A Dad Story with Jan Vesely & Nando De Colo

Patience, Play, and the Changing Role of Fatherhood

When you watch Jan Vesely and Nando De Colo on the basketball court, what stands out is their focus, skill, and deep understanding of teamwork. But beyond the spotlight, these two teammates are part of a much more complex, deeply personal team, their families. Jan is the father of a 4-year-old boy. Nando is a triple girl dad. And both are navigating what it means to be a modern father in a time when masculinity, communication, and expectations are rapidly evolving.

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Becoming Fathers

Jan’s son was born when he was 28. He believed he was ready, but still, something surprised him.
“Being patient with a child. I didn’t know I had it in me,” he admits. That patience, he says, is something he has cultivated not only through fatherhood but also through years of being an athlete:

“Sport teaches you respect. It teaches you how to be part of a group. I’ve carried those lessons into parenting.”

For Nando, the rhythm of life shifted gradually.
“Everything changed since I became a father,” he says. 

“It took time at the beginning. Your whole rhythm changes. But it’s for something truly amazing. At the end of the day, no matter what happens at work, if your kid is okay, life is okay too.”

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What Dads Bring

In a world where mothers are still expected to carry the heavier load, both Jan and Nando reflect with humility on their role.
“It’s hard to say what I bring that my wife doesn’t,” Nando says. “She does so much more. But we try to learn from each other. Parenting is a team job.” Still, he adds with a smile, “I’m definitely better in French than her.”

Jan has a different take:

“I think I’m more open to doing things my wife is nervous about. That makes it more fun when I’m around. I also think fathers can bring a sense of challenge and adventure that balances things out.”

What both agree on is the strength of mothers.
“The sacrifices they make, the way they put their needs aside, it’s unmatched,” says Nando.
Jan echoes that deeply: 

“The child will always want help from the mother. And even if she doesn’t feel well, she says yes. That strength is incredible.”

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A New Generation of Parenting

Jan and Nando are part of a growing wave of fathers who are doing things differently from how they were raised.
“We try to treat our kids as equals,” Jan says. “We’re more understanding of their needs.”
Nando adds: “We try to really communicate with our daughters. We listen to advice, but at the end of the day, you have to listen to yourself.”

And while many mothers share parenting struggles with friends, or spiral into late-night Google searches, both men say they mostly figure things out in their own way.
“I don’t Google,” Jan laughs. “But I do talk to friends sometimes.”
Nando prefers to reflect on situations solo, but adds, 

“Communication is important in any form.”

Redefining Masculinity

Being the first man in their children's lives carries weight. It’s a responsibility both take seriously.

Nando, raising three daughters, is focused on modeling respect. “I want them to know they can do anything if they try their best. That they’re capable, powerful, and respected.”

Jan wants to raise a son who is emotionally intelligent and self-aware. 

“Modern masculinity means listening, understanding, and being critical of what’s around you. I want my son to feel safe showing emotions, to be curious and conscious, and to find strength in being authentic.”

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When Life Gets Hard, On and Off the Court

Both athletes are candid about the challenges. There are moments when parenting is overwhelming, partners are exhausted, and big games loom.

“It’s not easy,” Nando says. “But I know how to switch my mindset. I don’t bring the stress from home to the court, or from the court to home.”

Jan struggles more with the distance: “When I’m away, I feel bad I can’t help. But I focus on doing my best in the game. Then I return and try to support my wife as much as possible.”

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Lessons, Mistakes & the Magic of Play

Neither father pretends to have it all figured out.

“We all make mistakes,” 

says Nando. 

“But that’s part of growth. As long as we communicate and reflect, we can keep improving.”

Jan keeps it simple: “What you give your child is attention. Even when you’re tired, being present matters. If you’re honest about your limits, they’ll understand. Kids are smart.”

And when asked what they’re doing right, Jan doesn’t hesitate: 

“I know I’m doing my best. Communication and attention, those are everything.”

The One Parenting Tip

To the parents of toddlers and preschoolers reading this, both dads have some heartfelt advice.

“Be patient,” says Nando.

“Nobody’s perfect, but keep going.”

“Avoid screen time if you can,” Jan adds.

“We try to stay present with our son, even if we’re out at dinner or a game. Sometimes we fail, but we try.”

A Teammate’s Perspective

And because we couldn’t resist: what does Jan admire about Nando as a dad?

“He always has ideas for the coolest games at home,” Jan says. “It’s something I would love to do more of.”
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If there’s one trait he’d borrow from his teammate? “His creativity with his kids. It’s inspiring.”

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