Interview with Julian Tackett - KHSAA Assistant Commissioner

We are right in the thick of Sweet 16 right now at Rupp Arena. Schools of all colors are scattered about the stands like wild flowers in a field. Julian Tackett, the Assistant Commissioner at KHSAA, definitely has his work cut out for him, but fortunately he seems to have a passion for what he does. I was able to ask Julian a few questions pertaining to the National City Bank/KHSAA Boys Sweet Sixteen Basketball Tournament that is going on at the arena right now. Below is our one on one, which will give you some insight into his love for the tournament.

 

Rupp Arena Blog - What unique quality does high school basketball offer that no other level of the sport has?

Julian - It is still the last truly amateur level of play. Playing for the glory of your school, for the memories, not money or fame.

Rupp Arena Blog - What aspect of the KHSAA Sweet 16 tournament do you enjoy the most?

Julian - The reunion/social aspect of the whole thing. First day or so you see people spend more time getting reacquainted than watching the games.

Rupp Arena Blog - It really is amazing that all the teams competing are all located within a reasonable distance from each other. Does this make the rivalries, as well as the intensity of close matches that much more thrilling?

Julian - It does. plus the fact that the better teams play each other through the year through invitational tournaments, summer play, etc., continues to develop stronger rivalries and makes the games more exciting.

 

Rupp Arena Blog - From cheering for your team when you were in high school, to being a part of running the state basketball tournament each year, how do you think your outlook on the importance of Sweet 16 has changed?

Julian - The Sweet 16 is not just a series of games. It is a huge special event in the state. Everyone who is anyone in Kentucky will come through those turnstiles this weekend, and my job is to make sure that they leave here thinking this year’s experience was just a little better than the last one.

Rupp Arena Blog - Along that same subject, what is the most nostalgic moment of the tournament that reminds you of when you were that age?

Julian - It still amazes me to see the kid’s reaction to Rupp. Players who are supposed “stars” in their schools, etc. who come out in awe of the place, taking pictures with cell phones, digital pics of each other, etc., taking that first shot on the floor. It is quite a moment to watch.

Rupp Arena Blog - If you could pass along one piece of advice to high school athletes as they enter college sports, what would it be?

Julian - You never get a second chance to live this particular moment. Don’t always spend your time worrying about tomorrow’s game, next year’s classes, etc. Live and enjoy this moment to the fullest. Spend a few minutes and walk around the facility. See people. Soak it in. After you leave high school, life goes by very very fast.

Thanks Julian for the interview and it is easy to say that you are not the only one that finds so much enjoyment in this experience. It seems that no matter how many of these tournaments people go to, year after year, there is always fresh faces and talent sure to “wow” and amaze.