Lonnie Walker IV, the 18th overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs, is already spending some time with head coach Gregg Popovich. While they definitely spoke about basketball, an interview reveals their conversation mainly revolved around life.

As reported by Mike Drago of the Reading Eagle, Walker said Popovich is just like another father in his life:

“He allows me to be a great person,” Walker said. “He's going to let me grow and evolve as a man. He's like another father in my life.”

“I'm so happy that as a rookie I'm working with one of the greatest coaches to ever coach this game,” said the former Reading High star. “I've become real friends with him. It's amazing; he talks about the (NBA) dream and about life in general.”

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For those familiar with Popovich, these antics are not new. Like the greatest coaches in basketball and all of sports, they are great life mentors first. For them, basketball is just a slice of the pie of life.

It is true their goal is to be the best team in the NBA. But Popovich is aware that in order for them to achieve that goal, the team has to be comprised of well-rounded athletes. Dribbling, shooting, passing can be honed through muscle memory. Being a great person and evolving as a human being is a lifetime process.