The Mentorship Moment That Changed Everything

“Growing up, my father was abusive. I never heard ‘I love you.’ I was an angry kid,” he began. But everything changed when his high school principal stepped into his life. “She just loved me, man. She started speaking into me—not just about who I was, but who I could be. That’s what mentors do—they speak to your future, not just your present.”

This principal didn’t just offer guidance—she made a tangible commitment. She created a symbolic “adoption paper,” listing her promises to him and his responsibilities in return. “We kept each other accountable. That’s what mentors do—they invest in your life and hold you accountable.”

Building Trust Through Connection

Mentorship isn’t just about guidance; it’s about building trust. One story stood out. While mentoring a middle school student known for being hard to reach, he made a simple promise: “For every touchdown you score, I’ll give you five bucks.” When he returned weeks later, the student had scored five touchdowns. True to his word, he handed the boy the cash. “He was blown away because I kept my promise. That was something he wasn’t used to in his household.” This act of reliability planted the seeds of trust. 

“Mentorship is about building trust. If you say you’ll do something, you follow through. These kids have been let down too many times.”

Finding Purpose in Every Interaction

“The reason I was a two-time All-American, led the nation in scoring, won two national championships, and played with the Harlem Globetrotters is because of my mentors,” Melvin said. His mentors challenged him, held him accountable, and inspired him to excel. Today, he pays it forward by mentoring others.

Reflecting on his own legacy, he shared a powerful perspective: “They say we live to be 75 if we’re lucky. I’m 53, which means I have 22 years left. That’s 22 summers, 22 springs, 22 falls and 22 winters. It’s got to be more than comedy. Comedy breaks the walls, lets me into your heart, but I’ve got 22 years left, man. It’s not a game to me. The jokes are what break the walls, but the walls get rebuilt with your life’s gift.”

“I have 22 years to impact truth into the lives of the next generation. Every moment I have—like right now, even this conversation—I’m locked in.”

Guiding Through Failure and Discouragement

When asked how he mentors those struggling with failure or discouragement, Melvin emphasized the importance of meeting people where they are. He shared a story about connecting with students through sports, using humor and encouragement to build a bridge.

“Mentorship is about connecting, man. You find common ground, and from there, you build.”

The Role of Authenticity

Authenticity is at the heart of his mentoring philosophy. “Power comes when you live what you speak. People can see that. That’s why the impact is real—it’s rooted in authenticity.”

From his time with the Harlem Globetrotters to his work with communities, his ability to connect stems from being genuine. “I’ve been broken, and I’ve realized it’s not about me—it’s about changing lives by being a living example.”

Tailoring Mentorship to Diverse Audiences

Having worked with people from all walks of life, Melvin has learned to adapt his approach without changing his message. “Whether I’m speaking to elementary kids or corporate executives, the message stays the same. I just adjust the delivery.”

He uses humor and basketball to win audiences over, sharing stories that resonate with their unique experiences. 

“People want the same three things: to feel loved, to know they matter, and to know they belong.”

The Legacy of Mentorship

“Slow down and make time for people,” Melvin advised. In today’s fast-paced world, being fully present can make all the difference. “Kids know when you’re fully present. If we want to impact truth, we have to slow down and be in the moment.”

He concluded with a reflection on character. “Character is everything. I saw a statue in Houston last year, and a year later, it was still there—unchanged. That’s what character is—being consistent even when no one’s watching.”

Through mentorship, he’s not just changing lives—he’s building a legacy. His impact is felt not only in the lives of the 8 million kids he’s reached but also in the lasting ripple effect of those they will inspire.

As he put it, “When your life inspires others to do better, that’s when you know you’ve done something right.”