He may be small, he may not know how to tie his shoes, but come game day at Tarboro High School in North Carolina, this toddler is commanding respect on the court.
Christopher, who is just 4 years old, has earned the nickname “Lil Coach Bess” or “Coach CB” because he’s always right beside his father, Coach Reggie Bess, with his whiteboard in hand, demanding a winning play from the Tarboro Varsity Boys basketball team.
“I actually think he’s the full time coach,” Reggie Bass said to ABC11. “He told me last week he’s now the new athletic director as well. So I guess I’ll work for him. But all the kids love him as well”
A video of the 4-year-old pacing the court, clapping at players and shouting plays has gone viral. He regularly steals the spotlight and even at home, the little coach is enthralled by the game of basketball.
“He watched games left and right when he’s home,” Reggie Bass told WNCT9. “He gets in front of the television screen. It might be a college game on, he gets his little coaching board he draws up X’s and O’s. Little things like that.”
In addition to being an internet sensation, Christopher is well respected by the players on the team and he’s become a draw and an inspiration to anyone who comes to the games.
“As much negativity is going on in the world right now, to have this little positive insight that he brings to not just us as a family, but just to people around us … it’s all genuine and authentic. That’s the best part to me. That’s the most prized thing about it,” his father said.
Alt text: 4yo Basketball Coach Is This NC High School Team’s Secret Weapon / Photo credit: Instagram