Utah Jazz emeritus speaks to Aggie "floaters"

by Aubrie Waldron

Former Utah Jazz player Thurl Bailey spoke to Utah State students on Wednesday in the Taggart Student Center as part of Education and Human Services Week. His speech was specifically directed to those who haven’t made solid decisions about what to do with their future.

“Lots of young adults are floating,” Bailey said. “They get to the point where they know the important stuff, but there’s no concrete decision made about where they’re going to go.”

Bailey’s main message to students was to direct their lives toward goals, even if they don’t know how it will turn out. He also emphasized that “preparation is the most important position” and that everyone should prepare themselves for whatever opportunities come their way.

After showing a short video highlighting Bailey’s basketball career, Bailey serenaded the crowd with a song about looking to the future with optimism. He explained that after his professional basketball career of 16 years, he recorded three music albums, pointing out that no one needs to be confined or limited by one talent or interest they have.  

“Where have you been? Why are you here? Where are you going?” Bailey asked. “These are three of the most important questions anyone with desire, passion and goals could be asked.”

Bailey went on to say that in order to make the right decisions a person must gain a vision of where they see themselves next year, in five years, and even in 10 years.

“A lot of our purpose is on us to decide,” Bailey said.

“It was a good message for those who don’t know which direction to take,” said JoLynne Lyon, public relations specialist for the College of Education and Human Services. “His whole life story would have been different if he would’ve given up on his goals. It was a good reminder for everyone to not quit.”

Trenton Judd, a member of the College of Education and Human Services council, helped organize the event. He said that he was influenced by how highly Bailey valued education.

Judd also liked Bailey's thoughts about directing our lives with purpose.

"He gave a lot of insight to students," Judd said. "Where we are going needs to be something that we have planned out with goals and a way to accomplish it."