“Real Lessons from a Silly Show” details Aidan Hatton’s takeaways and lessons learned from hosting the podcast “Games & Grub” on Marquette University Radio. Starting an interview series after the COVID-19 outbreak, Aidan shares the valuable wisdom given by so many local and national success stories in their conversations, presented in a more professional, business-oriented context.
Written May 16, 2020
On March 20, Pantelis Xidias of DePaul Men’s Basketball joined the show, now being orchestrated over Skype, as the first interview during the self-isolation period.
On his contagious energy and enthusiasm: “Everybody around me always said, ‘He is just hyped up all the time.’ That’s just me. I brought it to life, to school, to friends, to basketball, to everything.”
If there is one thing to know about Pantelis Xidias, it’s his enthusiasm. At a Marquette-DePaul game this past season at Fiserv Forum — a game in which he did not play — Xidias can be seen signing autographs for his fans after the final buzzer. It is his dance moves on the bench that have attracted an ever-growing fan base. However, in this quote Xidias makes it clear: his enthusiasm does not stop once he leaves the court.
Not only does he possess an immense zeal for life, but he also brings that passion to a wide variety of endeavors — he just recently started his own finance page on Instagram and has quickly gained over 2,000 followers. As Xidias posts daily about his diversified financial portfolio, he has also diversified himself with his energetic attitude towards multiple career paths.
On his famous sideline celebrations: “Honestly, it’s all up in my head. I don’t choreograph anything. I don’t fake anything. Whatever comes to my mind, I do it.”
Just as Xidias gave us no hesitation in his answers, he clearly gives no second thought to his actions on the bench. As silly as it may be, Xidias does not doubt himself, which is a lesson that can apply especially to the business world. I admired Xidias’ genuineness here, and his answers came off as being 100 percent him. Having complete confidence in what he is doing has given himself the ability to be secure in his efforts. This valuable trait has led to success in the classroom as well, becoming a two-time member of the Big East All-Academic Team. Xidias has made a name for himself in the college basketball community — for his efforts a few inches off the court.
On losing tight, close games: “It’s just emotions flying out there, especially in a close game, you got your whole heart and emotions on the floor. To lose a close one, it hurts. You take it for what it is, and you just try to build off of it, and try to come back next game stronger.”
“Taking it for what it is” can be considered another universally applicable lesson. Xidias has worked on not making problems any bigger than they have to be, including the current situation we are living in. Additionally, building off of losses is something that can apply to every individual. In the words of Phil Knight, the creator of Nike, Inc. in his popular memoir Shoe Dog, “Like it or not, life is a game.” In a culture where so many of us are sports fans, the analogy is very relatable; we experience life’s wins and losses on a daily basis. Xidias shows how he pours every ounce of effort into what he does, and that effort and passion has manifested itself into an outstanding career.
As a young student of business, media, and life in general, I was so grateful to take away such insightful comments and lessons from one of the most recognizable faces of college basketball. I want to thank Pantelis again for taking the time, and for sharing such thoughtful answers. Next week, “Real Lessons from a Silly Show” will share the advice given by John Fanta, a Seton Hall University graduate, now excelling in front of the camera at Fox Sports and the Big East Digital Network.
Comments