time Noel was done with us, we were quick on our feet, confident, smart, and tenacious. He pushed us to the limits both physically and mentally to build our stamina and resilience. We became smart players who thrived under pressure and enjoyed competition. I'm so thankful for the sacrifices Noel made to teach us lessons that we could carry on for a lifetime. As I look back, I realize that a big part of who I am today is a product of his teaching and mentoring. He didn't get a penny for the countless hours he coached us, it was all passionate volunteer work. Although, I'm sure the rewards he received as he watched us grow into men with strong character was priceless. 

I started playing basketball at the age of fifteen so I was very “behind” compared to my teammates who grew up playing the sport and already had a good feel for it. My mother actually made me play on the Assyrian basketball team so I could get to know the other Assyrian kids and make some new friends.

I hated it.

I’d rather do physical sports like Wrestling or American Football. I didn’t like to do things I sucked at because I was extremely competitive. After lots of begging, I agreed to play only because my best friend, Nahira, was on the team.

I was very awkward on offensive and defense. I couldn’t dribble or shoot the ball at all. I’d get called for traveling, most of the time, so I would just pass the ball to avoid turnovers. I was terrified to dribble or shoot in a real game. My defense was very clumsy as I would usually foul the offensive player because my lateral movement wasn’t balanced. I was one of the most athletic players on the team. I was fast and could jump really high but I couldn’t stop quickly so I’d run into people a lot (super embarrassing). I needed strong coaching to simplify the game for me and help me break my horrible habits. Coach Noel was patient with me. He believed in me and helped me see the game differently. He forced me to play to my strengths and focus on how I could help the team.

One day he told flat-out told me, “I don’t care if you score a single point in the game! I want you to focus on grabbing every damn rebound and pass the ball to our fastest players as soon as you get that rebound to start the fast break. On defense, I want you to remain glued to the best player on the opposing team. Don’t let him get the ball, better yet — don’t let him breath! If he does get the ball, make it hard for him to get to his sweet spots. You should know where his sweet spots are, do your homework! If he gets to his sweet spot and rises up to shot the ball, I want you to anticipate when he releases the ball. Block that shot and then go get it quickly. Then give it to the fast guys on our team asap. When you have an opportunity, steal the ball and then pass it to the fast guys on the team asap. Keep the game simple AF.”

This blueprint was magical for me.

It unlocked my potential in amazing ways because I saw the game differently. Rather than focusing on my flaws, which suffocated my confidence, I focused on my superpowers which made me lethal on the floor.

The game slowed down for me.

I was grabbing tons of rebounds for my team, which resulted in more offensive possessions.

I was locking down the other teams best player, blocking his shots, stealing the ball, and just demoralizing him. I was holding “the guy who scored most of his team’s points” to single digits.

My teammates loved me because I was doing the dirty (necessary) work. This allowed them to focus on their strengths, which was scoring the basketball.

My coach couldn’t keep me off the court in tournaments. I became his secret weapon. His X-factor.

That little game plan Noel drew up for me still serves me well in life today. When I play to my strengths, my confidence rises and my performance improves.

I try to help the teams I lead see things this way, too.

Whether it’s on the basketball court or in a Figma file, collaboration and playing to your strengths will always serve you well.

I had the pleasure of working with Noel on his branding project for his DJ company, Epic Music Entertainment. Of course, he pushed me creatively and brought the best out of me—as he always did.

Championship team, I’m #8 standing in the back.

I’m the funny guy in the center/front.

Noel also enjoyed photography after he stopped coaching due to his health issues. He took this picture of me during a tournament in Turlock, California.  

“Moments in my life. Before my bone marrow stem cell transplant, After transplant, and now. I beat #amyloidosis Gods plan, not mine. Call it what you want. It's still all a dream. See that smile - sign of being resilient. Hate to lose - love to win. All glory to God.”   —Noel

Noel passed away in 2016 and suffered for many years before that as be battled Amyloidosis. He kept shocking the doctors by surviving longer than they expected. His faith was remarkable. God showed the world miracle after miracle as Noel kept surviving something that nobody else could. His fight, will to live, and grit was just amazing. He left his mark in many people's hearts and he will live on forever through his loved one's memories. I know he's in a better place now and I know I'll see him again on the other side.

The Assyrian athletic community of San Jose organized a sports tournament in remembrance of our beloved Noel, called "The Buddhi Games."

I tried helping out in my own way by designing the logo for the event. You can see the logo design below. It’s a silhouette of Noel holding one of the many trophies he won, as a coach.

NOEL’S FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Talent is God given.
Be humble.
Fame is man-given.
Be grateful.
Conceit is self-given.
Be careful.”

— John Wooden

Thank you for everything you did for our community, our youth, and me. You made a big impact on my life. I'm eternally grateful.

🙏🏽