LeBron James is arguably the best basketball player on the planet. But what about his upbringing? Who influenced him growing up? A new book and documentary shed some light on these aspects of his life, as James remembers the man he calls his teacher, father figure, and friend:

“What Coach Dru did for us was set up life for us after the game of basketball. He taught us to use the game of basketball and not let the game of basketball use us.”

WORLD’s Megan Basham was able to sit down and talk to Coach Dru Joyce II, who, by using the principles of Christ, helped keep the superstar and this teammates grounded as they grew up fast in Akron, Ohio. Megan asked Coach Joyce how he continues to inoculate kids against complacency and arrogance so that they don’t get “used up by the system.” Joyce responded:

You can always be replaced and life will, in its own way, move you out if you don’t understand that you need to be thankful that you are blessed with certain God-given talents. You need to use them to His glory and you need to defer to your teammates because we never reach any success all by ourselves.

I talk to my team about seven principles: humility, servanthood, thankfulness, integrity, discipline, passion, and unity—those principles that, if you live by these things, you’re going to be a person of good character. The principles Christ taught are real, and if you apply them, your life will not necessarily be easy, but you will stand out in our world as extraordinary, and you’ll be able to weather whatever storm comes. I was reading a Scripture in a men’s Bible study I’m a part of this morning about how our foundation is built on a rock. I try to impart that truth to every kid who plays for me. Now they may not all receive it—and that’s not my job to make sure they receive it—my job is to offer the coaching.

You can read the interview in its entirety here. Also, be sure to read Alisa Harris’ review of the film More Than a Game from the current issue of WORLD Magazine.