What would Jerry Do?

Jerry Sloan is the longest tenured Coach in all of professional sports. He is also 3 wins away from 1,000 victories with the Utah Jazz.


There have been many instances in my life where I needed the wisdom of another. With all that Coach Jerry Sloan has accomplished, he is the one to look to in times of trouble. When uncertainty arrives, simply ask yourself: What would Jerry do?

WWJD? I have listed a few examples when the wisdom of Sloan has made a normally awkward situation. . . not awkward.

1) In my Junior High School days I was what you might call an undersized guard. In seventh grade I came in at about 65 pounds and not quite 4 and a half feet tall. This presented several match up problems with the larger veteran 9th grade bullies. I would frequently be shoved around and teased. It was in these crucial times I would think 'What would Jerry do?'

WWJD?=Run the pick and Roll. By using the individuals in front of me to set the screen, I was able to roll past the big men in the paint, avoid being fouled, and arrive at my next class period.

2) When it came time for me to date, I was a bit shy and hesitant. I would think about asking a girl out for a date, but ultimately was unsure how to proceed. It was then that I thought 'What would Jerry do?'

WWJD?=Game plan. Have a few friends get a scouting report for you and enter the game with some understanding of the opponent. By looking passed some of the important details you may find yourself embarrassed in defeat.

3) While serving a mission in Southern Florida I was repeatedly presented with meals that weren't to my liking. Not one who fancies sea food, I would think of Sloan in those pressure situations.

WWJD?=Make a substitution. When no one was looking, I would substitute the food on my plate with the food on a teammate's plate. I would eat the veggies, and they would eat the shrimp.

4) While my wife was in labor with our first child I began to feel a little nauseous and hot. I began to worry I may pass out. I then thought 'What would Coach Jerry Sloan do?"

WWJD?=Take a 20 second time-out. I took my sweatshirt off, got hydrated with some apple juice and re-entered the game refreshed and ready to go.

5) I now have 2 children and they are wonderful. However, they scramble to maintain possession of a similarly wanted toy. Whenever I am uncertain how to handle the situation, I think of Jerry.

WWJD?=Jump Ball!

When you find yourself in times of trouble, take a minute and decide, "What would Jerry Sloan do?" He undoubtedly has the answer.