Special bonds helping Render reach goals

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The bonds between players and their coaches can oftentimes be strong, like a brotherhood or a father-figure relationship.

For example, future NBA Hall of Famer Tim Duncan has been on record saying longtime San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich was more of a father figure than a coach, that his teachings about life have far outweighed anything he could ever teach Duncan on a basketball court.

Likewise, countless stories can be found involving athletes forming brotherhoods with teammates that last a lifetime. Sometimes, they're even stronger bonds than the ones between actual siblings.

In Tyshun Render's case, similar relationships are helping him fulfill his ultimate…