Every once in a while, a conversation reminds you that greatness isn’t just about stats, stars, or accolades--it’s about clarity.
In this week’s episode of Y-Option, I sat down with one of the most intriguing young quarterbacks in the country, Dia Bell, inside the Threads Lounge during the Elite 11 Finals. What unfolded was less an interview and more a workshop as Dia began the long journey toward mapping out his mission, vision, and values as both an athlete and a human being.
The 2025 Elite 11 MVP and I had an intimate conversation which was fueled by a partnership with Threads and Y-Option’s founding sponsor, 76, keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat.
Dia opened up about what truly matters to him:
Integrity: staying grounded in who he is and how he was raised.
Leadership: not just on the field, but as the oldest sibling and a role model for those around him.
Community: giving back to the place and people who shaped him.
Lonely Work: the willingness to do the boring, unglamorous things longer and create value for his teammates.
Emotional Intelligence: a gift he’s already carrying at such a young age.
As a Texas commit and the son of NBA player, Raja, there are many eyes on Dia. We talked about being the man in the arena, blocking out the noise, and navigating the balance between chasing “all-time” greatness and carrying the weight of expectations. He shared how an injury that kept him out of a championship game forced him into a different role–one that revealed his capacity to lift others when he couldn’t physically compete.
By the end, Dia articulated a mission, vision and his values for his life that reaches far beyond football.
MISSION: To impact and uplift others.
VISION: To lead, excel, and thrive in all areas of life—on and off the field—with integrity.
VALUES: Growth mindset, give back to his community, live with emotional intelligence and more.
This conversation was a reminder that clarity creates freedom, and freedom creates discipline. Dia Bell is already living that truth and as his career evolves so will his philosophy in life. And I can’t wait to watch him thrive as a young man.
Enjoy week 1 and Texas fans, think you’ll enjoy learning about your future QB as you watch the most anticipated opener in recent college football history.
Much love and stay steady,
Yogi
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