Did you get extra shots up? Noticing his immense talent, Melvin tried hard to bring his son back to Mississippi permanently. I think that had a lot to do with being around people like that for the first time. With Devin Booker falling in love with basketball as a child, he had an easy role model to follow in his father. A shooting guard, Booker received a star status after being the 13th overall draft and being selected by Phoenix Suns. I got to see the guys like Michael Jordan play up close, Melvin Booker said. He always helped my mom out when she was in need, which was really important for me. His stunning performance in his rookie season earned praises from basketball legends such as Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade. I can only imagine how it is across the water. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Interest-Based Ads. In his first seven Summer League games, Devin averaged more than 15 points per game and proved his mettle. I was with my family back home. Of course, a lot of this wouldnt have happened had Booker not shown a willingness to embrace his Latino roots. By submitting your email, you agree to our, Suns Fans Find Meaningand Connectionin Devin Booker and His Mexican Heritage, 2021 NBA Finals Reset: Five Questions That Will Decide Bucks-Suns. Devin Booker got "Be Legendary" tatted on him. Ayton also had 11 rebounds. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. But we did the best that we could.. And many other local fans feel similarly. Although Veronica would stay with Devin while Melvin traveled to Europe and Asia for games, he would bring Devin to the court in the summers, further peaking his interest in the sport. Devin Booker spends his sprawling $26.6 million fortune to live a lavish life. I think the moment everybody found out that I had Mexican in my bloodline, I got on social media and started seeing younger kids of the Hispanic descent reaching out to me and saying, 'You're my favorite player. But it was also quite challenging to build a relationship with his son from afar despite a couple of visits overseas. The player has confronted that culture's strong family ties are the ones he had always embraced and inherited in his life. Family has always been first and foremost in Bookers life and seeing that embracement of family values within the Hispanic community has only helped Booker admire and connect to his ancestry. I think thats why he is eager to learn more now.. For her to allow it to happen is unbelievable.. Im in a position where Im coming into now, where I understand how important it is. He ended up at the fourth spot in the race for the 2016 Rookie of the Year award. Grandville was a town that was dominated by its white population. Devin Booker collected the 2018 Three-Point Contest title. They gaze up at the gold lettering and Larry OBrien Trophy graphics with anticipation and disbelief. Imagine the pride of having your team have a guy score 40 points in a playoff game, and he has Latino blood? Paolo Banchero leads the way as the Kia Rookie of the Year chase begins to head for the finish line. Devin soon started attending Grandville High School, and Melvin retired from professional basketball to stay closer to his son. From influencing his love of basketball, to showing him how to build a strong relationship, his folks are definitely a part of his success story. The former Kentucky Wildcat didnt start a single game and averaged just 21.5 minutes in his lone collegiate season. I think when youre young, you dont really understand it that much. 18 0 comments Best Add a Comment More posts from r/nbacirclejerk 78K subscribers NumerousPainting354 2 days ago JOTY 2.4K 111 oldmatesatan 3 days ago Chet Holmgren injury update: no longer in a boot, it looks like his Lisfranc injury to his right foot is healing nicely. Division I colleges were already pursuing him. Imagine how I have to paint that picture over the airwaves so that those who listen to us who are Mexican, so that they can feel proud of a guy who shares their blood being an NBA star and who might be the most important player in the city since Larry Fitzgerald.. Learn more about the Hall of Fame career of the legendary point guard. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Booker returned in 2018 and won the contest, besting Thompson with a record 28 points in the final round. Gary Trent Jr is Kawhi Leonard Wife. Not that there's anything wrong with that. 25. But draft night was one of the worst nights of my life., Said Devin Booker: I could tell he is still kind of hurt by it.. Hikaru has been surpassed for the number one spot on Chess.com's Blitz global leaderboard. At the end of the day, hes my thoughtful, caring, giving, lovable, funny, charming son., The NBA has only had four players come directly from Mexico Horacio Llamos, Eduardo Najera, Jorge Gutierrez and Gustavo Ayon. A post shared by Devin (@dbook) Booker's collection features a first-generation Chevy Blazer with a lowered stance, top removed and a blue patina exterior. And it turned around. Related: Some of my favorite times as a child was my mom whipping up, you know, original Mexican dishes that she learned from her father or when we got the chance to visit my grandpa on the weekend.. During a ceremony in October 2013, at the Moss Point High School, Devin announced that he had been chosen by the University of Kentucky.. That was the only reason I put Devin there. A mural, commissioned by the Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center and painted by 17 artists, spans a city block and features everything from portraits of Selena, Cesar Chavez, and Carlos Santana to mariachi-playing skeletons and bright red lowriders. If youre Mexican and you made it to the NBA, I can too, So, just trying to inspire in that type of way and keep representing the heritage. In another January game against the Indiana Pacers, he scored 32 points to become the third-youngest NBA player and the youngest Suns player to score more than 30 points in a game. He also taught his son some tricks of the trade he developed on the pro level. In the same month, he played in his fifth 30-point game of the season, against the Minnesota Timberwolves. By the end of the season, Devin was part of another 30-point game and finished his rookie season with 1,048 points in total. Even then, he still dedicated portions of his post-practice routine to footwork and shot-making on the block. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. And Booker is no longer a youngster trying to prove he belongs in the league; he has the nine-figure contract befitting a franchise cornerstone and is playing at a level that could find him making his first All-Star team. Jarred Vanderbilt is Devin Booker's grandfather. Four seasons later, Booker became the Suns first All-Star since Nash. There was a family legacy at Moss Point as Devins father and grandfather also attended the high school. 3-Point Contest: The league noticed Bookers shooting stroke immediately and invited its youngest player to participate in the 2016 Three-Point Contest. Melvin Booker also believed that his son would grow as a person from being at a school where most students didnt have his blessings. Devin, a three-time NBA All-Star, is a professional . Devin and Mya have become very close over the years and hes often seen sharing sweet moments with her. Gutierrez and her son said yes before his sophomore season. He was just a really caring guy, Booker said of his grandfather in a recent telephone conversation with The Athletic. And I think for Latino kids, its probably a little bit easier to envision themselves as Devin Booker.. He's a former NBA player himself, born on August 20, 1972, and is the reason Devin is the star he is today. In a. Devin Booker was born to play basketball as his father is a former professional basketball player. Off the bench: Bookers star status was built on a bench players foundation in college. Bookerwho grew up near Grand Rapids, Michigan, moved to Mississippi in high school, and played college ball at Kentuckysaid recently that he hadnt been able to fully connect with his Latino heritage until he arrived in Phoenix in 2015, at the age of 18. The law was eventually partially struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2012, but the situation in the state is still contentious. 204. I dont look back on that. It's Hispanic Heritage Month. Devin ended the season with an average of 22.1 points per game. Also, being the support for your family and being the backbone of your family and how important that is.. Devin averaged 30.9 points per game as a senior despite being double- and triple-teamed during the 2013-14 season at Moss Point. I still have mixed feelings about it, Gutierrez wrote. But that was the sacrifice I had to make to provide for him and my family as well., Devin Booker says his father is now one of his best friends.. It brought tears to my eyes. I think growing up, were usually in one part of the country, one region, the Midwest, West Coast kids, or from the south. During the 1995-96 season with Grand Rapids, the basketball player met a remarkable young woman named Veronica. I didnt tell him at all, but I called my mom that night telling her that I might be back soon. 14. r/AnarchyChess. A lot of them, at that point, didnt know that Booker was of Mexican descent, Ochoa said. Im around [Latino culture] every day, Booker said the day after winning Game 1 of the Finals. In a game against the Sacramento Kings in January 2016, Devin scored a season-high 21 points. But Booker says it was here in Phoenix where he first experienced the Mexican culture. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. We all had an understanding that it would be the best decision for me reaching my dreams. Of course, her being my mother, she said, Just let me know when [youre] coming back. Like Devin, Melvin spent many years as a professional basketball player. His father was a brilliant young NBA player when he met Veronica during on one of his tours for the Continental Basketball Association.. Melvin Booker was the epitome of cool when his son was selected, but inside the emotions were high. We feel like we have to go even more above and beyond to get him the proper respect that we believe he deserves.. Try a week on us. Ive talked to my teammate Tyler Johnson about it. So I came to pick him up after school and the first thing he said was, I dont know about this, dad., This was a social setting he needed to be around to know how blessed he had it because he was around a lot of kids with the typical urban story with no father in their lives Those were the things he needed to see and didnt see before.. The brothers got their Suns fandom from their father, who came to love the team during the Seven Seconds or Less era. Everywhere we went, everyone knew him. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. Devin played basketball with his dad and his friends. Vigil remembers Booker showing up to an All-Star Week event in 2019 in a pair of baggy chinos, a black flannel buttoned up all the way to the top, Chicano style, and an old-school camcorder in his hand. That's something that's been with me in my blood since birth.. Dad was also an assistant coach on his sons high school and AAU team. Devin visited Missouri twice, but his dad says he didnt pressure him to go there. "I usually keep it Chevy, you know . It instilled more trust in him. Melvin Booker says he turned down an additional contract year with Italys Armani Jeans Milano and retired in 2008, primarily with his son in mind. Sometimes I would go up to [Michigan] to watch him. It was hard for me to understand then why we couldnt communicate so much. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. That didnt stop him from shooting 41.1% from 3-point range in the Wildcats march to the Final Four. Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker appear to be taking their relationship to the next level after a recent video showed the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star meeting Devin's grandmother. In April 2015, Devin decided to let go of the remaining years of college and signed up for the NBA draft. FantasyPros considers the best player values for DraftKings and FanDuel NBA DFS. Especially with him embracing it, I mean, it brings us more attention toojust knowing that hes Hispanic and hes not afraid to show it.. To let you know, Devin's maternal grandfather was one of the immigrants from Nogales, Mexico. The following season, he was named to the All-NBA First Team and helped lead the Suns to a franchise record of 64 wins. Media reports claim that while in college, he had had many affairs. This season was to mark his fifth appearance in the competition before ultimately pulling out due to injury. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. I havent gotten around to it yet, but thats the goal. From 1997-2008, Melvin Booker made a living playing most notably in Italy with stints in Turkey and Russia. But there was always a connection, a warmth, pleasantries, between the two. Doesn't booker have more wins against luka overall? Since Melvin was playing basketball overseas most of his life, the one-on-one that he got with his father was good for him.. At this point, that community knows who he is. We talked about maybe getting a tutor that can be on the planes with us or something like that. Except this one is not based on just loyalty and winning, but also heritage. Maybe they didn't though, maybe they just smashed their sweaty, ugly, greasy, zit-covered faces all over their . In the 1990s, Latinos made up just 20 percent of Phoenixs population. And it seems as if things have gotten serious to the point where Devin Booker, 24, wanted his supermodel girlfriend Kendall Jenner, 25, to meet his grandma in Moss Point, Mississippi . And hes been loyal. As a father, hed do anything I wanted to do. Get to know the Utah Jazz's star center with these 10 interesting factoids about his life and career. Growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, you don't get as much of it, besides the time that I spent with my grandpa and my mother, what she's passed down to us. He's just not. She just always talked about his character and how loving he was, and just how he was the backbone of the family.. Because of an editing error, an earlier version of this piece incorrectly stated that Bookers grandfather was born in Nogales, Mexico; he was born in Los Nogales. So, just trying to inspire in that type of way and keep representing the heritage. I dont think any kid can just make that move that I made but I understood the goal that was at hand and I just embraced the Mississippi culture, you know, the inner city and it was good for me, Booker said. But once I got there, they embraced me, they took me in and I ended up getting more intact with that side of my family also, my dads side, it was a really important time., Looking back, Booker believes the diversity of his upbringing has made him more relatable to people and teammates of different backgrounds. Melvin Booker worried that his son might want to go back to Michigan after a bad first day of high school in Mississippi. But getting to the age that Im at now, understanding how important that is, thats a part of me, something that Im growing to realize. Booker is now able to reflect on some of his most memorable moments growing up, many of which share close Mexican ties with his family. When the same thing happened in 2021, LeBron James, via social media, proclaimed Booker the most disrespected player in our league., Devin Booker pours in 47 points in Game 6 win. Maybe its my Mexican roots, Booker said with a smile when he was asked how he was able to put up 39 points in back-to-back games there. Devin Booker, however, said much of his improvement as a basketball player at Moss Point came from the knowledge of the game his dad shared daily. The painting, according to Doctor, is hanging in the Bookers gym. In a downtown Phoenix alley, sandwiched between two streets named after U.S. presidents, stands a snapshot of the citys Latino culture. Weve already felt the need to defend him for five or six years, because of the trajectory of his career and the way he was talked about early on, Vigil said. He became an assistant basketball coach at his alma mater, Moss Point High School, after retiring from playing professionally. Devin Booker #1 of the Kentucky Wildcats shoots the ball during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Rupp Arena on February 28, 2015 in Lexington, Kentucky. But Melvin Booker said the relationship and bond grew so much closer during his sons three years at Moss Point. 13 overall pick to leading superstar for the Phoenix Suns. NoseBlind2 22 days ago. Davon is the eldest brother of an American basketball player Devin Booker who plays for Phoenix Suns. The 13-time All-Star, who was dealt to Phoenix on Feb. 9, has not played in a game since Jan. 8 when he was with the Nets. I was trying to make up for the times I missed when I was gone, he told the outlet in 2016. Doctor said it wouldnt be his best work, but hed do it. Melvin Booker got to break a sweat on a few NBA teams but mostly played overseas in Turkey, Russia and Italy. Everyone wants to see a little bit of themselves in the athletes that theyre watching on TV, Vigil said. 9. I think this is a beautiful time to embrace our culture and love it with a passion, Devin Booker said. I owe her all the credit for allowing that to happen. Thats changed after his years in the cityas has the place he holds in many Latino Suns fans hearts. The preservation of a basketball legacy strengthened Melvin Bookers relationship with his son. Let these kids know that, especially with the NBA today, it's not one race. I also wanted him to be more of a role model to the kids to show that they could make it out of there. Perla Macias, Jasons wife and a Mexican national who moved to the States at 6 years old and just recently became a citizen, has been involved with Latino outreach organizations around Phoenix. So hes won the people of Phoenix over, especially the Latino community.. Kevin Durant shows no signs of rust in his 1st game with Phoenix, meshing quickly with his new teammates. One even stopped behind it and crossed himself. I owe her all the credit for allowing that to happen, Melvin Booker said. Only two photos of him exist in the leagues Getty/NBAE archives. But he said that me being drafted is better than him being drafted.. But now that Im a professional and Ive been around this lifestyle, I understand how hard it is. The 2014 McDonalds All-American selection averaged 30.9 points per game in his senior season. Broadway_Baller 6 days ago. And he drove a 1959 Impalawhich he later said was named Pretty Pennyto Game 1 of the Finals. Noting Bookers Mexican heritage is part of thatbut its also a responsibility Ochoa feels on a personal level. The 1994 Big Eight Conference Player of the Year averaged 18.1 points, 4.5 assists and two 3-pointers per game during his senior season. It takes a powerful woman to do that. Huh, I thought Gary Trent was Luka Doncic father. Bookers former coach in Phoenix, Earl Watson, shares a similar background with his maternal grandparents hailing from Mexico. Booker was too young to fully understand the significance of the visits, since communications with his grandfather, Jesus Gutierrez, were stunted by a language barrier Devin spoke no Spanish, Papa got by with some broken English. Rounding out his collection is a 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS finished in black cherry. At first, just being out of your comfort zone was a thing for me. It's Los Suns for a reason, right? After having Devin in 1996, she was often the one to. Those three years with his father helped Devin land at a national powerhouse in Kentucky but also exposed him to an environment much different than hed been accustomed to Michigan. My Mexican culture has taught me a lot about myself. With Booker's help, his younger half-sister, who has microdeletion syndrome, will be a Special Olympics worldwide ambassador in 2020. Booker is a two-time NBA All-Star and has been selected to play for Team USA in the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, which starts July 25, just three days after a possible Game 7 in the NBA Finals . The Suns, including owner Robert Sarver, spoke out against the bill and wore their Los Suns jerseys in solidarity with the community. I dont think a lot of people understand how somebody from Alabama or Mississippi was raised. Playing in Russia with the time difference it would be 3 in the morning there and the middle of the day for us. Devin Booker said most of the communication when his dad was overseas was through e-mail, which was frustratingly sporadic due to the time difference. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network. 1.4K. This is a good life here in the NBA. Who the f is this guy lmao. Everything we did was competitive, Devin Booker said. A Draft lottery pick in 2015, Devin Booker has elevated himself from No. While in high school, Devin exhibited his remarkable sporting talent. Knowing that you're capable of doing that and seeing somebody in front of you that has done it before, I know it can be inspiring. Booker is aware that representing the Hispanic community in the NBA carries some pressure and is fully embracing the opportunity to prove that with a focused mindset and a strong work ethic, anything is possible no matter what race or nationality. He ended up meeting Devins mother, Veronica, when he was playing for the Grand Rapids Mackers in the 1995-1996 CBA season. After his freshman year, he joined six Kentucky teammates by entering the 2015 NBA draft. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/devin-booker-37685.php. Its definitely something that I want to do. Even after having a really long playoff run, Devin Booker wasn't . Down to just people saying Kobe when they shoot a piece of trash in the garbage. Its very surreal. I have a very traditional tight Mexican family on my fathers side, but Devins life has pretty much been on the go with school, b-ball and summers in Mississippi. She reportedly worked as a cosmetologist and already had a son named Davon Wade when she met Devins father in her hometown of Grand Rapids. "She wanted to meet Book," Suns coach Monty Williams said. Some of my favorite times as a child was my mom whipping up her original Mexican dishes that she learned from her father, or when we got the chance to visit my grandpa on the weekends in his city and having him cook for us, Booker told Suns.com. That was what made me. Devin spent his early years in Grandville, Michigan, which was a suburb of Grand Rapids. When the team was at its low point, winning 21 and 19 games during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons, Ochoa remembers friends from Sonora asking for tickets to see the visiting Kevin Durant or LeBron James. Beginning his career as a sportswriter, Benner then served with the Pacers for 28 years, retiring last season. Gutierrez allowed Booker, then 12, to visit his father one spring break in Milan, where the son played one-on-one with a future pro in Danilo Gallinari and showed the potential of being a special player. The then-18-year-old finished the game with 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting in 21 minutes. US former first children today He's. Who are Devin Booker's parents? He is not living through me. As Booker has become more outspoken about his heritage, he has begun to see the younger Hispanic community embrace him as an inspiration and reach out to him to show their support and admiration. The supermodel enjoyed a trip to Mississippi with the NBA player where she was introduced to some of his hometown roots. But Devin didnt want to leave his mom and his friends. Its helped me out a lot, he said. Ive been here, putting my head down, grinding, you know, these past five years, trying to get to this point, to at least give them competitive basketball. Devin Booker 2015-16 Panini Complete Rookie RC #296 Phoenix Suns Pre-Owned $20.00 Seller: matts_cardz (12,281) 100% Buy It Now +$4.95 shipping Sponsored 2015-16 Panini Gold Standard DEVIN BOOKER RC Jersey /149 BGS 9 w/ 10 AUTO RPA $349.95 Seller: meets2 (955) 99.6% or Best Offer +$3.95 shipping Authenticity Guarantee 13 watchers Sponsored Letting Devin leave Michigan was by far the hardest decision of my life. That was the same night former Suns great and Hall of Fame point guard Steve Nash saw his name and likeness enshrined in the franchises Ring of Honor at halftime. Most of the time with breaking records and such, he leaves me speechless, she wrote. RELATED: Devin Booker wins season-long NBA Community Assist Award for local outreach, I knew that he was going to take us far.. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Veronica is Puerto-Rican and Mexican American, and Melvin is African-American. The lowrider car is one of the fixtures of Chicano culture, having originated in East Los Angeles in the 1940s, and on the night Phoenix went up 2-0, a mini caravan of those cars driven by Suns fans paraded down 2nd Street, honking and playing Spanish language music. They never married but dated for many years and had Devin, Melvins only child, in 1996. The elder Booker was the 1994 Big Eight Player of the Year at the University of Missouri and a former professional basketball player. He spent the summers with his father in the latters hometown of Moss Point, Mississippi, a predominantly black town with around 13,000 people that also had its share of crime and poverty issues. In an interview with Undefeated, Melvin credited her for helping him continue his sport. That was simple enough: Lugo knew he wanted Bookers face on a prayer candle, and a Suns logo with the traditional green, red, and white tricolor design. Booker had never visited his grandfathers country until his job with the Phoenix Suns took him to Mexico City for two games in January 2017, where the then-unheralded second-year shooting guard torched the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs for back-to-back 39-point games. RELATED: Devin Booker accepts spot on U.S. Olympic Men's Basketball Team. After having Devin in 1996, she was often the one to spend time with him when Melvin traveled in different countries for his professional basketball career. The 19-year-old rookie acquitted himself well, reaching the final round before ultimately losing to Klay Thompson. As Ochoa puts it, if nine out of 10 Latinos are at least casual Suns fans, then seven out of those nine know that Booker has Mexican background. He found a role model in his father and started practicing basketball in school. If you just acknowledge it from that perspective, then, then maybe it is OK to make it a bigger deal.. He joined Wilt Chamberlain, David Robinson, David Thompson, Elgin Baylor and Kobe Bryant as the only ones to score that many points in a single game. This city deserves it, Booker said. Hollywood Life, Latest Hollywood Celebrity & Entertainment News. He began his standout basketball career at Moss Point High School . Devin Booker collected the 2018 Three-Point Contest title. It means a lot to me. That made me want to learn about myself much more honestly because I just hadn't been around. Being here in Phoenix has made me aware of living in the culture.. With mom and dad by his side, Devin chose Kentucky in the blue chip recruiting class that also included current NBA players Karl-Anthony Towns, Trey Lyles and Tyler Ulis. Devin Booker is part Puerto Rican from his mothers side, and this qualifies him to play for the national Puerto Rican team if he desires to do so. Mexican blood like you? Ochoa said in Spanish. They needed the painting in five hours for a Fathers Day gift. He met Veronica while mining a minor-league route to the league with the Grand Rapids Mackers of the Continental Basketball Association. 2K 38 Waru_ 1 day ago I dont know if its because he has Mexican blood, but he has a special charisma that translates without any words being exchanged and translates in his game because he always plays passionately. Even so, he did have some lasting memories. If you have a dream and you have the work ethic to match that dream, anything is possible.. He went on to play in the NBA for the Houston Rockets during the 1995-1996 season and the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors during the 1996-1997 season. This high school in the South had serious urban problems. A couple of things that I learned from my grandfather were about the hard work and dedication to a craft. The ones in downtown Phoenix, those are a little different.. He averaged 13.8 points per game. It was better for my life.. The Suns just in general, the whole Valley is behind the Suns, said Beltran. Kobe wrote the same message on the KOBE XI PEs he gave Book in 2016 , (via @DevinBook, h/t Sneakercenter/Instagram) pic.twitter.com/D1jgnhcPXs, Peer approval: Bookers arrival as a star may have been a foregone conclusion. It wasnt an easy move for a teenager who only knew suburban life to switch to an urban environment at a high school where his dad was a star. Devin Booker, 70 points - March 24, 2017. 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