University of Minnesota Athletics
Black History Month: J.B. Bickerstaff
2/6/2018 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
In honor of Black History Month, Gopher Athletics is celebrating those who made us great. Throughout February, GopherSports.com will share short interviews with African-American alumni from almost every Gopher program. In these interviews, former student-athletes reflect on their time at the U of M, provide advice to current Gophers and share what Black History Month means to them personally.
Name: J.B. Bickerstaff
Sport(s): Men's Basketball
Years: 1999 - 2001
Hometown: Denver, Colo.
Occupation: NBA Coach
1) What is it you honestly miss most about the University?
The friends, teammates and fans!
2) If you could give the current student-athletes any piece of advice, what would it be?
Enjoy your time at the "U" and don't rush the experience.
3) Please share your favorite university or athletic event you've attended since you graduated and what made it so special to you?
I went to a Gopher bowl game in Houston. It was special because it was the first Gopher event I was able to take my daughter to.
4) What are you grateful for?
Being a Gopher and all that has meant. The connections have helped me further my career and build lasting relationships.
5) What does Black History Month mean to you?
It's a celebration of who we are and where we have come from. The steps that we have taken that have put our historical leaders like Martin Luther King's words into action.
6) What occupies your time now?
My family. I have a wonderful wife and three beautiful kids: Blair (six), Blakely (five), and Blade (four). And work!
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