The 2021 graduating class at the University of Phoenix will include Jason Kidd. That’s because the Dallas Mavericks’ coach went back to school and got his degree from the Arizona-based university.
Kidd took classes online and finished at UP last month with a degree in English. It was a celebratory moment for Kidd, who embraces all that education at a higher level entails.
And where does Kidd keeps his precious diploma?
“It’s in my office,” he said. “I have my diploma. It’s framed. It’s something that will be up there with the (two Olympic) gold medals and the (NBA) championship — to be able to get my degree.”
Kidd played two years at the University of California-Berkeley from 1992-94 before deciding to forego the last two years of college to pursue a career in the NBA. The Mavs used the No. 2 overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft to select Kidd, and he went on the earn 10 All-Star berths and helped the Mavs capture the 2011 NBA title, and also helped the U.S. win gold medals in 2000 in Sydney and in 2008 in Beijing.
So why did Kidd, 48, decide to return to college and earn his degree? He said the impetus came from Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.
“I saw this commercial with Larry Fitzgerald a while back.,” Kidd said “It was for the University of Phoenix and it was talking about how he promised his mom he would get his degree, and I thought that was kind of incredible, and that kind of inspired me to want to get my degree also.
“I told Larry that when I saw that commercial that kind of gave me the thought that maybe I can do the same thing.”
Kidd re-started his efforts to get a degree in 2019 while he was an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers. The entire process had its obvious challenges.
“Home schooling is tough when you have kids,” Kidd said. “You have to have a schedule of time.
“I think it was perfect to be an assistant coach – to be able to do my work there, but also have time to work on getting my degree.”
Kidd’s college degree also serves as sort of a badge of honor. In other words, the respect level for him and his success educationally went up a notch or two.
Kidd said: “I think when you talk to our younger generation and you talk about how important education is, there started to be questions of: ‘Did you graduate?’ So I shook that question a couple of times.
“Now I don’t have to avoid that question.”
In fact, having that diploma affords Kidd the unique opportunity to encourage others – players, coaches and basketball staff personnel – to go back and get their diploma.
“I finally graduated, so I’m excited to have that diploma,” Kidd said. “It’s been a while (since he took college courses), but school was fun.”
Fan Jam
The Mas will host their Fan Jam on Sunday at 1 p.m. at American Airlines Center.
It mainly consists of a short workout, and a full-blown scrimmage, which will involve a pair of 20-minute halves.
Kidd said he’s expecting: “Probably a lot of popcorn and a lot of sodas sold.”
Kidd then got serious and said: “This is the first time everybody gets to see the players live. You will see Moses (Brown) everywhere on the glass.
“You’ll get to see the new players, but also get to see Luka (Doncic) and KP (Kristaps Porzingis) participate in the Fan Jam. And I think it’s great for the fans to be able to interact with the players for the first time.”
The Fan Jam is open to the public and free, parking is free in the Lexus Parking Garage, and no ticket is required to enter AAC. The event will include the Mavs ManiAACs, Drumline, Mascots and D-Town Crew.
A mask is required to enter AAC, and everyone in attendance must have a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours prior to attending the Fan Jam, or be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
The Mavs will host a vaccine clinic on Sunday on the southeast Jack Daniels patio from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Those who get their first vaccine will receive free tickets to a preseason game.
Moses benefitting from Chandler
Perhaps no Mavs center has been benefitting more from the teachings of Tyson Chandler than Moses Brown.
Chandler, who helped the Mavs win the 2011 NBA title, is not officially on the Mavs’ payroll. But he’s been helping coach Jason Kidd and working with the team’s big men.
“I think it’s been going really well,” Brown said. “He’s been laying out a recipe for success for me and I’ve just been sticking to it all the way.
“He’s a great player and I want to follow in his footsteps.”
Brown noted that Chandler has been sharing with him a few of his old staples. Brown said Chandler is making sure that he is: “Embracing physicality and being able to be that anchor on defense and making sure I’m talking and getting the coverages right.”
Some of Chandler’s messages are familiar to Brown, who stands 7-2 and weighs 245 pounds.
“I knew him just watching him growing up as a fan and being one of my dad’s favorite players,” Brown said. “For him to be able to come in and just show me what it takes to be on that level is just a blessing, so I just do everything that I can to take advantage of that.”
Kidd is all giddy about the work ethic of Brown, who is just 21 years old and collected a 21-point, 23-rebound game against the Boston Celtics last season.
“He’s one of the first (players) here to work and he’s one of the last to leave,” Kidd said. “Again, the luxury that we have here is having someone like a Tyson being able to work with him.
“I think the time that (Chandler has) been here since we acquired (Brown), he’s gotten a lot better and you can see that on the floor. He dominates the offensive glass for us, and that’s something that we can definitely use if we do miss. We get a second or third opportunity, so he’s doing extremely well.”
Practices have been all positive
The Mavs practiced four of five days during the first week of training camp. And it went off with very few glitches.
“The energy and effort has been high,” Kidd said. “You can see the development of the chemistry on both ends of the ball — and the trust. We’ve got some great competitive guys who don’t like to lose, so it’s been great as a coach to see that this first week.”
Guards Reggie Bullock and Frank Ntilikina were back at practice on Saturday after missing Friday’s practice will an illness. But guard Tyrell Terry did not attend Saturday’s practice and also will not play in Sunday’s Fan Jam.
“I informed the team that Tyrell Terry has gone back home to take care of some family business,” Kidd said. “So he’ll be away from the team for a little bit.”
Twitter: @DwainPrice
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