13-year-old OBSESSED Paul George filled up backpack full of rocks and ran in the desert
NBA star Paul George recently shared his childhood story, of the first time he found out a deep passion for professional basketball.
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Paul George
Paul George is perhaps one of the most well-known players in the NBA to have never won a title. Despite his immense talent, the shooting guard has recorded little luck in winning silverware in the league. Lately, though, George has recounted the story of how he got obsessed with basketball and started training at a very young age.
In a recent episode of his podcast, the Philadelphia 76ers star talked about when he first realized basketball is something he wanted to pursue professionally. While answering the question posed by Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young, George shared his story.
It was one day in the summer, this was when I knew I was crazy about basketball...So, I grabbed a backpack and went to the desert, filled the backpack up with as many big rocks as I could... I'm running up and down the street and I'm probably like 13, 14 years old... jump soles on, backpack full of rocks and it's like a 100 degrees outside...I finally hanged and that felt like everything to me...Paul George said
As stated by George, he was still very much a kid when his love for basketball was first discovered. According to him, the desert was close to his place of residence. So, he headed there and filled up a backpack with many rocks to get some added weight. Paul George further stated that he kept running under the scorching heat, likely under the impression of doing ‘training’.
The 76ers player also added that at the time, his height wasn’t enough for him to hang on to the basketball rim at his school. Nevertheless, George kept trying until his persistence led to him hanging on the rim for the first time ever. That particular achievement brought him so much happiness. It is likely that moment was the catalyst in helping the 34-year-old set his path to a career in pro basketball.
Paul George wants to win NBA championship with Sixers
After signing a $212 million four-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, Paul George admits he is determined to win the NBA title with his new team. The nine-time All-Star switched sides from the Los Angeles Clippers to join the Sixers last month.
Where they're at and where they're trying to go and where I'm trying to get to, as well. I think we got a real legitimate shot... So, I'm all-in. My family's here all-in, and I'm excited, and looking forward to this next opportunity.Speaking about his desire to win, Paul George said via ESPN’s Tim Bontemps
Despite playing on loaded rosters with the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder and LA Clippers, the six-time All-NBA honoree has never been to the NBA Finals in his career. With his new teammates Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, he will be hoping to break that jinx for the first time ever.
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Peter Okereke
(98 Articles Published)