Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tyrese Haliburton, Jalen Williams, Pascal I. Everyone knows who are the stars of the seventh and definitive game of The NBA finals that this morning they will play the Thunder and the Pacers To settle the champion. But in Oklahoma there is another character, Marvin Mackthat in its own way, always far from the spotlights, it has become A star in the shadow.
'Coach Mack' in the Paycom Center's changing room tunnel.
Many will not sound their name, not even His nickname, 'Coach Mack'. It is the security guard of the Thunder, which has 22 seasons ensuring the order and tranquility of the teams in the costume zone of the Paycom Center (then called Ford Center), and in all that time He has conquered the heart of all the players and coaches who have passed through Oklahoma and also of all the visiting teams that have passed by.
Exquisite manners and the highest courtesy
‘Coach Mack’ He has won respect and affection Of all those who travel through the vices of the Paycom Center with their 'weapons': His good treatment, his exquisite manners, his education and his extreme courtesy. At 75 he is still at the foot of the cannon and has granted an interview with the American media Anscape in which he reviews his career and speaks of the great mythical players with whom he has locked friendship thanks to his extraordinary work, such as Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, James Harden, Kevin Garnett and endless stars.
I guess the whole country knows the 'Coach Mack'. It is not presuming. When you show honey, people return it to you. They are my guests and I treat them as if they came home
“I guess everyone knows the 'coach Mack' throughout the country. It is not presuming. When you show love to people, people return it to you,” says veteran security guard. “When rival teams reach the locker room, I always say: 'Welcome to Oklahoma City, guys'. Some are more receptive than others, but according to the Webster Dictionary, for me, Customer service implies having a relationship with whom? With your guests. Those are my guests. So bring them as if they came home. And that training in guest relationships has prepared me better, and I try to do it by giving my personal touch to make it even better. “
Everyone receives him with open arms
“I have the best of both worlds,” Mack said. “I show affection in the corridor of the visitors. And even more in Thunder's hall. And all these children receive me with open arms. ”The wing of the Thunder, Jaylin Williamshe hallucinated when he met him: “When I arrived, everyone called him 'coach'. I didn't know very well why. But The more I come to the pavilion, the more tips on the game“.
When I arrived, everyone called it 'coach'. I didn't know why. But the more I come to the pavilion, the more tips on the game
Mark Daigneault, Thunder coachapplaud your work: “Mack gives me advice from time to time and I take them into account. He now works in the visiting team section and we want this to be a great basketball atmosphere and a great experience for all, play with us or I don't think it contributes to that, even a bit, in the most subtle way. It is a guy with which it is great to interact. Treat everyone with respect and dignity. I love spending time with him“.
Mack gives me advice from time to time and I take them into account. It is a guy with which it is great to interact. Treat everyone with respect and dignity. I love spending time with him
“Simply entabled a good relationship with those young people. It is gratifying for them that someone welcomes them under their protection, “says Mack, who has met many great players over the past 22 years. Mack He was with the Thunder at the first NBA finals of 2012, along with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden. I felt admiration for Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics and established a good relationship with the former coach of the San Antonio Spurs, Gregg Popovich76 years old, his own contemporary.
The day Kobe Bryant asked for a photo
But of all Mack's moments outside the visiting costumes, none fills him with pride that his story with the deceased Kobe Bryant. After his last game at Oklahoma City, On April 11, 2016, the Lakers legend asked him to take a picture with him … and Mack accepted: “It was incredible, in his last game there was an excited crowd, with journalists everywhere. I tried to direct traffic and maintain fluidity, making sure that everything was done correctly, with decorum and order. And suddenly, I heard my name between the crowd at the end of the hall: 'Coach Mack' “.
Someone approached and said: 'Coach Mack?, Kobe wants to know if a photo with you can take.' I thought about it because it is not supposed to take pictures according to the manual … but I accepted: 'clear'. And I'm glad I made it
I didn't know who that voice was: “I said: 'Who the hell calls me among so many people?'. And someone approached and said: 'Coach Mack?, Kobe wants to know if a photo with you can take.' I thought about it because it is not supposed to take pictures. And I said: 'Well, the manual says … but I accepted: 'clear'. And I'm very happy to have done it “. And he was not the only one who wanted to pose with him. Also another superstar as Stephen Curry He requested it.
? Coach Mack 'with Kobe Bryant the day he asked to take a picture with him.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexanderstar of the Thunder and figure of the moment, it also praises him: “It is special. You completely absorb yourself in your own world as a NBA player and People like the 'Coach Mack' are a breath of fresh air. You enter very serious, thinking about your party, and He is happy to be there, happy to open the door, the simple things in life“The Canadian explains.” Over the years, I have been able to approach him. I met his granddaughter. It is a great guy. I'm glad to have him close. Keep everything calm here. It is an important part of what we do. “
'Coach Mack' is a breath of fresh air. He is happy to be there, happy to open the door, the simple things of life. It is a great guy. I'm glad to have him close. Keep everything calm. It is an important part of what we do
With 75 years, he still does not think about the withdrawal: “When God says that my purpose has been fulfilled, I will have ended,” said. “But I love my work. I wake up for it. I'm looking forward to the pavilion Because I know someone who comes and who might need a word of encouragement, because daily life is difficult, especially for color young people. ”
'Coach Mack' posing with Stephen Curry, star of the Warriors.
Tonight he will be, as always, in his workplace with the Pacers wardrobe, and wishing his team to win his first championship. “We are only one art of winning everything, you just have to maintain humility and a positive attitude”Mack told Andscape. “Do not let it pass. Do not leave it behind. Let it come and accept it at once. That would be the speech that would give them.” If the Thunder won the title, a bit of that ring, even if it is very small, will also be 'coach mack'.
