Former MSU men’s basketball player and NBA star Eric Snow discusses how his character was shaped at MSU during his tenure from 1992-95.
With only three seconds remaining in the last game of his high school basketball career, Eric Snow placed all of his experience on the free-throw line. He shot twice, and missed twice.
After several years, Snow said he realized what he lacked at that moment in time — confidence. Although his free-throw performance never improved as a member of the MSU men’s basketball team from 1992-95, he said he could better himself by improving the team.
“Somewhere in your life, no matter where that may be, you have to make some sacrifices,” Snow said.
“Being a co-captain on (MSU), there are a lot of things that you have to give up to help the group or help the team. That’s where leadership comes in.”
Snow spoke Tuesday to a crowd of more than 30 people in Wells Hall while promoting his book, “Leading High Performers: The Ultimate Guide to Being a Fast, Fluid and Flexible Leader.” Snow graduated from MSU in 1995 and, most recently, played with the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers and served as an analyst on NBA TV.
“The main thing that you can do is show people you care — represent what you say,” Snow said.
“The love and support that you get from MSU, from the alums and the MSU fans is tremendous.”
Communicative sciences and disorders junior Calla Hubbard said she heard about the event through one of her professors. Although attending was not required, Hubbard said she was curious to hear his thoughts on personal success and how it could apply it to her and an eventual career as a speech therapist for children.
“Talking about how mind over matter and how if you can believe it, you can achieve it seems to be pretty appropriate (in life),” Hubbard said.
“Leadership can apply in any setting, (whether) it is an academic setting or any career out there. Anywhere in life.”
As a student at MSU, Snow said school never was difficult. Earning about a 3.8 grade-point average in high school allowed him to focus more on basketball, but he said it is important to realize there always is more than enough time for “fun.”
“Each student who goes to MSU ultimately wants to put them in the best position they can to succeed,” Snow said.
“But at the same time, life is about impacting and helping other people. You want to have the skills and develop the nature to lead other people.”
MSU alumnus Charlie Mack graduated in 1976 and followed Snow throughout his collegiate career. Upon getting his book signed, Mack said students who have read the book should set clear priorities for the future and centering your life around others.
“Eric was a big example of a student. He came in and people didn’t think he had what it took. He was willing to do whatever it took to make the team get better,” Mack said.
“I like what I saw in him as a player. What he talks about is the life he lived.”
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