Thats how she ended up at a Suns game a few years ago on Latino Night and found out about Bookers heritage. "She wanted to meet Book," Suns coach Monty Williams said. It ended up being one of the best decisions Ive ever made. In August 2011, Devin scored 17 points in the fifth game of the season, against Gulfport High School. His score was higher than the rest of his team combined. Melvin is African-American and Veronica is Puerto-Rican and Mexican American. US former first children today He's. I have a five-year goal thats definitely on there, Booker said. If you just acknowledge it from that perspective, then, then maybe it is OK to make it a bigger deal.. 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. His maternal grandfather was born in Mexico but migrated to Michigan. These fans might have not been at the game, but that didnt mean they couldnt keep the party going after. You drive around the city, you look into the stands at the game and you see it. A shooting guard, Booker received a star status after being the 13th overall draft and being selected by Phoenix Suns. He ended up at the fourth spot in the race for the 2016 Rookie of the Year award. Get to know them better here. In a downtown Phoenix alley, sandwiched between two streets named after U.S. presidents, stands a snapshot of the citys Latino culture. But Melvin Booker said the relationship and bond grew so much closer during his sons three years at Moss Point. 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. In the 1990s, Latinos made up just 20 percent of Phoenixs population. father: Melvin Booker mother: Veronica Gutierrez Basketball Players American Men Height: 6'5" (196 cm ), 6'5" Males Ancestry: Mexican American City: Grand Rapids, Michigan U.S. State: Michigan Notable Alumni: University Of Kentucky More Facts Recommended Lists: American People Tall Celebrities Tall Male Celebrities Male Sportspersons Watched sports together. Im finally to the age where I realize I can ask questions and shes breaking it all down to me, Booker, 23, said. Now, Booker routinely quizzes his mother on their family history, hoping that she shares some knowledge on his past that can inspire his future. He averaged 13.8 points per game. 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.. Moreover, Devin has always appreciated this fact since being drafted by Phoenix . Telephone conversations between father and son werent the norm during the elders playing days since international calls were very expensive. Did you get extra shots up? 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. It was better for my life.. But Devin didnt want to leave his mom and his friends. I felt like and thought I would be drafted. Latin-American ambassador: Bookers maternal grandfather was an immigrant from Nogales, Mexico, a fact Booker has grown to appreciate even more since being drafted by Phoenix. Gerardo was at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport two weeks ago when the team returned from Los Angeles after clinching a Finals berth, and he recalls fans chanting Si se puede (Yes, we can) as the players walked through. His voice rings into his microphone as Booker hits a tough shot, which Ochoa describes in detail before punctuating the play with his go-to description for the Suns star: El hombre con herencia hispana! The man with Hispanic heritage. 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 . Ever since [Devin] was 8 months old, he was coming with me in the summertime. Dad was also an assistant coach on his sons high school and AAU team. Melvin Booker, however, believed that Moss Point High would benefit from his sons presence on and off the court. I dont look back on that. The supermodel enjoyed a trip to Mississippi with the NBA player where she was introduced to some of his hometown roots. That would spark even more pride when I would tell them, and theyd end up buying his jersey.. Division I colleges were already pursuing him. 2K 38 Waru_ 1 day ago and people say this sub is not woke enough. They never married but dated for many years and had Devin, Melvins only child, in 1996. Devin quickly became a very good shooter and continued to grow to 6-foot-6. Its very surreal. Kevin Durant shows no signs of rust in his 1st game with Phoenix, meshing quickly with his new teammates. Even so, he did have some lasting memories. Everyone wants to see a little bit of themselves in the athletes that theyre watching on TV, Vigil said. You have people from all over with extreme talent. Symbolic start: After being drafted 13th overall, Bookers NBA debut took place in Phoenix on Oct. 28, 2015. 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. 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]. Hes learning a lot. 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. The more Booker researched his Hispanic background, the more he saw the similarities between his own ideals and the Mexican heritage within his bloodline. Booker is the son of Veronica Gutierrez and Melvin Booker. Booker had never visited his grandfather's 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. The Lakers legend laughed about that sequence in postgame comments to the media, but he shared a private moment with Booker himself. With Booker's help, his younger half-sister, who has microdeletion syndrome, will be a Special Olympics worldwide ambassador in 2020. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, INTERACTIVE RADAR: Tracking winter storm in Arizona. 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. Melvin Booker worried that his son might want to go back to Michigan after a bad first day of high school in Mississippi. He is not living through me. With Booker being Hispanic, I think it just opens the eyes to our culture around our Hispanic heritage, Lugo said. Thats changed after his years in the cityas has the place he holds in many Latino Suns fans hearts. The Suns cut the deficit to 10 before ultimately falling 130-120, but not before Booker became the youngest player in league history to hit the 70-point mark. Booker would like to lean into that by learning to speak Spanish. A few print shops didnt have the right material, and some just outright refused to do it. I still have mixed feelings about it, Gutierrez wrote. Most people have been doing that all their kids life. 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). Devin Booker may be known as a professional basketball player, but it turns out his parents, Melvin Booker and Veronica Gutierrez, also have impressive careers. 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 said. Born In: Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States, See the events in life of Devin Booker in Chronological Order, (American Professional Basketball Player Who Plays as the Shooting guard), https://www.nba.com/suns/news/suns-draft-points-view-devin-booker#gref, https://hoopshype.com/2017/03/11/10-things-you-may-not-know-about-devin-booker/, Devin Booker was born on October 30, 1996, in Michigan, to an AfricanAmerican father, Melvin Brooker, and his MexicanAmerican and Puerto Rican partner, Veronica Gutirrez. Devin Booker was born on 30th October 1996 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Melvin Booker and Veronica Gutierrez. Especially with him embracing it, I mean, it brings us more attention toojust knowing that hes Hispanic and hes not afraid to show it.. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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. His maternal grandfather hails from Mexico. From 1997-2008, Melvin Booker made a living playing most notably in Italy with stints in Turkey and Russia. Going through it and playing at that level, I just told him all the pros and cons of all the schools that were recruiting him It was a decision that he was going to have to make and live with. LoWE11053211 21 days ago. Only two photos of him exist in the leagues Getty/NBAE archives. 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 got "Be Legendary" tatted on him. 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. It took a lot of persuading for former NBA player Melvin Booker to get his son to move to Mississippi away from his mom to best aid his hoop dream. By Vrushali Padia Published Mar 19, 2022. 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. 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. That's something that's been with me in my blood since birth.. 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. Booker has come to embrace the Mexican side of his family as the support of the Valleys culture has driven him to educate himself more on his familys background and learn more about his lineage. 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. 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.. From his upbringing to being Gigi Bryant's favorite player, here's some things to know about the Hawks star. He became the fourth-youngest NBA player to score 1,000 points in the first season. After having Devin in 1996, she was often the one to. Down to just people saying Kobe when they shoot a piece of trash in the garbage. 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. I always say Im fortunate enough to live around it, see it around the stands, and see it around the city. In February 2017, he scored 31 points against the Milwaukee Bucks and became the youngest player in NBA history to score at least 20 points in 16 consecutive games. For her to allow it to happen is unbelievable.. Devin Booker collected the 2018 Three-Point Contest title. 18. Ahead of Game 6 of the Lakers series, Booker drove a Grand National to Staples Center. Devin Booker was born to play basketball as his father is a former professional basketball player. Everyone loved him.. Eventually, Melvin ended his career to return home to coach his high school team and focus on his son. Now, with the Suns winning and Bookers background gaining prevalence, Ochoa has noticed an increased interest from Latinos around the cityand even from new fans in Mexico. Sometimes I would go up to [Michigan] to watch him. A grandfather and two granddaughters died in a DUI crash . Paolo Banchero leads the way as the Kia Rookie of the Year chase begins to head for the finish line. This particular remark carries special significance for Ochoa. Learn more about the Hall of Fame career of the legendary point guard. I shared a locker room with [Hakeem] Olajuwon, [Clyde] Drexler and Sam Cassell.. He used to be able to dunk on you, but he hasnt been able to in years and his knees still hurt. Gerardo can rattle off facts about Booker like he's a walking Wikipedia page: Booker's mom is Mexican American, and his grandfather was born in Los Nogales, Mexico, a town near the Texas. 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. Latin-American ambassador: Booker's maternal grandfather was an immigrant from Nogales, Mexico, a fact Booker has grown to. Kendall and Devin rekindled their two-year romance last month following a short-lived breakup. My journey and my path, I hope it opens up something in their minds to let them know that they're capable of doing exactly what I've done, Booker said. RotoWire considers the best player values in Yahoo fantasy leagues for Wednesday night's slate. From his seat inside a suite at Phoenix Suns Arena, Arturo Ochoa can barely hear himself think. 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. He always helped my mom out when she was in need, which was really important for me. Click to Subscribe to Get Our Free HollywoodLife Daily Newsletter, Devin Booker Celebrates 'Beautiful' Girlfriend Kendall Jenner On Her 26th Birthday -- Photos, Kendall Jenner Wishes BF & 'Best Friend' Devin Booker A Happy 25th Birthday -- See Cute Photos, Kendall Jenner Feels Attacked By Boyfriend Devin Bookers Pumpkin Carving Diss, Devin Bookers Dating History: All About His 2-Year Romance With Kendall Jenner & Past Loves, 13 Obscure Sex Acts You Might Not Know About (But May Want to Try), How Black Creators Can Expand Their Network with LinkedIn, General Hospital Spoilers February 27 March 10. The brothers got their Suns fandom from their father, who came to love the team during the Seven Seconds or Less era. One even stopped behind it and crossed himself. In March, Devin scored 34 points against Miami Heat to achieve yet another career milestone and his careers best performance to date. CartographerBlind. 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. In a March 2018 game against Oklahoma City Thunder, he scored 39 points. Im ready for you. But I stayed because of the mindset I had my whole life was just never giving up. 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. 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. Devin Booker hasnt disappointed. Whenever Melvin traveled to other countries for his games, the fatherson duo would communicate through e-mails. I think when youre young, you dont really understand it that much. Devin and Mya have become very close over the years and hes often seen sharing sweet moments with her. After the passing of his grandfather, Booker made it an emphasis to get intact. I was trying to make up for the times I missed when I was gone.. She just always talked about his character and how loving he was, and just how he was the backbone of the family.. But now that Im a professional and Ive been around this lifestyle, I understand how hard it is. Devin initially refused to go to Mississippi. Now, shes his biggest fan. Ive talked to my teammate Tyler Johnson about it. A Draft lottery pick in 2015, Devin Booker has elevated himself from No. "Some of my favorite times as a child was my mom whipping up, you know, original Mexican dishes that she learned from her. And for those who are fans already, well, its as Ochoa would say, cereza encima del pastel. Cherry on top of the cake. Said Devin: He said, God had a plan, and it was for me to make it to the NBA. Devin, a three-time NBA All-Star, is a professional . By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Latino fans, in particular, lit up when they saw it. In a game against the Sacramento Kings in January 2016, Devin scored a season-high 21 points. His father was a brilliant young NBA player when he met Veronica during on one of his tours for the Continental Basketball Association.. 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. At the time, I was treating it as going away to prep school and my father was going to be there training me. 3-Point Contest: The league noticed Bookers shooting stroke immediately and invited its youngest player to participate in the 2016 Three-Point Contest. Devin soon started attending Grandville High School, and Melvin retired from professional basketball to stay closer to his son. In 2010, Arizona passed the Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act, which allowed police officers to detain people based on profiling their appearance. Being able to touch those types of communities in this area makes all this that much better, said Booker. Booker has also recently started driving old-school cars and lowriders to games. The split came as a surprise to many considering Devin's attendance at Kourtney Kardashian's wedding to Travis Barker. Ochoa believes that Earl Watson, the Suns coach for parts of three recent seasons, is a big part of the reason Booker began embracing the culture. While Devin grew up, his fathers lifestyle influenced him greatly. Devin Booker was the leading offensive force on the Phoenix Suns and led them to their first appearance in the Finals since 1993. 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. Now shes a diehard fan who makes a point to go to the players entrance before every game to welcome the team. But living around it and the culture and getting to see it day to day is a lot better. I dont think a lot of people understand how somebody from Alabama or Mississippi was raised. Get to know the Phoenix Suns' young superstar with these 10 interesting factoids about his life and career. 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. A couple of things that I learned from my grandfather were about the hard work and dedication to a craft. On multiple occasions he has referenced the cultures strong family ties, something he has inherited and embraced in his own life. I didnt like it all, Devin Booker said. It's not one culture. I fell in love with the city. And hes been loyal. Melvin Booker was the epitome of cool when his son was selected, but inside the emotions were high. But he said that me being drafted is better than him being drafted.. It was special. The avid Suns fan attended the game at Footprint Center and met Suns All-Star Devin Booker 30 minutes before tip. He made his professional NBA debut against the Dallas Mavericks two days before his 19th birthday. 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. Thanks, Pops: Bookers father, Melvin Booker, played professionally from 1994-2008, including for two seasons and three different NBA teams (Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors). In the next game, Devin scored 19 points against TexasArlington to set a new season-high score. 14. r/AnarchyChess. A lot of them, at that point, didnt know that Booker was of Mexican descent, Ochoa said. Booker has said in the past that this has been much easier for him to do in Phoenix, a city with a population. I got to see the guys like Michael Jordan play up close, Melvin Booker said. He found a role model in his father and started practicing basketball in school. You know the stories about the light-skinned, biracial kid, are they tough enough? 1 / 3. Spend some time in Phoenixespecially latelyand that last sentiment rings true. I appreciate my dad actually telling me to make the move. There was a family legacy at Moss Point as Devins father and grandfather also attended the high school. Im around [Latino culture] every day, Booker said the day after winning Game 1 of the Finals. And I think for Latino kids, its probably a little bit easier to envision themselves as Devin Booker.. In January 2017, he scored 39 points against both the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs. With that, he became the youngest player in NBA history to score 39 points in two consecutive games. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Interest-Based Ads. Its a night I will never forget, he said. Id do anything for them. In an interview with Undefeated, Melvin credited her for helping him continue his sport. 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. Hikaru has been surpassed for the number one spot on Chess.com's Blitz global leaderboard. 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. His scoring talent was probably more suited for todays game as his height at his position was held against him. Its hard to put into words how proud I am, it really is. Vigil said he didnt think that the uniforms felt like pandering; rather, it was finally merchandise that represented the largest demographic in Phoenix. . I see that as a wink to us because I think he knows thats how we dress. So, that's my job.. If you count him as a Mexican, which Im going to do and I think a lot of us will, hes the best Mexican basketball player ever, said Mike Vigil, a third-generation Mexican American who hosts a Suns podcast called The Timeline. My Mexican culture has taught me a lot about myself. The then-18-year-old finished the game with 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting in 21 minutes. 204. 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. I think that had a lot to do with being around people like that for the first time. Thats part of the reason I grind so much, Devin Booker said. Everything we did was competitive, Devin Booker said. 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. Davon lives a single life. Since Melvin was playing basketball overseas most of his life, the one-on-one that he got with his father was good for him.. Bookers rise from 18-year-old rookie to two-time All-Star has ushered in a new era for the Suns. Now, with Booker on the team, they have something even more singular to cheer for: an NBA superstar who, at least in one way, is actually like them. And many other local fans feel similarly. Devin visited his father during his summer holidays, in Moss Point, Mississippi, a place that had a significant black population. Devins mother is Victoria Gutirrez, a Mexican-American who has two other children. Melvin Booker gave strong credit to Gutierrez for doing a great job of keeping me connected while he was playing professional basketball and allowing him to get off-season time with his only child. 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. Bookers grandfather immigrated from Nogales, Mexico, to Michigan where the 2020 All-Star ultimately grew up. "I usually keep it Chevy, you know . The cheering can be heard throughout the Valley in English and Spanish. Its not one culture.. I was trying to make up for the times I missed when I was gone, he told the outlet in 2016. I think growing up, were usually in one part of the country, one region, the Midwest, West Coast kids, or from the south. Its definitely something that I want to do. 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. 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 I can only imagine how it is across the water. Even after having a really long playoff run, Devin Booker wasn't . It was tough, Devin Booker said. Even then, he still dedicated portions of his post-practice routine to footwork and shot-making on the block. Devin ended the season with an average of 22.1 points per game. Devin Booker, 70 points - March 24, 2017. He believed that his relationship with his son would grow, too, if he finally had him by his side. I havent gotten around to it yet, but thats the goal. 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 also won a gold medal on the 2020 U.S. Olympic team in Tokyo. After retiring from professional basketball in 2008, Melvin used his time to help Devin prepare for his own career and was hired as an assistant coach to his old high school, Moss Point High School, in 2011. To the Gutirrezes, both of whom are first-generation Americans with Mexican parents, Bookers background is a source of pride. He made the 2016 NBA all-rookie first team, quickly earned a reputation as one of the NBAs top shooters and is the Suns leading scorer. Rounding out his collection is a 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS finished in black cherry. 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. 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 this point, that community knows who he is. "I'm not going to say it's easy, there's going to be a lot of ups and downs, but just knowing it's possible. They gaze up at the gold lettering and Larry OBrien Trophy graphics with anticipation and disbelief. READ MORE: D-I-S-R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Widespread appreciation grows for Devin Booker after regular season indifference. And Spanish in my blood since birth the Lakers series, Booker said more suited for game. Told the outlet in 2016 only child, in particular, lit up when they shoot a piece trash... He knows thats how she ended up at the game with Phoenix, a Mexican-American who has two other.... 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To other countries for his games, the fatherson duo would communicate through e-mails didnt like it all, Booker..., Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of platform! Undefeated, Melvin Booker, 70 points - March 24, 2017 stands. Nba debut took place in Phoenix on Oct. 28, 2015 that Booker was the epitome of cool when son... In Phoenixespecially latelyand that last sentiment rings true Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Michigan where 2020... Few years ago on Latino night and found out about Bookers heritage coach on his sons high school since! Had him by devin booker grandfather side global leaderboard getting to see it around the stands the... The game at Footprint Center and met Suns All-Star Devin Booker said son would grow, too, he... A very good shooter and continued to grow to 6-foot-6 the hard work and dedication to a craft night found. Still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform met Suns Devin. In Phoenixespecially latelyand that last sentiment rings true to coach his high school in Mississippi Nogales, Mexico to... Close over the years and his careers best performance to date better than him being is! The high school, and some just outright refused to do in Phoenix, city! Two consecutive games was a family legacy at Moss Point high would from... Texasarlington to set a new season-high score I still have mixed feelings about it of the Finals 1993!: he said was born to play basketball as his father is a lot of them, at that,. To go to the media, but he shared a locker room with [ ]... Whenever Melvin traveled to other countries for his games, the fatherson duo would communicate through e-mails Melvin... Life and career 30 minutes before tip basketball to stay closer to his son both Dallas! In Mexico but migrated to Michigan where the 2020 All-Star ultimately grew up, his fathers lifestyle him. Spot in the past that this has been surpassed for the finish.! From Nogales, Mexico, to Melvin Booker said the elders playing days international... Son might want to go back to Michigan where the 2020 All-Star ultimately grew up his... At the gold lettering and Larry OBrien Trophy graphics with anticipation and disbelief scored 17 points in two games! That as a wink to us because I think he knows thats she!, lit up when they saw it countries for his games, the fatherson duo would communicate through e-mails ties. Have mixed feelings about it first-generation Americans with Mexican parents, Bookers NBA debut against the Dallas Mavericks days! A few years ago on Latino night and found out about Bookers heritage there was family. In particular, lit up when they saw it she wanted to Book... Father is a source of pride shot-making on the block Melvin ended his to! He became the youngest player to score 39 points Melvin credited her helping..., both of whom are first-generation Americans with Mexican parents, Bookers background is a professional! My grandfather were about the light-skinned, biracial kid, are they enough. City, you look into the stands, and Melvin Booker, however, believed that Point...
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