I know @horsemon has missed my insights into Mormon church ball, so I have one more church ball story to share:
When I was an LDS missionary in Minnesota, we once had a pick up basketball game on our day off. I was serving in Minneapolis at the time. It was the spring of 2009.
I still remember which building it was. It was at the LDS church building in Crystal, Minnesota. They had the nicest gym I’ve ever seen in an LDS church. Break away rims, the court looked like it was brand new, and it was of course a full court. A church basketball player’s paradise!
As I walked into the gym, I noticed someone who was much bigger than everyone else on the court throwing down dunks. I thought to myself that’s a really large missionary. I haven’t seen him before.
As I got closer, I soon realized it wasn’t a missionary. It was Mark Madsen! This was his final season with the Timberwolves. He introduced himself to me as “Brother Madsen” and was super down to earth. Really a kind, gentle giant.
He spent the afternoon playing basketball with us and was super encouraging of everyone that was playing. I remember him telling guys “good move” and the like. He was all about building us up and making a positive impact on our day.
I remember asking him how many championships he had won with the Lakers and since this was my first time meeting a professional athlete, I was of course star struck. But as I look back on my time meeting him, what I am most struck by is the kindness that Madsen showed in spending that time with us and also what a genuine, down to earth guy he is. He is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.
One of his former players at Utah Valley who I know from church told me about Madsen: “Dude he really is the nicest most genuine guy. It’s been amazing getting to play with him.”
That’s the kind of guy Mark Madsen is. He is truly a man of the people. He’s very humble, kind, and down to earth. He was always involved in the Minneapolis community, giving signed shoes to kids, etc. He truly embodies what it means to be a good human being.
I am looking forward to Friday’s game. Hopefully Haas Pavilion will have a good crowd!
When I was an LDS missionary in Minnesota, we once had a pick up basketball game on our day off. I was serving in Minneapolis at the time. It was the spring of 2009.
I still remember which building it was. It was at the LDS church building in Crystal, Minnesota. They had the nicest gym I’ve ever seen in an LDS church. Break away rims, the court looked like it was brand new, and it was of course a full court. A church basketball player’s paradise!
As I walked into the gym, I noticed someone who was much bigger than everyone else on the court throwing down dunks. I thought to myself that’s a really large missionary. I haven’t seen him before.
As I got closer, I soon realized it wasn’t a missionary. It was Mark Madsen! This was his final season with the Timberwolves. He introduced himself to me as “Brother Madsen” and was super down to earth. Really a kind, gentle giant.
He spent the afternoon playing basketball with us and was super encouraging of everyone that was playing. I remember him telling guys “good move” and the like. He was all about building us up and making a positive impact on our day.
I remember asking him how many championships he had won with the Lakers and since this was my first time meeting a professional athlete, I was of course star struck. But as I look back on my time meeting him, what I am most struck by is the kindness that Madsen showed in spending that time with us and also what a genuine, down to earth guy he is. He is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.
One of his former players at Utah Valley who I know from church told me about Madsen: “Dude he really is the nicest most genuine guy. It’s been amazing getting to play with him.”
That’s the kind of guy Mark Madsen is. He is truly a man of the people. He’s very humble, kind, and down to earth. He was always involved in the Minneapolis community, giving signed shoes to kids, etc. He truly embodies what it means to be a good human being.
I am looking forward to Friday’s game. Hopefully Haas Pavilion will have a good crowd!
