Bruton Basketball Foundation founder Cal Bruton talks about the ‘Take a Shot’ campaign ahead of the inaugural World Basketball Day on 21 December.
What does taking a shot mean to you, and how has basketball influenced your ability to take shots, both on and off the court?
Basketball has a profound impact on my ability to take shots, both on and off the court, shaping my approach to challenges and opportunities. On the court, the physical act of taking a shot involves a combination of skill, focus, and confidence. The precision required to sink a basket mirrors the discipline needed to navigate life’s obstacles.
What I have faced in my personal and professional life is thanks to the strength I gained from the game of basketball. Me taking a shot at moving to Australia for the NBL is a great example of where taking a shot can lead you!
How would you encourage others to take a shot – whether it’s a literal basketball shot or a metaphorical leap towards their goals?
Encouraging others to take a shot, literally or metaphorically, involves instilling confidence, emphasising the value of risk-taking, and highlighting the potential for growth. Just as in basketball, where taking a shot is a fundamental aspect of the game, encouraging individuals to embrace challenges and opportunities is crucial for personal and professional development.
Remind them that every shot, regardless of the outcome, is an opportunity to learn, improve, and build resilience. Encourage a mindset that embraces failure as a stepping stone towards success. In the broader context of life, taking a metaphorical shot involves stepping outside one’s comfort zone, pursuing aspirations, and facing uncertainties with courage. Ultimately, the key lies in inspiring a mindset that views challenges as stepping stones to success and recognises the inherent value in taking bold and purposeful shots at one’s aspirations.
Can you share a story about a significant moment when taking a shot led to a positive change or outcome in your life?
Since I was a kid and lost my Dad at seven years old, I have always had to ‘take shots’ to survive, support my family and become the professional sportsman that I grew into.
My most game-changing shot was coming to Australia to promote the NBL. I was one of the first imports to come from the USA to help promote the NBL. I am proud to be a Hall of Famer of the NBL and to be part of such an integral part of the NBL’s history here in Australia. It led me down many positive pathways and I even have represented Australia by taking that shot so many years ago to move here.
What does inclusivity look like in the context of the ‘Take a Shot’ campaign, and how can basketball serve as a platform for bringing diverse communities together?
The Take a Shot campaign is all about inclusivity, teamwork, collaboration, celebrating the great game of basketball. It has no bias – you can walk up to anyone on a court and say, ‘Hey, can I have a shot?’ The next minute you got two strangers coming together playing the game or just shotting around. We want to connect everyone, by sharing each other’s clips of taking a shot, writing positive comments and be proud to be part of the basketball community.
Basketball serves as a powerful platform for unity among diverse communities by transcending cultural, social, and economic boundaries. The inclusive nature of the sport provides a common ground where individuals from various backgrounds can come together, share a common passion, and build connections.
How successful has the ‘Take a Shot’ campaign been to date?
We are loving all the support, amazing messages and the awesome clips coming through. These are coming from all over the world! We are loving this … so much positivity! We want to see more! If you have been thinking about it or haven’t had time, make the time to enter our Take a Shot … Making a shot campaign. We want to celebrate world basketball day together.
