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Tommy Druen: Dedication to the Journey Previous Column: A battle that can never be fully won By Tommy Druen When faced with the remnants of a hurricane, Utah probably isn't the first place that comes to mind. Yet, during a challenging drive home last month, that's exactly where my thoughts went, reminding me that life's journeys often lead to unexpected places. On a late September Friday, I had a meeting in Lexington. After it ended, I began my usual 25-to-30-minute commute back home. But that day, my drive coincided with the arrival of Hurricane Helene in Kentucky, the most powerful storm to reach the U.S. mainland since Katrina in 2005. As I merged onto I-75, the rain intensified, and I soon found myself at a standstill. I managed to get off at an exit, hoping to navigate the backroads. However, every time I thought I'd found a clear route, a fallen tree blocked the way. After my fifth detour, thanks to having four-wheel drive and the nerve to cut through a field, I finally made it home--two hours later. So where does Utah come into this? As I inched along the roads, I heard the story of Mark Eaton, the 7'4" center who played 12 seasons with the Utah Jazz. Eaton was a unique player whose impact extended far beyond his limited skills--his main offensive role was to stay out of the way for the famous pick-and-roll perfected by John Stockton and Karl Malone. Throughout his career, he never even attempted a three-point shot, which would be unheard of in today's game dominated by shooting centers. Of course, I remember Eaton. But until that drive, I knew nothing about his journey to the NBA. In high school in California, Eaton's first love was water polo. He joined the basketball team as a senior, but at 6'11" and weighing only 175 pounds, he was more of a curiosity than a star. Eaton played sparingly, and the lack of offers from college basketball programs reflected this. No Division I teams called, nor did Division II or III schools. So, after graduation, Eaton enrolled at the Arizona Automotive Institute and became, presumably, the tallest mechanic in the country. One day, while working at a repair shop, Eaton met Tom Lubin, a chemistry professor and part-time basketball coach at Cypress College in Orange County. Lubin saw potential in the towering mechanic and convinced Eaton to enroll at Cypress. Eaton performed well enough there to transfer to UCLA, where he completed his college eligibility, but reverted to statistics more in line with his high school career, averaging 1.8 points per game. The NBA wasn't exactly clamoring for Eaton's services. Initially, his only pro offer was a $15,000 contract with an Israeli team. Despite his unimpressive college career, Utah Jazz General Manager Frank Layden decided to take a gamble. With the 72nd pick in the fourth round of the 1982 draft, the Jazz selected Eaton. At the time, Utah was the worst team in the league and had never posted a winning season. Perhaps Layden saw Eaton as a project, a novelty, or simply a cost-effective option in the salary-cap era. Regardless, the choice proved to be a wise move for the Jazz. Two years after Eaton joined, the Jazz began a playoff streak that would last two decades. Eaton anchored their defense for most of that run, leading the league in blocked shots four times and earning two NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards. He never scored much, and his rebounding numbers were modest, but Eaton was a force in the middle, game after game. His presence on the court gave Utah the defensive backbone needed to build a culture of winning. As I listened to Eaton's story, my two-hour detour seemed less frustrating. His journey underscored an important truth: there are many paths to success. You can be a McDonald's High School All-American or a mechanic with your head under a hood. Some people travel a well-paved highway, while others venture through fields. What matters is not abiding by convention but finding a path suited to your strengths. Eaton once was asked about the secret to success. His answer was that of the consummate teammate. "Honor your role and allow others to honor theirs." On that stormy drive, his words resonated deeply. They reminded me that success doesn't come from following a predetermined path. Whether you're an NBA center or someone navigating Kentucky's backroads, what counts is your dedication to the journey and the commitment you bring to each step. Tommy Druen is a native of Metcalfe County, with roots in Adair County going back to the 18th century. He presently lives in Georgetown, Kentucky and can be reached at tommydruen@gmail.com. This story was posted on 2024-11-07 14:04:16
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