Providence, R.I.--Learning from the example of others and knowing how to have fun are just two of the keys to leadership and success in athletics and life, said Providence College's first-year men's basketball coach, Keno Davis.

Davis spoke about his philosophy of leadership and coaching at a recent "Dinner with Keno Davis."

The program was sponsored by the Office of Student Activities-Involvement-Leadership (S.A.I.L.)/Slavin Center, the Board of Programmers, and the Department of Athletics.

Davis told a campus audience that one of the best ways to grow and develop as a leader is to study other people.

"I learn from all different types of coaches. When I work with other coaches I look to see the way in which each one succeeds with their players," he said. "In all honesty, I learned more from the mistakes of past coaches . . . from coaches who didn't motivate their basketball players to be great on the court, great in academics, and great people."

Knowing early on that he wanted to be a basketball coach, Davis started studying other coaches from a young age. After graduating from the University of Iowa and working for various Division II and III teams, Davis went to work with his father, Dr. Tom Davis, at Drake University in 2003 as an assistant coach.

Last year at Drake--his first as a head coach--Keno Davis' team finished 28-5 and earned a trip to the NCAA Tournament. He was named National Coach of the Year by the Associated Press, the U.S. Basketball Writers Association, and the Sporting News.

How did he do this? At Drake, Davis said his team lacked overwhelming talent and experience. While he wanted to win, it was also important for him to give his players good, meaningful experiences.

"You need to be able to have fun," he said. "If I didn't find ways for the boys at Drake to have fun, I would have lost the team. I recognize the value of them enjoying themselves."

Davis also said he recognizes that as a leader, he must inspire confidence in his players. He recalled a coach he met while working at a summer basketball camp for children of all ages when he was younger.

Davis said the coach won numerous championships--regardless of his team's talent and skill level--because he was able to inspire confidence in his players.

"On the first day, he would bring the team together and say, 'What do you want our team name to be?' and the kids would all answer different names. Then he would say, 'Well I think we should be the All-Star Team, because I have the best players here,'" Davis said.

He added, "Something as simple as naming the team the All-Star Team inspired confidence in these kids. They believed they were the best."

In addition to confidence, Davis believes that the success of the team depends on how hard each member plays. "We must treat practice like the biggest game," he said. "If we play hard, then good will come."

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-- Lauren Gibbons '10