Rus Bradburd was an assistant men’s basketball coach for 14 seasons at UTEP and New Mexico State University. He eventually left the game to pursue a life in writing.

Rus’s latest book is the satirical novel, “Big Time” a mirror to the distorted reality of sports on modern American college campuses. All five of his books focus on the intersections of sport, social progress, politics, and race. He was awarded a Fulbright fellowship to return to Ireland to work on his next book about refugees in Belfast, “Almost Like Belonging.”

Rus has remained connected to the game through his acclaimed Basketball in the Barrio summer program in El Paso, as well as serving as New Mexico State’s television color analyst.

On this episode Mike and Rus discuss his journey through the world of basketball, highlighting the intersection of sports, culture, and personal growth. He reflects on his experiences coaching under legends like Don Haskins and Lou Henson, emphasizing how these relationships shaped not only his coaching philosophy but also his writing career. The conversation delves into the profound impact that words from coaches can have on players, with Rus recalling pivotal moments from his own basketball journey that influenced his path. As they discuss the challenges of coaching and the balance between personal and professional life, the importance of storytelling in sports emerges as a central theme. Russ's insights on resilience, the power of mentorship, and the stories behind the game provide a rich tapestry of lessons for aspiring coaches and basketball enthusiasts alike.

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Have your notebook with you as you listen to this episode with Rus Bradburd, Author of “Big Time” and former assistant men’s basketball coach at UTEP and New Mexico State University.

Website - https://www.rus-bradburd.com/

Email – [email protected]

Twitter/X - @rusbradburd

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