Logo
Thurl Bailey Headshot
Report a problem with this profile
[email protected]

Thurl Bailey        

Former NBA Player & Emmy Award-Winning Broadcaster; Singer-Songwriter and Author of "Team of Destiny"

Thurl Bailey inspires others to win whatever the odds or disappointments, from the youth to the corporate world. Master storyteller and accomplished speaker, he inspires companies and individuals to focus on what matters most; to persevere, build winning teams, encourage peak performance, develop leadership, and discover opportunity in change.

Twice Bailey has led teams from far behind to win national championships. His most recognized title was the 1983 North Carolina State Wolfpack team which beat the famed University of Houston Cougars. That national championship game was selected by Sports Illustrated as the greatest sports ending in the 20th century.

Bailey’s new book, "Team of Destiny," chronicles that incredible journey and teaches readers how his coach Jim Valvano led a group of passionate young men to be the best team in college basketball and what it takes to develop a “Championship Mindset”.

Because of Bailey’s outstanding leadership skills and the quality of his character, as well as his impressive basketball skills, he was drafted by the Utah Jazz as the 1983 7th overall pick of the N. B.A. Draft. Bailey spent twelve of his sixteen-year professional basketball career in the NBA, and four years playing overseas, in Italy and Greece. His courtesy and integrity both on and off the court and his strong sense of community service have led to numerous civic awards and earned him the nickname "NBA's Mr. Nice Guy".

When you meet Bailey, you first notice a 7 feet tall athlete. But he is a man of as much depth as height. Bailey is a gifted inspirational singer and songwriter. Among his many musical awards are the 2000 Pearl Awards of Best Contemporary Recording and Best New Artist of the Year.

His other awards include the NBA's prestigious J. Walter Kennedy Community Service Award, the Utah Association for Gifted Children Community Service Award, Sigma Gamma Chi Fraternity's Exemplary Manhood Award and The Great Salt Lake Council of the Boy Scouts of America's American Champion Award.

Bailey and his wife Sindi have 3 children, and make their home in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Speech Topics

Will The Real MVP Please Stand

By applying the lessons that Thurl illustrates, your people can learn to play for the team's victory not just for their own glory. He teaches audiences to understand everyone's role, such as when to step in when needed, and how to fall back into position - all aimed at helping the whole team win.

Don’t Pass The Buck – Pass The Ball!

Learn from the examples Thurl shares about how leaders are needed in every position on the court. Learn that a winning game plan requires every team member to be a team leader on every play. Learn the steps to allow leadership to flourish in your organization.

Our Winning Defied All Logic

Twice Thurl's teams have come from far behind to win national championships. Your corporate team can do the same. No matter what the obstacles are, or what the 'experts' say, your organization can learn tested principles about accomplishing goals.

What Matters Most

What are the elements of power? of satisfaction? On the court, in the boardroom, or in the family room the issues are the same. The keys to incredible effectiveness lie in underrated values: fair play, honesty, trust, integrity, and respect. Learn and laugh with Thurl's short tales and tall truths and discover what matters most to you.

Books

News

Thurl Bailey To Represent Utah Jazz at 2024 NBA Draft Lottery
An ex-Utah Jazz great will be representing the franchise that drafted him in 1983.
Speaker and Former NBA Player Thurl Bailey Invites Audience to Share Their Journey During UVU Conference on Mental Health
The standing-room only audience in the UVU Grand Ballroom was regaled the morning of Oct. 27 as former Utah Jazz power forward, NBA broadcast analyst, and inspirational speaker Thurl Bailey delivered the opening keynote at 2023 UVU Conference on Mental Health.
Thurl Bailey looks back at last NC State Final Four team
North Carolina State is back in the Final Four for the first time since the Wolfpack won the championship in 1983.

Related Speakers View all

More like Thurl