Hubie Brown: One Step Away From the Street

With the NBA playoffs in full swing, we continue to learn about basketball from one of its most articulate teachers: 88-year-old Hubie Brown.

Brown has been involved with teaching the game since his first job at St Mary’s Academy in Manahawkin, N.J., in 1955.  He never intended to be a NBA or ABA head coach, instead letting life take twists and turns while working his way up the professional ladder. Along the way, Brown always kept his insatiable appetite for learning the game. Even today, he craves to learn more, remains curious about the sport and wants to improve as a broadcaster.

In a 2018 podcast interview with the popular Super Sports 70’s Ricky Cobb, Brown credits advice from his father as the reason he maintains his curiosity, as well as his will to improve and his relentless passion for his craft. Brown’s father once lost his job when his factory closed, and he struggled to find a new one.

“Always know you are one step away from the street, never get comfortable,” Brown's father frequently said. 

Becoming comfortable is one of the greatest challenges we all face each day. On every level, from grade school to Hubie’s age, becoming comfortable, being content, prevents us from reaching our highest levels.

When we achieve success, we believe we move further away from problems; yet, we risk losing everything if we don’t have “a one step away from the street mentality.” Sure, we can enjoy our accomplishments for a moment, but those who reach greatness and sustain their success always believe they need to continue to improve.

Brown never takes anything for granted and prepares as if each broadcast is his first.

Vince Lombardi once said, “The greatest reward for doing is the opportunity to do more.”

Let’s all take that approach moving forward — and thank Hubie for the reminder.

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