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In this episode we conclude our interview with Gene Banks, who described how a wrist injury caused him to fall to San Antonio in the second round, but led to the start of an incredible NBA career, including playing alongside legends like George Gervin, Michael Jordan, and Charles Oakley. Gene also details how he finished his basketball career in Europe and how he views his basketball career with the perspective he has in life now.

Chapters

00:55 — The Wrist Injury That Changed Gene’s Draft Position

02:26 — Falling to the Second Round—and Finding Opportunity

03:14 — Adjusting to the NBA and Coming Off the Bench

03:52 — Playing Alongside George Gervin

05:12 — Joining the Chicago Bulls

06:25 — The Perseverance It Takes to Stay in the NBA

07:17 — Guarding Legends: Bird, Malone, Barkley, and Dominique

08:56 — Fundamentals, Instinct, and Basketball IQ

09:22 — Gene’s First Impressions of Michael Jordan

10:19 — The Intensity of Bulls Practices

11:47 — Michael Jordan’s Competitive Mindset

13:28 — Witnessing Jordan’s 63-Point Game in Boston

15:01 — Charles Oakley: The Ultimate Teammate and Protector

15:59 — Underrated Stars of the 1980s

17:58 — What Today’s NBA Has Lost—and Gained

20:45 — Playing Overseas After the NBA

23:35 — What European Basketball Taught Gene

25:22 — Life After Basketball

26:56 — Cameron Confessionals: Duke Locker Room Stories

29:34 — Gene Banks’ Case for a Retired Duke Number

31:31 — The Philosophy Gene Lives By

34:00 — Rapid-Fire Basketball Questions