Rolando Blackman help put the Dallas Mavericks on the NBA map. Drafted in 1981 just eight picks after the team’s No. 1 overall pick Mark Aguirre, the two became long-time running mates playing in about 600 games together. During the 80s, Blackman made four NBA All-Star teams and helped the Mavs achieve five straight winning seasons—including a trip to the 1988 Western Conference Finals, where Dallas fell in seven games to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Today, a native of Panama, Blackman serves as the vice president of corporate relations and an inclusion ambassador for the Mavericks. He recently spoke with D CEO for The Power of Play to discuss his playing days, his career transition, and his biggest superstition on game day.
*****D CEO:*****What stands out as the proudest moment of your athletic career?
BLACKMAN: “This is a hard one. Playing in four All-Star games was magnificent, but taking the eventual champions—the Los Angeles Lakers—to game seven was an even greater highlight.”
***D CEO:***Which deal, partnership, or accomplishment are you most proud of in your business career?
BLACKMAN: “I am still on the hunt for this one. Although I got my Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University, and am a Goodwill Global Ambassador to the United Nations, I feel like the three transactions I am finishing now will define my future.”
***D CEO:***In your view, what makes Dallas such a special place to play and/or conduct business?
BLACKMAN: “The Advantage all our teams have is the passion, knowledge, and never-ending support of our fans. The fact that we know they are behind us is seared into our minds as an elevating positive spirit.”
***D CEO:***What defeat or challenging moment from your playing days still resonates with you, and what did it teach you?
BLACKMAN: “The loss in the seventh game to the Lakers in 1988. It was an internal bruise that will never stop hurting. It taught me that sometimes going with the flow is not enough. You must go beyond the norm and “go take” the victory. As in life, you must always be ready to do what is beyond required to win.”
***D CEO:***What song gets you into peak performance mode?
BLACKMAN: “After all these years I still love, “Eye Of The Tiger” by Survivor and “Hall of Fame” by The Script, featuring will.i.am.”
***D CEO:***Did you have any rituals or routines you had to do before competition?
BLACKMAN: “My competition routine was simple. On game days I always ate pasta with chicken or stewed beef, with a side of mixed vegetables, water, and a two-and-a-half hour nap. Then I was off to the arena—always baller ready.”
***D CEO:***What was the first thing you purchased with your initial major contract or sports paycheck?
BLACKMAN: “I gave my mom some money and, for me, I bought a Cowboy colored, silver and blue 280ZX in 1981. It was a sweet ride.”
Author
Ben Swanger
Ben Swanger
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Ben Swanger is the executive editor for D CEO, the business title for D Magazine. Ben manages the award-winning publication Dallas 500 and is the creator of The City of Champions, a special edition magazine detailing how North Texas became the sports business capital of the world. He's written about how the Adelson family gained control of the Mavs, how de-extinction company Colossal became Texas' first $10 billion private startup, and how Bell won a $100 billion U.S. Army contract. When he's not writing, he's probably busy working on his golf swing.