Retired NBA All-Star MVP Chris Paul talked to Listen In With KNN Host, Founder and Executive Producer Kelsey Nicole Nelson live from Indianapolis, the site of the men’s Final Four championship game, for a special March Madness edition of the show.
Throughout the show, Paul spoke about the iconic career that earned him the title “Point God,” as well as the current season, athlete health, and giving back to his community.
Paul also weighed in with his March Madness predictions during the conversation, backing Michigan on the men’s side of the tournament. His pick ultimately proved accurate, as Michigan went on to capture the national championship, capping off the run he had pointed to during Final Four weekend.
In addition to cheering on the tournament, Paul joined the show on behalf of Lilly, which is celebrating 150 years of advancing science and improving lives.
“I’m proud to be here on behalf of Lily,” he said. “You don’t play 21 years, you don’t do anything for that long without the consistency and the discipline of stacking days, putting in the hard work, and health is what keeps us moving forward.”
Now several years removed from his 21-year NBA career that cemented him as one of the league’s premier point guards, Paul focuses his time on building future classes of athletes, mentoring young players at a kids’ clinic during the Final Four.
“Indy is really cool,” Paul said. “It had to be crazy being at that game, because I was, I was watching and following it, and I was, I was shocked,” reflecting on the excitement of being at the championship weekend.
Paul also reflected on the broader energy of March Madness and one of the tournament’s defining moments—Braylon Mullins’ game-winning shot over Duke.
Paul attributes a great deal of his success to disciplined health habits. When asked about what he tells younger players about longevity and sustaining a long career, Paul pointed to the importance of starting habits early
“It starts early,” he said. “When I’m in the locker room, and I’m talking to younger players about longevity and being able to play, not just for a long time, but at a high level.” He emphasized the importance of health, discipline, and daily routines: “You have to know what’s best for you and your body… the different things that I may have done eating at 21 it changed at 31 and it drastically changed at 40.”
The conversation also touched on Paul’s continued support for HBCU programs and women’s basketball, following Howard University’s historical first-time NCAA tournament win for its men’s program.
“It was huge for Howard basketball, but all the HBCUs… We just want to give them the platform and make sure everyone knows that these kids, coaches, everyone are as talented as a lot of these other programs.”
Paul has been a longtime supporter of HBCU athletics and hosts a yearly classic to elevate HBCU athletes on the national stage. The event provides student-athletes with increased visibility while celebrating the culture, tradition, and impact of HBCU institutions.
On the women’s side of the NCAA tournament, Paul highlighted the progress and advocacy within the WNBA, which just completed a landmark deal that will provide significant upgrades in player compensation, benefits, travel standards, and league operations, while also addressing key issues such as revenue sharing and housing.
“Anytime you prevent a work stoppage is a job well done, because you play the game and you do all this stuff for the fans. I’m happy to see that they got everything done, and they’ll be ready for their season,” he said.
From mentoring the next generation at his kids’ clinic to advocating for HBCUs and women’s basketball, Paul’s influence extends far beyond the court, highlighted by collaborations with Lilly that emphasize the importance of health, discipline, and longevity on and off the floor.
