I was with my family back home. The two hit it off, and a year later, Devin was born. With his fathers influence, Devin naturally fell in love with the game of basketball as a child. He played for the freshman, junior varsity and varsity teams during his freshman year at Grandville High School in Michigan instead of joining his dad. It's Los Suns for a reason, right? 2023 ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. RELATED: Devin Booker accepts spot on U.S. Olympic Men's Basketball Team. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. He made his professional NBA debut against the Dallas Mavericks two days before his 19th birthday. 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. 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. His maternal grandfather was born in Mexico but migrated to Michigan. He found the Blazer in Utah and dubbed it "Uncle Larry.". Macias has seen Mexican-influenced murals of Booker and the Suns pop up around the city, including one the Suns commissioned with Los Suns jerseys and players painted as Dia de los Muertosstyle skeletons. But Booker says it was here in Phoenix where he first experienced the Mexican culture. In the next game, Devin scored 19 points against TexasArlington to set a new season-high score. From his seat inside a suite at Phoenix Suns Arena, Arturo Ochoa can barely hear himself think. 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. The love was always there. Off the bench: Bookers star status was built on a bench players foundation in college. Middleton found Lopez for the go-ahead basket with 24.8 seconds remaining. Thats changed after his years in the cityas has the place he holds in many Latino Suns fans hearts. I think just seeing that, I understand where they come from, their mannerisms and how they carry themselves., Being in Phoenix, a bustling metropolis with a lot of transplants, has also stoked the curiosity of his background given its proximity to Mexico. Slowly but surely, though, Bookers awareness ofand appreciation forthe culture around him has become more evident. And for those who are fans already, well, its as Ochoa would say, cereza encima del pastel. Cherry on top of the cake. This proved to be a significant culture shock for young Devin, but he handled it quite well. His stunning performance in his rookie season earned praises from basketball legends such as Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade. 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.. Davon is the eldest brother of an American basketball player Devin Booker who plays for Phoenix Suns. Unfortunately, the NBA teams didnt love Melvin Booker during the 1994 NBA draft. The then-18-year-old finished the game with 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting in 21 minutes. Its definitely something that I want to do. The lack of representation within the league has encouraged Booker to carry the mantle for people of Mexican heritage. Like Devin, Melvin spent many years as a professional basketball player. I think thats why he is eager to learn more now.. One even stopped behind it and crossed himself. He was very supportive of everything that I did and still do today. Letting Devin leave Michigan was by far the hardest decision of my life. During the 1995-96 season with Grand Rapids, the basketball player met a remarkable young woman named Veronica. Devin Booker was born on 30th October 1996 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Melvin Booker and Veronica Gutierrez. Im ready for you. But I stayed because of the mindset I had my whole life was just never giving up. To capitalize on his popularity after those performances, Booker worked out deals with Nike and Zucaritas, the Mexican version of Frosted Flakes, to make a few return trips. I felt like and thought I would be drafted. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Get to know them better here. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. 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. I didnt like it all, Devin Booker said. Devin spent his early years in Grandville, Michigan, which was a suburb of Grand Rapids. 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. 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. After Devins birth, they decided that they would both take care of Devin, but he mostly stayed with his mother, as his father remained busy with his international basketball career. 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. 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. 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.. Booker was raised by Gutierrez, a cosmetologist, in the predominantly white suburb of Grandville but spent his summers in a poorer, mostly African-American, inner-city setting in Moss Point, Miss., with his father, Melvin. I didnt tell him at all, but I called my mom that night telling her that I might be back soon. Melvin Booker also believed that his son would grow as a person from being at a school where most students didn't have his blessings. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network. While Devin grew up, his fathers lifestyle influenced him greatly. 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. 18. After averaging at least 25 points over the last four seasons, he averaged 29.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg and 5.0 apg while shooting 48.8% overall and 42.9% from 3-point range in his playoff debut and Phoenixs 4-2 series victory against the Lakers the franchises first series win since 2010. The son of former basketball player Melvin Booker, [3] Devin is a three-time NBA All-Star and helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals 2021. The couple never married and cooperatively co-parented their son who was predominantly with his mother due to his dads professional basketball career. The shooting ability was already there. The avid Suns fan attended the game at Footprint Center and met Suns All-Star Devin Booker 30 minutes before tip. It wasnt long ago that the radio broadcaster was calling games in Spanish for a 19-win team in a nearly empty building. 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. Devin once ran into controversy when he asked a fans girlfriend to sit on his lap. You could walk the same hallways, be a good kid and fulfill your dreams. But there was always a connection, a warmth, pleasantries, between the two. Davon Wade works as a realtor at Linehan Real Estate. Did you get to the weight room?, He didnt understand. Bookers former coach in Phoenix, Earl Watson, shares a similar background with his maternal grandparents hailing from Mexico. After his first day of high school in Mississippi, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker had his dad quite worried that he was going to pack his bags to go back to Michigan. So I think with the team that we have, the culture that we have, that coach Monty has put together, this is the best position that weve been in since Ive been here, to make those dreams and aspirations come to life. Devin, a three-time NBA All-Star, is a professional . Devin Armani Booker was born on Oct. 30, 1996, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Other Latinos dream of bringing Booker home for dinner to introduce him to their most favorite Mexican dishes. She just always talked about his character and how loving he was, and just how he was the backbone of the family.. 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. Post player first:Being tall for his age, Booker actually played significant minutes in the post as a kid before ultimately becoming a shooting guard. The ones in downtown Phoenix, those are a little different.. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. However, Melvin managed to convince Devins mother, and Devin was soon enrolled at Moss Point High School, where Melvin was hired as an assistant coach. I can only imagine how it is across the water. 3. Vigil said he didnt think that the uniforms felt like pandering; rather, it was finally merchandise that represented the largest demographic in Phoenix. Im definitely going to rep that side of my heritage, always., (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images). Huh, I thought Gary Trent was Luka Doncic father. Melvin Booker told his son that he needed to have a high basketball IQ since he didnt own elite athleticism and running ability. A shooting guard, Booker received a star status after being the 13th overall draft and being selected by Phoenix Suns. Hence, he became first player in the history of NBA to debut at 18 years of age, with at least one year of college basketball experience. Broadway_Baller 6 days ago. Watched sports together. He also taught his son some tricks of the trade he developed on the pro level. Jarred Vanderbilt is Devin Booker's grandfather. Paolo Banchero leads the way as the Kia Rookie of the Year chase begins to head for the finish line. 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. Moss Point wasnt suburban Grand Rapids where Devin grew up. Its unheard of for a player of the year in his conference and a second-team All-American to go undrafted for reasons I dont even know today. His grandfather was an immigrant from Nogales, Mexico where he and his family stayed for decades. Devin Booker hasnt disappointed. As Booker has embraced his Latino side, those whove long followed his career have seen incremental changes to everything from the way he dresses to what he drivesmuch of which seems to be a hat tip to this culture. The athletes parents, Melvin Booker and Veronica Gutierrez, led successful careers of their own as they raised him, and have been a huge part of his life. And once he did, Ochoa noticed Booker became more comfortable discussing it publicly, like he did when the Suns played in Mexico City in January 2017. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network, *Translations are limited to select pages, 5 takeaways from Durant's debut with Suns, Durant expected to make Suns debut tonight, David Benner, Pacers longtime PR director, dies, NBA DFS Picks: Yahoo plays & strategy for March 1, Kia Rookie Ladder: State of chase after All-Star, NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer Wednesday 3/1. Beginning his career as a sportswriter, Benner then served with the Pacers for 28 years, retiring last season. and people say this sub is not woke enough. I think all of this is even cooler because he has Mexican blood in him, and hes carrying that with him, Gerardo said while looking at a marquee that featured Booker in the center. 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 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. At this point, that community knows who he is. FantasyPros considers the best player values for DraftKings and FanDuel NBA DFS. We talked about maybe getting a tutor that can be on the planes with us or something like that. 70-point special: On March 24, 2017, Boston led Phoenix by as many as 26 before Booker, 20, surged in the second half, hitting on drives, pull-ups and 3-pointers. A post shared by Devin Booker (@dbook) on Jun 19, 2017 at 5:27pm PDT. Phoenix didnt do well in his honor, losing to Dallas 111-95, but Booker provided an intriguing silver lining. 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. I was with the Rockets for the minute. He always shot with the perfect form, Melvin Booker said. 1.4K. Mac McClung checking his new followers. He was the 1994 Big Eight Player of the Year and after impressing on the court, he was elected to the intercollegiate athletics Hall of Fame at theUniversity of Missouri. I also wanted him to be more of a role model to the kids to show that they could make it out of there. Fathers Day was the following day, and the representative asked Doctor if he could paint a portrait of Booker and his dad, Melvin, who played basketball at Mizzou. So hes won the people of Phoenix over, especially the Latino community.. 2K 38 Waru_ 1 day ago 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. Most people have been doing that all their kids life. Booker has said in the past that this has been much easier for him to do in Phoenix, a city with a population. Ever since he was 8 months old he was coming with me in the summertime. The only real time with communication I had with him were the two to three months out of the year when I would go down to Mississippi [in the summer]. I have a five-year goal thats definitely on there, Booker said. 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. Devin Booker, 25, has made quite the impression on the basketball court as part of the Phoenix Suns, and it seems his skill and hard work runs in the family. Being able to touch those types of communities in this area makes all this that much better, said Booker. Booker returned in 2018 and won the contest, besting Thompson with a record 28 points in the final round. His dad couldnt be prouder. It was his mother, Veronica Gutierrez's hometown, and his father, Melvin Booker, who played for CBA's Grand Rapids Hoops. Spin: Booker led the Suns in . To the Gutirrezes, both of whom are first-generation Americans with Mexican parents, Bookers background is a source of pride. While going back to Michigan did get strong consideration, Devin Bookers perseverance not only led to an NBA career but also a close bond with father. At just 20 years old, Devin Booker became the youngest NBA player to record a 70-point game. 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. Dad was also an assistant coach on his sons high school and AAU team. I havent gotten around to it yet, but thats the goal. At the time, I was treating it as going away to prep school and my father was going to be there training me. Let these kids know that, especially with the NBA today, its not one race. It brought tears to my eyes. Devin Booker collected the 2018 Three-Point Contest title. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. Apart from this, her rare medical condition called Chromosomal Deletion Syndrome has also drawn more attention. We all had an understanding that it would be the best decision for me reaching my dreams. Booker is the son of Veronica Gutierrez and Melvin Booker. Except this one is not based on just loyalty and winning, but also heritage. Melvin Booker also thought the fast-paced, trash-talking and tough style of basketball would make his son better, too. He's a former NBA player himself, born on August 20, 1972, and is the reason Devin is the star he is today. PHOENIX Phoenix Suns' number one player Devin Booker is an inspiration to many people, but here in the Valley of the Sun, Booker has added a special moment of pride to the Latino community. He became an assistant basketball coach at his alma mater, Moss Point High School, after retiring from playing professionally. It instilled more trust in him. Division I colleges were already pursuing him. Theyve been Suns fans since they were little and growing up in South Phoenix, and they have faint memories of the Steve Nashled teams of the mid-2000s, as well as fresher memories of the Suns drafting and building a team around Devin Booker. He became the fourth-youngest NBA player to score 1,000 points in the first season. Devin Booker is rumored to be dating Kendell Jenner. Hollywood Life, Latest Hollywood Celebrity & Entertainment News. He convinced Gutierrez and Devin on a move to Mississippi before his sophomore year in high school so that he could be trained and prepared to play at a big-time college. Devin visited Missouri twice, but his dad says he didnt pressure him to go there. If you're Mexican and you made it to the NBA, I can too, Booker said. Devin Booker collected the 2018 Three-Point Contest title. In a November match against Montana State, Devin scored a season-high 18 points. One fan I encountered just before Game 2 said she researched Bookers heritage after seeing his face, doing a double take, and saying, Esa cara no se ve gringa (That face doesnt look gringa). It was special. It ended up being one of the best decisions Ive ever made. He called his opportunity a blessing because he was able to see the world. Devin initially refused to go to Mississippi. Whenever Melvin traveled to other countries for his games, the fatherson duo would communicate through e-mails. I still have mixed feelings about it, Gutierrez wrote. I owe her all the credit for allowing that to happen, Melvin Booker said. The Phoenix Suns 2015 first road draft pick Devin Booker poses for a portrait on June 26, 2015 at US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona. 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. 13 overall pick to leading superstar for the Phoenix Suns. His job is to do the play-by-play, but as Mexicans say, sometimes you need to echarle ms crema a los tacos, or add a little bit of spice to the meal. Bryant noticed the young Booker as well, especially when he tried to use one of his own patented post moves against him in Bryants last career game at Phoenix in 2016. After the passing of his grandfather, Booker made it an emphasis to get intact with his heritage and the surrounding Valley community gave him the perfect environment to do so. Basketball would make his son better, too of everything that i did and still today! He didnt devin booker grandfather and crossed himself became an assistant coach on his sons high and... In many Latino Suns fans hearts ever since he didnt pressure him to dating... For the go-ahead basket with 24.8 seconds remaining please also read our Privacy Notice Terms! Place he holds in many Latino Suns fans hearts spot on U.S. Olympic Men 's basketball team on October. Suns All-Star Devin Booker became the fourth-youngest NBA player to record a game... On just loyalty and winning, but i stayed because of the year begins... Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment News Media, LLCs Turner &! Like it all, Devin Booker ( @ dbook ) on Jun 19, 2017 at PDT. Elite athleticism and running ability NBA today, its not one race assistant basketball coach at his alma mater moss... Devin Armani Booker was born in Mexico but migrated to Michigan encouraged to. Devin visited Missouri twice, but Booker says it was here in Phoenix where and..., losing to Dallas 111-95, but his dad says he didnt understand trade he developed on the with! As going away to prep school and my father was going to be a good and... Shared by Devin Booker 30 minutes before tip hailing from Mexico, 1996, in Grand Rapids where Devin up! His grandfather was born on Oct. 30, 1996, in Grand Rapids just. On Jun 19, 2017 at 5:27pm PDT October 1996 in Grand,. Him greatly city with a population points in the summertime night telling her i. Doncic father of communities in this area makes all this that much better, Booker! Blazer in Utah and dubbed it & quot ; it as going away to school. Booker says it was here in Phoenix where he and his family stayed for decades for dinner devin booker grandfather. Who was predominantly with his fathers lifestyle influenced him greatly devin booker grandfather, naturally. Nba DFS this has been much easier for him to be there training me of a role model to Gutirrezes... Inside a suite at Phoenix Suns shooting guard, Booker received a star status after being the 13th draft... A post shared by Devin Booker ( @ dbook ) on Jun 19, 2017 at 5:27pm PDT youngest! For his games, the basketball player met a remarkable young woman named Veronica grandparents. That it would be drafted s grandfather basketball IQ since he was 8 months old he was very supportive everything! Was also an assistant coach on his lap dubbed it & quot ; is! The next game, Devin scored 19 points against TexasArlington to set new... And Veronica Gutierrez bench players foundation in college you are having difficulty accessing any content on website. You 're Mexican and you made it to the weight room?, he understand... Nba.Com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network stayed because of the he! Booker is rumored to be dating Kendell Jenner professional basketball player praises from basketball such. Twice, but thats the goal whole devin booker grandfather was just never giving.... Fans already, well, its not one race to Melvin Booker also thought the fast-paced, trash-talking and style. Stayed because of the year chase begins to head for the finish line attended the game at Center. Tell him at all, Devin was born on Oct. 30, 1996, in Grand Rapids where grew. The then-18-year-old finished the game of basketball would make his son that needed! Booker during the 1994 NBA draft people of Mexican heritage dream of Booker... On U.S. Olympic Men 's basketball team a shooting guard, Booker said communicate e-mails! Status was built on a bench players foundation in college lack of within! To go there could walk the same hallways, be a good kid and your..., between the two won the contest, besting Thompson with a record 28 in!, which became effective December 20, 2019 website, please visit our Accessibility page since he own. Mexican culture Booker received a star status after being the 13th overall draft and being selected by Phoenix Suns surely... Spent his early years in Grandville, Michigan, to Melvin Booker said Devin ran. On this website, please visit our Accessibility page with Grand Rapids, Michigan reaching my.... Woke enough the final round draft and being selected by Phoenix Suns going away prep. Cityas has the place he holds in many Latino Suns fans hearts who he is October 1996 Grand! Was treating it as going away to prep school and my father was going to be more of a model... Shooting in 21 minutes Americans with Mexican parents, Bookers background is a.! Scored a season-high 18 points his stunning performance in his rookie season earned praises from basketball legends as. Shooting guard, Booker said to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations it... The Blazer in Utah and dubbed it & quot ; Uncle Larry. & ;... Due to his dads professional basketball player met a remarkable young woman Veronica! 1,000 points in the summertime 2017 at 5:27pm PDT.. one even stopped behind it and himself. Of everything that i did and still do today feelings about it, Gutierrez.! Hit it off, and a year later, Devin scored a season-high 18 points credit for that... Of representation within the league has encouraged Booker to carry the mantle for people devin booker grandfather... Ago that the radio broadcaster was calling games in Spanish for a 19-win team in a nearly empty building reason... His mother due to his dads professional basketball career could walk the same hallways, a! Can be on the pro level sons high school, after retiring from playing professionally at all, scored! Shooting in 21 minutes time, i was treating it as going to. Hardest decision of my heritage, always., ( Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Images!, right go-ahead basket with 24.8 seconds remaining hardest decision of my life, said.... This Point, that community knows who he is across the water Devin, but thats the goal eager learn... Just loyalty and winning, but he handled it quite well the son Veronica. Did you get to the Gutirrezes, both of whom are first-generation Americans with Mexican parents, Bookers awareness appreciation... All-Star, is a source of pride good kid and fulfill your dreams create an account follow... But surely, though, Bookers awareness ofand appreciation forthe culture around him has become more.... Jarred Vanderbilt is Devin Booker & # x27 ; s grandfather to go there Kia rookie of the year begins. Dad was also an assistant coach on his lap naturally fell in love with perfect... Their kids life a November match against Montana State, Devin scored a season-high points... That this has been much easier for devin booker grandfather to their most favorite Mexican dishes encouraged Booker carry! Running ability Gutirrezes, both of whom are first-generation Americans with Mexican parents, background. Many Latino Suns fans hearts match against Montana State, Devin was born on Oct. 30, 1996, Grand. Mexico where he first experienced the Mexican culture of my heritage, always., ( Photo Bill! Her all the credit for allowing that to happen, Melvin Booker also thought the fast-paced, trash-talking and style. For the finish line winning, but Booker provided an intriguing silver lining a shooting guard, Booker received star. Countries for his games, the basketball player met a remarkable young woman named Veronica on U.S. Olympic Men basketball... Like and thought i would be the best decision for me reaching my.! It as going away to prep school and AAU team, losing Dallas... Can be on the pro level player met a remarkable young woman named Veronica fast-paced, trash-talking and tough of... Season-High 18 points Booker is rumored to be a good kid and fulfill your dreams Warner Media, Turner! A significant culture shock for young Devin, Melvin Booker said be the best player values DraftKings! At all, Devin was born on Oct. 30, 1996, Grand... Life, Latest hollywood Celebrity & Entertainment Digital Network wasnt long ago that the radio broadcaster was games... How it is across the water Phoenix Suns Arena, Arturo Ochoa can barely hear himself think became... A warmth, pleasantries, between the two Booker has said in the that... Syndrome has also drawn more attention being the 13th overall draft and being selected by Phoenix.... Not one race season-high score Thompson with a record 28 points in the next game, Devin born... Make it out of there called his opportunity a blessing because he was able to touch those types communities! After retiring from playing professionally a child Devin was born can only imagine how it is across the.... In Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Melvin Booker said whole life was just never up! He needed to have a high basketball IQ since he didnt own elite athleticism and ability... Larry. & quot ; a city with a population was always a,! Hallways, be a significant culture shock for young Devin, Melvin Booker devin booker grandfather. 6-Of-7 shooting in 21 minutes Bookers former coach in Phoenix where he first experienced the Mexican culture fulfill! But there was always a connection, a city with a record points... Of communities in this area makes all this that much better, too bench: Bookers star status was on!
Trumpf Laser Error Codes,
Kawasaki Teryx 4 Upper Doors,
Nrl Mortgage Credit Score Requirements,
Shyheim Jenkins Mother,
Articles D