The Road to the Final Four

After watching the Auburn Basketball team all season long (both in-person and on TV), many of you have asked for my thoughts on the entire season. Here are my thoughts…

The Auburn Tigers men's basketball team has demonstrated exceptional dedication and resilience throughout the 2024–25 season, culminating in a well-earned spot in the Final Four. Under the leadership of head coach Bruce Pearl (IMO, the best Auburn Athletics hire in decades, thanks, Jay Jacobs!), the Tigers achieved a remarkable 30–5 record, including a 15–3 mark in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play, securing the regular-season conference title.

The team's journey was marked by significant victories and a few setbacks that tested their resolve. Notable wins included triumphs over Tennessee, LSU, and Kentucky, showcasing their ability to compete at a high level. However, challenges such as the losses to Florida and Texas A&M provided opportunities for growth and reflection. These experiences fortified the Tigers, preparing them for the rigors of postseason play.

Remember, as I’ve posted before, only one team ends the season with a victory (I sure hope it’s us!). The finality of losing in the NCAA Tournament is brutal! For seniors, the loss marks the end of their Auburn careers (maybe the last time they play competitively). I distinctly remember after our loss to Louisville in the Elite 8 in 1986, my Auburn Basketball career came to an abrupt end! One minute, we were playing for a spot in the Final Four, and the next minute, your career is over!

In the NCAA Tournament, Auburn's path was formidable. They opened with a commanding 83–63 victory over Alabama State, followed by an 82–70 win against Creighton. The momentum continued with a 78–65 triumph over Michigan and a hard-fought 70–64 win against Michigan State, propelling them into the Final Four. Getting to the Final Four is quite the accomplishment! Let alone two in the last six years! But the job isn’t finished! Winning the whole thing and becoming National Champions is the job!

Auburn's success can be attributed to a balanced team effort, with players stepping up in crucial moments. Their offensive prowess was evident, as they averaged 83.8 points per game, ranking them 10th nationally. Defensively, they held opponents to 69.4 points per game (IMO, this may be the best defensive team Bruce has ever had at Auburn), demonstrating their commitment on both ends of the court.

The Tigers' relentless work ethic and perseverance have been the cornerstones of their season. Their journey to the Final Four is a testament to their collective determination and the culture of excellence fostered within the program. As they prepare to face Florida in the national semifinals, the team remains focused on its ultimate goal, driven by the hard work and sacrifices that have defined its remarkable season. War Damn Eagle!

Living with ALS: Make Today Your Best Day

Many have asked me about the genesis of my mantra, “Make Today Your Best Day.” Early on in my ALS journey, I realized that today is the most important day! You can’t change yesterday, and tomorrow may never come. So, make today your best day yet!

I recently listened to the book “Tuesdays with Morrie.” As many of you know, Morrie Schwartz had ALS, just like me. One of my favorite quotes from the book was when Morrie said, “So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they’re busy doing things they think are important. This is because they’re chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.” Please don’t wait for a diagnosis like I did to find my purpose.

When you are facing a terminal disease, there comes clarity on how important each day is. So, each day is a blessing. I did not understand that when I was caught up in trying to find success and busy with trivial things that really didn’t matter. I have realized how much joy there is in having a positive impact on someone or something each day. Therefore, I try to make each day my best day yet. My best days are when I can make a difference in someone’s life. I believe that is the purpose God wants me to serve. I want to share my message with everyone I can reach. Make today your best day yet!

Each day we wake up is a gift, an opportunity to live out the calling God has placed on our lives. We are encouraged to embrace each moment with gratitude, purpose, and joy, knowing that our lives are part of a divine plan. Making today your best day doesn’t mean everything will be perfect or easy, but it does mean we can align ourselves with God’s will, trust in His promises, and reflect His love in all we do.

Each day is an opportunity, a blank canvas waiting to be painted with the colors of your choices, actions, and attitude. Psalm 118:24 reminds us, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Today is all you truly have, no matter what yesterday holds or what tomorrow promises. The power to make it meaningful lies in how you approach today. By focusing on presence, gratitude, and intentionality, you can transform an ordinary day into your best day.

Start with the morning, the first moments that set the tone for what lies ahead. Instead of rushing into the day with stress or distractions, take a moment to ground yourself. Whether it’s through meditation, a few deep breaths, journaling, or a quick walk, giving yourself time to center your thoughts can bring clarity and calm. Show kindness and patience to those around you, and seize opportunities to share God’s love through encouragement or acts of service. Setting an intention—perhaps to stay positive, be kind, or accomplish a specific goal—can help guide your actions throughout the day.

Challenges may come, but they provide a chance to grow in faith. Romans 8:28 assures us that "in all things, God works for the good of those who love him." When my difficulties arise, I lean on God’s promises, trust in His faithfulness, and remember that He can use even the hardest moments for my good and His glory. I let His peace guard my heart and guide my responses.

Gratitude is one of the most transformative mindsets you can adopt. It shifts your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant. Even on the most challenging days, there are always things to be thankful for—the warmth of the sun, the kindness of a stranger, or my beautiful caregivers (Including Carol). By consciously recognizing these blessings, I can elevate my mood and change how I perceive the day. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. By shifting my focus to these things, I cultivate a heart of thankfulness that honors God and deepens my joy.

Living intentionally is another key to making today your best day. Think about what truly matters to you and prioritize those things. It could be spending time with loved ones, tackling a project you’ve been passionate about, or simply giving your best effort at work or school. Remember, quality often outweighs quantity. Even small, purposeful actions can bring immense fulfillment.

The way you interact with others also shapes your day. A kind word, a listening ear, or a simple smile can brighten someone else’s day and bring joy to your own. Relationships are one of life’s greatest treasures, and nurturing them adds depth and richness to your day.

Challenges are inevitable, but they don’t have to derail you. When difficulties arise, pause and remind yourself that obstacles are temporary. Look for solutions instead of dwelling on problems, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed. By facing challenges with resilience and optimism, you build strength and character. Finally, make today your best day by extending grace to yourself and others. None of us are perfect, and we will make mistakes, but God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Forgive quickly, love generously, and trust that God works in and through you.

Making today your best day doesn’t require grand achievements or perfect circumstances. It’s about embracing the moment, making the most of what you have, and choosing to find joy and purpose in the present. Today is yours—live it well.