Episode 7 | To The Mountaintop with Jud Buechler

In this episode of the "To the Mountaintop" podcast, host Drew Schlosberg and student Raul Avila Lopez from Poway High School, interview Jud Buechler, a San Diego native and former NBA player, who discusses his journey from Poway High School to the University of Arizona and his professional basketball career. He recounts his transition from Torrey Pines to Poway High School, influenced by his father, and his experiences under coaches like Neville Saner and Lou Henson. Buechler shares insights on the importance of hard work, perseverance, and empathy in sports and life. He also reflects on his coaching experiences with the Lakers and Knicks, emphasizing the significance of building relationships with players. The conversation concludes with advice for young athletes on setting realistic goals and maintaining a balanced approach to education and sports.

Jud Buechler's Background and Early Life

• Jud shares his background, mentioning his parents' roots in La Jolla and his upbringing in Solana Beach and Poway.
• Jud attended Skyline Elementary, Solana Vista, Earl Warren Junior High, and Poway High School.
• His father moved the family to Poway to pursue basketball and education opportunities.
• Jud recounts his early basketball success, including a 35-1 record in seventh grade and an 8-2 record in eighth grade.

Transition to Poway High School and Initial Challenges

• Jud discusses his initial reluctance to move to Poway and the influence of Coach Press Wood from Torrey Pines High School.
• His father's decision to move the family to Poway was final, despite Jud's resistance.
• Jud describes the transition to Poway, including meeting new teammates and adapting to the new environment.
• The arrival of Coach Neville Saner at Poway High School changed the dynamics of the team, leading to significant success.

Role Models and Early Influences

• Jud names local high school players like Bob Capner, Dominic Johnson, and Larry Anderson as early role models.
• He cites Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Dr. J as his favorite NBA players.
• Jud shares his experience of playing against Larry Bird and the thrill of playing in the Boston Garden.
• The conversation shifts to Jud's high school and college experiences, highlighting the supportive environments at Poway High School and the University of Arizona.

College Recruitment and Career Decisions

• Jud discusses his recruitment process, initially favoring UCLA for both basketball and volleyball.
• He describes the influence of Coach Olson from the University of Arizona, who convinced Jud to choose Arizona.
• Jud shares the story of Coach Olson's visit to his house and the promise of a scholarship for volleyball if he didn't make it in basketball.
• The conversation touches on Jud's early success at Arizona, including a Final Four appearance in 1988.

NBA Career and Initial Challenges

• Jud recounts his draft by Seattle and subsequent trade to the New Jersey Nets, describing the culture shock of playing in the NBA.
• He shares his experiences of practicing in a trucking facility and the challenges of playing against seasoned NBA veterans.
• Jud discusses the survival mentality of rookies in the NBA, including carrying bags and arriving early for practices.
• The conversation highlights the changes in the NBA over his 11-year career, including the shift from commercial flights to private jets.

Mentorship and Coaching Experiences

• Jud reflects on the mentorship he received from coaches like Doug Beard, Neville Saner, and Scott Fisher at Poway High School.
• He discusses the impact of Coach Olson at Arizona and the lessons learned from Hall of Fame coaches like Bill Fitch, Don Nelson, and Phil Jackson.
• Jud shares his coaching experiences with the Lakers and Knicks, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with players.
• The conversation highlights the role of empathy and communication in coaching and team dynamics.

Advice for Young Athletes and Personal Reflections

• Jud advises young athletes to set realistic goals, manage their time, and find a college that feels right for them.
• He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and hard work in achieving success.
• Jud reflects on his own career, including the challenges and setbacks that shaped his journey.
• The conversation concludes with Jud sharing his pride in his daughters' achievements and the lessons he has learned from mentoring them.

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