Former Bull Bob Love fires up Mundelein kids

He was pumping out positive messages like three-point shots from the arc.

"Hold on to your dreams, because dreams come true."

"You were meant for greatness."

"If you get knocked down, get right back up."

Former Chicago Bulls star Bob Love was on a mission of motivation while speaking to students at Fairhaven School in Mundelein. The basketball star spoke to nearly 250 first- and second-graders during an assembly Monday.

The "Goodwill Ambassador" for the Bulls, Love makes about 300 appearances a year at schools, basketball clinics and charity events.

Designed to inspire kids to success, Love's 30-minute talk was peppered with humor and tales of achievement from his own life and others. Having overcome a stuttering problem, Love is a spokesman for the National Stuttering Association of America.

Love played for the Bulls from 1969 to 1977. He led the team in scoring for seven straight years, the longest in franchise history. He retired with a career total of 13,895 points and 4,653 rebounds.

Nicknamed, "Butterbean," the six-feet, eight-inch hulk of a man wears size 15 shoes. He told the kids if they ate one orange each day and stretched their arms, they might get to be his size. That tip drew plenty of laughs.

He told success stories of people like Oprah Winfrey and another famous basketball star and personal friend.

"How many of you know who Michael Jordan is?" he asked.

Less than half the students raised their hands. Love chuckled at the response.

Using his last name as a hook, Love said the secret to a successful life is simple.

"Be nice and show love to everyone," he said. "And they will show love back to you."