Anyone who knows me knows I’m a die-hard fan of Anthony “Antman” Edwards. At just 22, Antman is drawing comparisons to basketball legends like Michael Jordan, not just for his skills, but for his poise and intensity, especially in the high-stakes environment of the NBA Playoffs.
I’ve had the privilege of watching Antman develop from a young, spirited athlete into a professional powerhouse. He played third base in our LEAD Middle School Junior Ambassador League when he was at Jean Childs Young Middle School, part of Atlanta Public Schools.
Even then, Edwards displayed the hallmarks of a great athlete: speed, a strong arm, impressive batting skills and, most notably, an intense competitive spirit.
As any sports fan knows, the regular season is for play, but the playoffs are for performance. This is where the pressure mounts and the true test of an athlete’s resilience is revealed. Antman exemplifies playing under pressure. His drives to the basket are marked by a thrilling blend of passion and poise. When faced with a double team, Edwards doesn’t just cope; he excels, sinking long-range shots with an ease that hides the difficulty of such feats.
I don’t know if Ant relies on his spiritual gifts like me, but he clearly has exceptional earthly talent.
I encourage the young and adult men I mentor, train and advocate for to watch Antman during the playoffs. His performance is a powerful lesson in how to handle pressure. But remember, performing under pressure isn’t just about showing up on game day; it’s built on countless hours of practice—often under conditions designed to simulate the very pressures of game day.
As we continue to enjoy the NBA Playoffs, let’s all take a page out of Edwards’ playbook. Whether on the basketball court, in a boardroom, or during any challenging moment in life, the principles of passion, poise and preparation guide us to excel under pressure.
Stay tuned for my upcoming blog where I’ll dive deeper into the critical importance of practicing under pressure, an equally vital aspect of performance excellence.
Let’s cheer on Antman as he continues to elevate his game and redefine what it means to be a pressure performer. And let’s apply these lessons in our own lives, striving for excellence no matter the stakes.
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C.J. Stewart has built a reputation as one of the leading professional hitting instructors in the country. He is a former professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization and has also served as an associate scout for the Cincinnati Reds. As founder and CEO of Diamond Directors Player Development, C.J. has more than 22 years of player development experience and has built an impressive list of clients, including some of the top young prospects in baseball today. If your desire is to change your game for the better, C.J. Stewart has a proven system of development and a track record of success that can work for you.
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