The Daily Nugget: Motivations for Basketball Coaches and Everyone Who Loves the Game

This is an excellent daily thought process. My son attends college and plays basketball, I send each daily nugget to him daily to start his day off on the right foot! Jim Burson nails it daily!

The Bible states that "Plans fail for a lack of counsel; but with many advisors they succeed (Proverbs 15:22). This book by Coach Burson essentially provides the reader with 365 counsellors to guide him to self-analysis, stretch toward excellence, and think, truly think about the opportunity to coach team, individuals, and self with a daily objective. Each of those counsellors is a Hall of Famer, an old school defensive minded coach, and a cutting edge offensive mind; and each is Coach Burson, who embodied the aforementioned traits. Coach Burson shares wisdom gained from a lifetime or experience, humility gained from mistakes along the path, thoughts from direct and long distance mentors (notably Coach John Wooden), that will help the reader make the most of the journey called a season. Highly recommended for a serious minded professional or leader in any field. Those of us who saw his work and benefited from his presence as a coach, mentor, leader, worker, friend can attest to his ability; now those who did not now have an opportunity through this, and his first book, "The Golden Whistle."

This book goes beyond X's and O's to true coaching. I love the focus on developing players as people and conducting yourself with proper values no matter the circumstances. Coach Burson's wisdom and perspective are invaluable to a young coach, especially when the desire to win can sometimes tempt us to take short cuts. He provides reminders about what really matters. Love the format as well. A quick thought every day to start the day and help you connect with your team and grow as a person and coach!

I have known Coach Burson most of my life, and this book is a direct reflection of the man/coach that he is! It is well written and inspirational. I am a head varsity boys basketball coach, and I use each "Daily Nugget" with my players. It is helping them grow as young men, and me grow as a leader. I highly recommend this book, and Coach Burson's first book, to any and all coaches and leaders!- Rob Baier, Head Boys Basketball Coach at Fort Cherry High School, McDonald, PA

Dr. Burson is an amazing coach, and an even better human being. His generosity of spirit and knowledge are evident in this great work. These daily nuggets are part of my daily routine. Highly recommended reading!

Great follow up to the Golden Whistle

I appreciate the way each section of this book focuses on an aspect of coaching (the book is as much about leadership and personal growth as it is about coaching) with the weekly and daily invitation to reflect on a theme or a word *and* take action. The book is so thoughtfully written and organized that you can turn to any page and find a "nugget" to use immediately. While it's written primarily for basketball coaches, the concepts and tips can easily be applied to any coaching situation (including coaching ourselves on becoming a better leader and member of our communities). While Dr. Burson certainly has the wisdom and experience to help us consider each lesson in this book, there is never a feeling of being lectured to; simply the invitation to take what we read and fold it into our own lives in a way that fits. Isn't that what the best coaches do?Note: The author kindly provided me with a review copy of The Daily Nugget.

Jim and I go all the way back to 1961 when we were both guards on Muskingum's basketball team . He was 2 years ahead of me , and it was obvious even back then that he was a true leader (even if seldom passed to me) . We have stayed close all of the years between then and now. You get to know a person pretty well when you're in communication with them on a monthly / weekly basis. Jim's the "real deal" , and this book is a true reflection of who Jim Burson is, and what he stands for. I coached basketball for 2 years before getting into the insurance business. I only wish that I would have had this book as a "guide" back then . But after reading the book twice, it has a lot of "carry-over" value for me in my insurance business as well as life in general . My only advise to those that read this daily would be to read it first thing in the morning, not at night. I made the mistake of starting out reading it as I got in bed, but it fired me up so much , I had trouble going to sleep . This book is meant for anyone who beaths and has a heart beat. Joe Arganbright Muskingum '65 Columbus, Ohio