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Princeton University Athletics
One on One with Brian Taylor '84
July 16, 2010 | Men's Basketball
The Princeton men's basketball program honored Brian Taylor '84 on Sat., Mar. 6, 2010 around its 54-51 win over Harvard. Highlights of the evening included a children's chorus from Taylor's high school in Perth Amboy, N.J., as well as a halftime ceremony and a postgame reception with Taylor and his family as guests of honor. Additionally, the Brian Taylor Travel Fund was created to fund the overseas summer travel for the men's and women's basketball teams.
Recently, Taylor took some time to reflect on his time at Princeton, from his playing days to his recognition night this past season.
What did the event mean to you?
Every facet of the program was extraordinary. I loved watching the Perth Amboy High School choir singing the national anthem. It brought back wonderful memories of my days as a member of the choir. I was so excited to see that [Princeton University] President [Shirley] Tilghman was going to escort me to the center of Carril Court. What an honor it was to be in her company. She is a tremendous leader! When I made my way onto the court and turned and saw my teammates, family, and friends, I had to hold back tears.
What was the evening like for your family and friends to witness?
My kids were mesmerized by the love and support for me and my family. They shared how proud they were of my accomplishments and how exciting it was to be a part of the Princeton University family. [The event] also gave them the thrill of what it was like to be a Princeton Tiger basketball player.
What are some of your lasting memories from playing at Princeton?
My junior year was a year to remember. The year began with a great win over Rutgers. The Rutgers game prepared us for playing the #2 ranked team in the nation, North Carolina. We beat two great basketball giants in the same week: North Carolina AND Villanova. The Villanova score was 82-68. People thought we played a slow-tempo game, however the scores proved otherwise. Before we hit the books for exam period, I remember Coach Carril telling us that we would be a lot happier studying for exams if we beat nationally ranked #5 Penn! We agreed and beat Penn, ending their 30-game Ivy League winning streak in front of 7,500 Tiger fans.
What have you been doing since leaving Princeton after your junior season in 1972?
I turned professional after my junior year. In hindsight, after winning two ABA championships with the New York Nets and playing with some of the best players in history, I still wish I had that one year [of eligibility] back. After pro ball, I spent a decade in business. [Then] I began as a high school computer teacher, coach, and administrator. I learned enough in the business of education to embark on building charter schools and motivating young people to value education. My mission today is to inspire young people to use education and sports as a stepping stone to achieve all dreams.
For those looking to follow your career path, what advice would you give?
The advice I give to young people who want to follow my career path is to remember the odds are against them to become a professional basketball player. That does not mean you shouldn't give it your best shot by working extremely hard and perfecting your skills. Just understand that society needs you in so many other walks of life other than sports. Have a plan to maximize all your God-given gifts and work your plan!
Finish this sentence: Princeton Basketball is...
...the epitome of teaching one person how to use his individuality to prosper the group. The sophisticated basketball skills taught at Princeton prepare you to win more than a basketball game. Princeton Basketball prepares you to win at the game called life!
Click here to view a feature story on Brian Taylor and his work with the Inner City Education Fund (ICEF) by Voice of America.