The horror of having our desires being thwarted by death is a factual reaction of man. The concept of death, as discussed by an article entitled, "Acknowledging Death as an Act of Transcendence," may be understood in various ways. Death may be seen as a mere event wherein man's life ends. On the other hand others may consider death not just as a mere event but a process which undermines man's ability to live. Still others would just simply classify death as a state of having life over.
But the bottom line, regardless if a person would consider death as an event, a process, or even a state or condition, still it implies one common denominator among men- FEAR. And perhaps such reality of fear was more than real for Coach Flip Saunders, who passed away last Sunday at age 60 after a four-month battle with Hodgkins lymphoma.
The Timberwolves and the whole NBA is mourning right now for the death of one of the most inspiring coaches in the league, who despite being diagnosed of having cancer still managed to think of his team's future. In retrospect, over his coaching career, Saunders cemented his name on the Timberwolves history. During his time as Timberwolves coach, he was able to lead the Timberwolves to a winning regular season record, and aside from that, he is far and away the winningest coach in franchise history.
The tenacity and enthusiasm of Coach Saunders is indeed reflected by his achievements and on the way he deals with his players and criticisms. His personality of not holding any grudge makes him unique from others, thus respect is shown to him not out of fear but out of respect for his conduct and distinct way of dealing with things. His optimism is greatly felt by everyone around him; even Steve Aschburner emphasized Saunders' optimism despite of having cancer as he quoted Saunder saying that;
"The message more than anything else, is just because you have an illness and you're fighting it, that doesn't have to take away the passion of your life and what you do. Whether that's your personal life or in your job or whatever. You can continue to work and fight and do the things you love to do."
Those who have met and experienced living life with Saunders would truly agree on his optimism and passion. The way he motivates players on brushing of criticisms and momentary failures by simply saying that, "Don't listen to what people say because they don't understand the will that you have," would never be forgotten. Simple as it seem, but such line of thinking propelled many athletes to success, such as Kevin Garnet, Latrell Sprewell, Sam Cassell.
Tragic as it may sound, death may have ended the physical life of Coach Saunders, but never did it end the life of his philosophy and ideals. As long as some players would continue to heed on the wisdom he shared, the legacy of Saunders would continue to live. His reputation and integrity which he took good care of will continue to live in spite of him not being around. That is why NBA should not succumb in tears for the life of Coach Saunders ended, but rather let's celebrate and smile for such life happened.
