Episode #16
Old Man Strength EP 7.16: Scot Pollard: Kansas, the NBA, Survivor & a Second Chance at Life
Former Kansas Jayhawk and NBA veteran Scot Pollard joins Old Man Strength for a conversation that goes far beyond basketball. Scot takes us back to growing up in a basketball family, losing his father at just 16 years old, being recruited by some of the biggest programs in the country, and why Roy Williams ultimately convinced a California kid to call Kansas home. He shares stories from his years with the Jayhawks before diving into his NBA career, including the unforgettable Sacramento Kings teams and the controversial 2002 Western Conference Finals against Kobe, Shaq and the Lakers. Then we head off the court. Scot pulls back the curtain on his experience competing on Survivor , including the strategy, relationships and reality of how contestants can be portrayed once the show is edited. But the most powerful part of Scot's story came years later. Scot opens up about his battle with heart failure, the long road that eventually led to a heart transplant, and how receiving a second chance at life completely changed his perspective. He discusses the realities transplant families face, his health today, and the work being done through Pearls of Life to support organ donation, transplant education and families going through the process. From Allen Fieldhouse and the NBA playoffs to Survivor and ultimately fighting for his life, this is a story about family, resilience, perspective and making the most of the bonus days we're given. Old Man Strength is sponsored by KnoPros Remodeling, Jenny Farrell RE/MAX Concepts, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, and Revelton Distilling Company — LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studio .
