Joshua Thomas is the head coach of the Santa Monica College Corsairs men’s basketball team. He was an assistant coach at Riverside City College Tigers when current Cal Poly Mustangs head coach John Smith was the head coach of the Tigers. I was the team manager of The Master’s University Mustangs from 2010-14 and Dominique Lanier and Bernard Ireland, Jr. were guards on the Mustangs during my senior season. They played on the Tigers for coach Smith and coach Thomas.  In sharing advice with me, coach Thomas wrote, “My advice to young coaches it to get some experience. Remember that your 1st job is an opportunity and always keep that in mind. I will also say to young coaches.. Have Patience! I know it is very hard to be patient in this business, but understand that your journey is unique and different than others. Also, I would tell young coaches to network, build, and form relationships. Relationships are everything in this business. Lastly, be serious about your craft. Invest time into your career and yourself so that you are ready for when great opportunities present themselves. My advice to young players is to stay in the gym. Hard work is the key to success and not just merely talent. Also, be coachable and selfless teammate. Additionally, young players should identify their goals and go after them with all that they have. Lastly, find a team that fits you and a coaching staff that has your best interest at heart.”