Two key members of the Golden State Warriors visited San Quentin recently and offered encouragement to the prisoners.
The visitors were head Coach Mark Jackson and Draymond Green, one of the Warriors’ second-round draft picks.
Green played college ball at Michigan State University and was named the 2012 Big 10 Player of the Year.
MARK JACKSON
What motivated you through high school and college, to keep pushing and sacrificing yourself in playing basketball?
I was a young kid with a dream growing up in New York. I had a dream to be a pro. I watched guys make mistakes. I wanted to graduate from high school and college, and I wanted to be a father, a husband, etc.
Was there any fear in taking on the challenge of being a head coach?
I’m a guy with faith in God. I have a voice and there is no pressure or fear.
What advice do you have for the inmate head coaches here at San Quentin?
The best thing is to have guys doing whatever it takes and be willing to accept their role and buy into the system.
Any words of encouragement for the incarcerated men here?
We all make mistakes. Trust God and make changes. God is a God of second chances. Get out and be better.
DRAYMOND GREEN
How does it feel to actually obtain your dream to become a NBA player?
It’s amazing, after growing up with a dream that seems so far fetched and to finally accomplish that dream is a blessing.
What is your approach to your rookie season?
My approach is to give it my all and try to fulfill my obligations to what the coaches want and hopefully achieve a great four-year career.
What advice do you have for the basketball players here who are trying to become better players?
If what you want is to play basketball or whatever sport you believe in, you have to give it 110 percent when you step out there on the court or field or wherever, you need to give it your all.
How did you overcome your environment and the hardships in your life?
I overcame my hardships through the help of my mother and God. Every time I wanted to go right, she was always there to make me go left. She never gave up on me even when I felt like doing something wrong. Through the blessing of God and my mother, I became the man that I am today.
What was your thinking when someone asked you if you wanted to come into prison?
When I heard that the guys were going into San Quentin to play basketball, I didn’t want to be asked. I immediately asked how can I go. I told them to do what they could to get me on the list to go to San Quentin as well.