As a kid, I was introduced to the game of basketball at an early age. When I was in the 3rd grade, I spent hours watching my oldest brother and others play competitively at the local recreation center in Dallas, Texas. And over time it led me to want to become a really good tall basketball player.
After I developed a desire to play basketball, my first 2 request to my father was, "Hey dad, can you buy me a pair of Chuck Taylor (high top tennis shoes) and a rubber basketball?" I can remember my father asking me, "Do you want them bad enough to work for them?" And the answer of course was, Yes!
After agreeing to pick up trash in the local community, mow lawns and even pick up bottles and cans in the neighborhood, I finally earned enough money to buy the shoes and the ball. That was one of the biggest initial "Sacrifices" that I would make throughout my entire career. Those lessons led me to want to work hard daily to be the best that I could be throughout my entire life.
As I reflect on the one most important lesson that I learned as a kid, it would be, "If you want something bad enough and you're willing to make a Sacrifice and work for it, it's worth it."
And that's where my life long values and my basketball journey began.
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