TTalk: Beyond the Field - TTalk with Michael Christian

TTalk with Michael Christian

05/17/24 • 99 min

In this episode, we chart the evolution of a high school phenom into a junior college standout at Delgado and shares the camaraderie and growth that propelled him to Tulane University and the Posse. With a life as vibrant as a game-winning buzzer-beater, Michael Christian opens up about his international upbringing, the formative influence of his Air Force father, and the pivotal encounters with future NBA legends that defined his early years.

Feel the heartbeat of those fierce NCAA games, where rivalries were as intense as the Southern heat, and the weight of a coach's expectations could make or break a young athlete's dreams. Christian doesn't shy away from the raw moments of self-doubt and the resilience demanded to excel in the highly competitive world of collegiate athletics.

Michael shares the wisdom gleaned from coaching, the impact of youth basketball culture, and the responsibilities of nurturing the next generation of talent in an era of NIL and the Transfer Portal. This episode is a celebration of friendship, mentorship and the deep-seated connections that bind the past, present, and future of Tulane Men's Basketball.

(00:00) Michael Christian formative years
(11:08) High School Basketball
(23:12) Junior College Basketball
(31:31) Remembering the Posse Era in Tulane Basketball
(43:44) NCAA Basketball Game Conversations
(48:20) Building a Successful Basketball Team
(57:55) Life After College Basketball
(01:14:54) Coaching Path and Youth Development
(01:20:49) Impact of Youth Basketball Culture
(01:29:51) Discussion on Tulane Basketball Program
(01:37:16) Building a Winning Legacy at Tulane

Previous Episode

TTalk with Barbara Farris

Barbara Farris has had an exceptional basketball career as a player, coach, and champion on various levels, despite starting late at age thirteen. Her experiences playing and coaching basketball globally demonstrate its role in her personal growth, as well as the profound impact she has had on her players and the community, exemplifying the importance of being more than just an athlete, but a beacon of inspiration for others. The conversation with Barbara celebrates the joys and challenges of basketball, while also spotlighting the long-term influence of supporting women's sports and the growth of individuals involved.

(0:00:00) - Barbara Farris and Growing Up

(0:13:49) - Teaching Discipline and Expectations in Public

(0:18:09) - High School Athletics and Influential Coaches

(0:27:28) - Benefits of Playing Multiple Sports

(0:38:45) - College Recruiting Visits and Decisions

(0:43:44) - Tulane Women's Basketball Program Memories

(0:56:10) - Overcoming Challenges for Success

(1:03:11) - Life Lessons Learned Through Basketball

(1:11:39) - Embracing Basketball and Self-Confidence

(1:18:53) - Athlete Transition to Playing Abroad

(1:27:24) - Success in Coaching Basketball

(1:39:27) - College Athletics and Transfer Portal

(1:44:12) - College Basketball Rule Changes and Opportunities

(1:49:40) - Support and Investment in Women's Basketball

(1:55:02) - Favorite Things and Guilty Pleasures

(2:05:55) - Planning Diverse Sports Network Expansion

During her Tulane career, Barbara started in 114 games and scored 1,729 points, making 408 out of 684 free throw attempts, which is second on the record-charts; she also had Tulane’s second-highest career totals of rebounds (939), offensive rebounds (351), defensive rebounds (588), free throws made (408) and free throws attempted (684). She averaged 16.7 points and 6.8 rebounds in her career, becoming the only player in school history to achieve all-conference honors all four years. She still holds the school’s career field-goal percentage record (63.7 percent). For all of these reasons, and for her outstanding leadership skills, she was inducted into the Tulane Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004.

Next Episode

TTalk with James McKinley

We welcome James McKinley, a former Tulane defensive back who made his mark for Coach Mack Brown in the 1987 Independence Bowl. Witness a tale of unwavering spirit, familial influence, and a steely determination that catapulted a late bloomer from a vocational high school into football stardom and a career in mortgage financing. We explore how the values he learned on the gridiron—teamwork, resilience, and competition—translate into career success and personal fulfillment. Join us for this episode of TTalk, where every play counts towards a life well-lived.

00:00) Early Life

James McKinley's story showcases perseverance, family influence, and community support in his late start and success in football.

(12:29) Recruiting Trip to Tulane

A former athlete reflects on his recruiting trip, conversations with Dr. Hill, camaraderie with teammates, and determination to succeed in college athletics.

(23:59) Achieving Success Through Hard Work

Mastering cover two defense, coaching changes, team goals, and camaraderie led to a winning season and graduation in '88.

(31:02) Independence Bowl Experience and Career Highlights

Standout performances, media interactions, strategic responses, personal redemption, and family support.

(39:38) Life After Sports

Transitioning from student athlete to post-athletics, leveraging experiences, resilience, mentors, finances, support, self-improvement, and defining success through faith, family, and community.

(50:10) Transfer Portal's Impact on Junior College Athletes

The complexities in college sports transfer portal, struggles of junior college athletes, personal preferences, and enduring connections