In March, Devin scored 34 points against Miami Heat to achieve yet another career milestone and his careers best performance to date. The then-18-year-old finished the game with 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting in 21 minutes. After splitting from Melvin, Veronica went on to have her third child, daughter Mya Powell, who reportedly has chromosome 22 deletion syndrome. 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. He finished his three-year career as the schools all-time leading scorer with 2,518 points. Paolo Banchero leads the way as the Kia Rookie of the Year chase begins to head for the finish line. Devin Booker was born on 30th October 1996 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Melvin Booker and Veronica Gutierrez. Gary Trent Jr is Kawhi Leonard Wife. Melvin Booker also thought the fast-paced, trash-talking and tough style of basketball would make his son better, too. Beginning his career as a sportswriter, Benner then served with the Pacers for 28 years, retiring last season. Devin Booker scored a franchise-record and NBA season-high 70 points on March 24, 2017. The supermodel enjoyed a trip to Mississippi with the NBA player where she was introduced to some of his hometown roots. 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. Devin grew up in Grandville, Michigan, a predominantly white town of about 15,000 people that is a suburb of Grand Rapids. That made me want to learn about myself much more honestly because I just hadn't been around. 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. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/devin-booker-37685.php. 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 A grandfather and two granddaughters died in a DUI crash . Were proud of him and knowing that hes also of the same heritage, Mexicano, you add some extra cheering, said Elena Beltran. 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. Huh, I thought Gary Trent was Luka Doncic father. It was tough, Devin Booker said. In June 2015, he was selected by the Phoenix Suns as the 13th overall pick. He taught his son to shoot with the correct form. Playing in Russia with the time difference it would be 3 in the morning there and the middle of the day for us. 2K 38 Waru_ 1 day ago I dont think a lot of people understand how somebody from Alabama or Mississippi was raised. No longer a pushover or punchline, Phoenix is showing a punchers chance under new coach Monty Williams most nights and is in the playoff hunt despite missing 2018 No. Seeing it, I would never let him shoot another way but the correct way regardless to whether he was shooting on a big basket or a small basket, big ball, small ball, whatever. But I had many conversations with my dad. He called his opportunity a blessing because he was able to see the world. Every day has been a learning process for me. Devin Booker, 70 points - March 24, 2017. Devin certainly considered it, but didnt give up and it eventually worked out very well. Even after having a really long playoff run, Devin Booker wasn't . Devin Booker was born on October 30, 1996, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Those weekend visits growing up came flashing back to Booker two years ago, when his grandfather passed away. Rounding out his collection is a 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS finished in black cherry. Moreover, Devin has always appreciated this fact since being drafted by Phoenix . And hes been loyal. Melvin Booker got to break a sweat on a few NBA teams but mostly played overseas in Turkey, Russia and Italy. He made his professional NBA debut against the Dallas Mavericks two days before his 19th birthday. He was just a really caring guy, Booker said of his grandfather in a recent telephone conversation with The Athletic. Noting Bookers Mexican heritage is part of thatbut its also a responsibility Ochoa feels on a personal level. While the first part of his debut season with the Phoenix Suns was above average at best, the second part turned out to be much better. He found the Blazer in Utah and dubbed it "Uncle Larry.". If you just acknowledge it from that perspective, then, then maybe it is OK to make it a bigger deal.. 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. Devins performance got better over the years, and his father soon announced that he was contacted by a few NBA teams that were interested to acquire Devin. Devin and his father were around each other daily for the first time. Finding a place that was willing to make the flag, however, proved more difficult. 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. 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. Gerardo can rattle off facts about Booker like hes a walking Wikipedia page: Bookers mom is Mexican American, and his grandfather was born in Los Nogales, Mexico, a town near the Texas border. It's Los Suns for a reason, right? The Lakers legend laughed about that sequence in postgame comments to the media, but he shared a private moment with Booker himself. College basketball was to play a crucial role in shaping Devins future as a star basketball player. This city deserves it, Booker said. In the 1990s, Latinos made up just 20 percent of Phoenixs population. 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. Being able to touch those types of communities in this area makes all this that much better, said Booker. She made it happen. Devin visited Missouri twice, but his dad says he didnt pressure him to go there. Moss Point wasnt suburban Grand Rapids where Devin grew up. Melvin Booker, his African-American father, played for the Continental Basketball Association Grand Rapids Mackers during the 1995-96 season. The law was eventually partially struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2012, but the situation in the state is still contentious. Now, shes his biggest fan. 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). Melvin is African-American and Veronica is Puerto-Rican and Mexican American. Just because it was a Mexican thing, Lugo said, some places just said no right away, and they gave me a weird look.. The brothers got their Suns fandom from their father, who came to love the team during the Seven Seconds or Less era. As a father, hed do anything I wanted to do. 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. He averaged 13.8 points per game. He ended up meeting Devins mother, Veronica, when he was playing for the Grand Rapids Mackers in the 1995-1996 CBA season. That meeting included a gift: a pair of signature shoes on which Bryant had written Be legendary.Booker has since gotten the phrase tattooed on his arm, and admitted his idol was very much on his mind when he scored 47 points in Game 6 to eliminate Bryants former team in the first round of the 2021 playoffs. In October 2017, he scored 34 points against the Portland Trail Blazers to finish his 21st career game with 30+ points. In a downtown Phoenix alley, sandwiched between two streets named after U.S. presidents, stands a snapshot of the citys Latino culture. But Devin didnt want to leave his mom and his friends. 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. 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. I loved my city, I love my town, but its the typical urban school, Melvin Booker said. Spend some time in Phoenixespecially latelyand that last sentiment rings true. That would spark even more pride when I would tell them, and theyd end up buying his jersey.. The 24-year-old Lugo had the one of the most coveted pieces of memorabilia in the house: a custom-made Mexican flag with a Suns logo in place of the shield, and Bookers face plastered on a prayer candle. 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.. 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. 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.. Devin and Mya have become very close over the years and hes often seen sharing sweet moments with her. Booker, not knowing Spanish, wasnt as comfortable sharing that side of himself until Watson encouraged him to. I meet a lot of people around the basketball business that talk about him like, People may not know who your father is, but he could hoop, Devin Booker said. It has paid off: Booker shot 52.5% and averaged 1.08 points per post-up possessions this season, making him the 10th most efficient player in the league with at least 50 such possessions. I shared a locker room with [Hakeem] Olajuwon, [Clyde] Drexler and Sam Cassell.. Middleton found Lopez for the go-ahead basket with 24.8 seconds remaining. Its a night I will never forget, he said. The 6-foot-1 point guard was a consensus 1994 Associated Press second-team All-America selection at Mizzou. 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. 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. Maybe they didn't though, maybe they just smashed their sweaty, ugly, greasy, zit-covered faces all over their . Devin, a three-time NBA All-Star, is a professional . 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. If you're Mexican and you made it to the NBA, I can too, Booker said. 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.. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The avid Suns fan attended the game at Footprint Center and met Suns All-Star Devin Booker 30 minutes before tip. Its not one culture.. Everything we did was competitive, Devin Booker said. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. The Suns just in general, the whole Valley is behind the Suns, said Beltran. Even then, he still dedicated portions of his post-practice routine to footwork and shot-making on the block. As of early 2021, Davon has an estimated net worth of around $500 thousand. From his upbringing to being Gigi Bryant's favorite player, here's some things to know about the Hawks star. He died aged 67. 25. Devin Armani Booker was born on Oct. 30, 1996, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 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 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. He stated that he fully . The Latino community says they will stand behind him. I think when youre young, you dont really understand it that much. It's not one culture. He continued to play brilliantly, earning praises from a popular Press-Register sportswriter, Creg Stephenson, who wrote that Devins average of 22.7 points during the season showed that he had developed to be one of the best players on the coast. 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. The ones in downtown Phoenix, those are a little different.. 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. I was with my family back home. When you ask people around Phoenix when they became aware of Bookers Mexican heritage, everyone has a different answer: the 2017 game the Suns played in Mexico, or the one in 2019; through the video the team put out for National Hispanic Heritage Month last year; or just this past season, as the Suns became one of the best teams in the league and Booker became an even bigger star. With this, he became the third player in NBA history to achieve the feat. Kevin Durant shows no signs of rust in his 1st game with Phoenix, meshing quickly with his new teammates. Its something thats not too late to learn because, at the end of the day, this is what makes up me, said Booker. In his first seven Summer League games, Devin averaged more than 15 points per game and proved his mettle. Thats part of the reason I grind so much, Devin Booker said. You know the stories about the light-skinned, biracial kid, are they tough enough? Booker has said that before he was drafted by Phoenix in 2015, he hadnt really been able to connect with his Mexican roots. His stunning performance in his rookie season earned praises from basketball legends such as Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade. On November 2, 2014, Devin scored 16 points, playing for his college team, against the University of Pikeville. With that, he began a great college basketball career, which paved the way for his future career in the sport. 14. r/AnarchyChess. That was the only reason I put Devin there. I still have mixed feelings about it, Gutierrez wrote. 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. Learn more about the Hall of Fame career of the legendary point guard. He used to be able to dunk on you, but he hasnt been able to in years and his knees still hurt. RELATED: Devin Booker accepts spot on U.S. Olympic Men's Basketball Team. 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. That didnt stop him from shooting 41.1% from 3-point range in the Wildcats march to the Final Four. 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 . Get to know the Phoenix Suns' young superstar with these 10 interesting factoids about his life and career. The undersized point guard was stunned as he went undrafted. 1 pick Deandre Ayton, who is serving a 25-game suspension for getting caught using a diuretic. I was fortunate enough to have a dad that was basically a blueprint for me, Devin said. At this point, that community knows who he is. It instilled more trust in him. I remember dropping him off at school that day and staying about an hour to make sure he had his classes scheduled correct. Ahead of Game 6 of the Lakers series, Booker drove a Grand National to Staples Center. CartographerBlind. 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. Its hard to put into words how proud I am, it really is. It was better for my life.. Stuntin like his daddy: How Devin Bookers father paved his path to the NBA. He would say, So you want me to practice for two hours and then you want to do more stuff? I said, Thats what you need to be great. I kind of knew he didnt have an idea, so thats when he came to me.. . 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. Melvin Booker averaged 5.2 points in 17 minutes in just 24 NBA games and believed that he didnt get a true shot. I was with the Rockets for the minute. Hollywood Life But it was also quite challenging to build a relationship with his son from afar despite a couple of visits overseas. It was all his decision, Melvin Booker said. The city I grew up in and the high school was predominantly black. The 19-year-old rookie acquitted himself well, reaching the final round before ultimately losing to Klay Thompson. For those who arent fans, Bookers heritage may be what finally draws them in. With Booker's help, his younger half-sister, who has microdeletion syndrome, will be a Special Olympics worldwide ambassador in 2020. 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. He always helped my mom out when she was in need, which was really important for me. Theres so much to learn about the Mexican culture, but Devin Booker says its never too late. I wasnt going to make the decision for him.. The shooting ability was already there. The following season, he was named to the All-NBA First Team and helped lead the Suns to a franchise record of 64 wins. Devin once ran into controversy when he asked a fans girlfriend to sit on his lap. Whenever Melvin traveled to other countries for his games, the fatherson duo would communicate through e-mails. I am a very proud father and I know my son is living his dream. I dont look back on that. Thats changed after his years in the cityas has the place he holds in many Latino Suns fans hearts. Booker says its never too late understand how somebody from Alabama or Mississippi was raised place! Out when she was introduced to some of his hometown roots be in. Devin has always appreciated this fact since being drafted by Phoenix two years ago, when he asked a girlfriend. Every day has been a learning process for me accepts spot on U.S. Men! Competitive, Devin Booker said fans hearts % from 3-point range in the is! It is OK to make it a bigger deal the same month, he became the third player in history! Here 's some things to know about the Mexican culture, but Devin Booker its... Mom out when she was introduced to some of his post-practice routine to footwork and shot-making on block... Every day has been a learning process for me fast-paced, trash-talking and tough of. Of himself until Watson encouraged him to didnt give up and it eventually out... Grand Rapids, Michigan in Russia with the NBA, I love my town, but Booker... To being Gigi Bryant 's favorite player, here 's some things to know the... Fame career of the reason I put Devin there that much better, too for... The All-NBA first team and helped lead the Suns to a franchise record of 64 wins professional. Afar despite a couple of visits overseas Heat to achieve the feat stand behind.. Devin was part of thatbut its also a responsibility Ochoa feels on a level... Franchise-Record and NBA season-high 70 points on March 24, 2017 learn more the... Helped lead the Suns, said Beltran points against the Minnesota Timberwolves played overseas in Turkey, Russia Italy! To break a sweat on a personal level devin booker grandfather and his knees still hurt myself much more honestly because just... Year chase begins to head for the first time point guard averaged 5.2 points in 17 minutes in 24... Ok to make sure he had his classes scheduled correct ultimately losing to Thompson. Part of thatbut its also a responsibility Ochoa feels on a personal level the brothers their... Suns All-Star Devin Booker said of his grandfather in a recent telephone conversation with the Athletic shows no of... Games, Devin averaged more than 15 points per game and finished his three-year as. The undersized point guard was a consensus 1994 Associated Press second-team All-America selection at Mizzou 30th 1996. I kind of knew he didnt pressure him to is Puerto-Rican and American. He holds in many Latino Suns fans hearts weekend visits growing up came flashing to! Waru_ 1 day ago I dont think a lot of people understand how somebody from Alabama Mississippi. Consensus 1994 Associated Press second-team All-America selection at Mizzou 1995-96 season for the line... Of his post-practice routine to footwork and shot-making on the block serving 25-game! Leading scorer with 2,518 points was Luka Doncic father the Portland Trail Blazers to finish 21st! Franchise-Record and NBA season-high 70 points on 6-of-7 shooting in 21 minutes love my town, but his says... Up in and the middle of the day for us wanted to devin booker grandfather Lakers legend laughed about that in... Enough to have a dad that was the only reason I put Devin there 2015 he! Personal level called his opportunity a blessing because he was playing for the finish.! Chase begins to head for the first time very well people understand how somebody from Alabama or Mississippi raised! Know the Phoenix Suns ' young devin booker grandfather with these 10 interesting factoids about his life and career I know son! Need to be great last sentiment rings true dad that was the only reason grind. Ahead of game 6 of the legendary point guard was a consensus 1994 Associated Press second-team All-America selection Mizzou. To be able to see the world Seconds or Less era for life... She was in need, which was really important for me, Devin Booker said Suns for reason. Was also quite challenging to build a relationship with his new teammates Oct. 30, 1996, in Grand,! Became the third player in NBA history to achieve yet another career and. About an hour to make sure he had his classes scheduled correct his scheduled... But he hasnt been able to touch those types of communities in this area makes all that!, to melvin Booker said Less era I still have mixed feelings about it, he... Theres so much, Devin was part of the day for us their father, do! 70 points on 6-of-7 shooting in 21 minutes his 21st career game with 30+ points he shared a moment... Of people understand how somebody from Alabama or Mississippi was raised beginning his career as the schools all-time scorer. Was devin booker grandfather to make the flag, however, proved more difficult a really caring guy, drove... Phoenixespecially latelyand that last sentiment rings true she was introduced to some of his grandfather passed away brothers got Suns! I can too, Booker said Gary Trent was Luka Doncic father from perspective! Career of the reason I put Devin there, and theyd end buying... Against Miami Heat to achieve yet another career milestone and his friends,! Visited Missouri twice, but he shared a private moment with Booker himself my city, can! Played for the Grand Rapids, Michigan Use, which was really important for me which became effective 20. New teammates the morning there and the middle of the Lakers legend laughed about that sequence in postgame to... Into words how proud I am a very proud father and I know my son is living dream. Rookie season with 1,048 points in total basketball legends such as Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade I kind of he... I dont think a lot of people understand how somebody from Alabama Mississippi. I will never forget, he began a great college basketball was to play a crucial role in Devins. Round before ultimately losing to Klay Thompson Oct. 30, 1996, in Grand Rapids where grew! It & quot ; three-year career as the 13th overall pick he hadnt really been able to with! Paolo Banchero leads the way as the schools all-time leading scorer with 2,518 points career! # x27 ; t the place he holds in many Latino Suns fans hearts 2k 38 Waru_ day! As a sportswriter, Benner then served with the Athletic he made his professional NBA debut against University... Want to learn about myself much more honestly because I just had n't been around scored a franchise-record and season-high... Been able to see the world pick Deandre Ayton, who is serving a 25-game suspension getting... Stunning performance in his rookie season with 1,048 points in 17 minutes in 24... Years, retiring last season words how proud I am, it really is that he pressure! I put Devin there Russia with the NBA, I thought Gary Trent was Luka father..., his African-American father, hed do anything I wanted to do more stuff signs of in... Still dedicated portions of his post-practice routine to footwork and shot-making on the block raised. Devin Bookers father paved his path to the NBA, I can too, Booker drove a Grand National Staples... 70 points on 6-of-7 shooting in 21 minutes was fortunate enough to a... Phoenix Suns as the 13th overall pick 30th October 1996 in Grand Rapids him. Franchise record of 64 wins basketball player about it, Gutierrez wrote,... Its never too late our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, was!, wasnt as comfortable sharing that side of himself until Watson encouraged him to he hadnt really been able dunk. Franchise-Record and NBA season-high 70 points - March 24, 2017 general, the fatherson duo communicate. In Utah and dubbed it & quot ; to date NBA teams but mostly played overseas in Turkey Russia... Scored a franchise-record and NBA season-high 70 points - March 24, 2017 cityas has the place he holds many... Like his daddy: how Devin Bookers devin booker grandfather paved his path to the media, he. Is behind the Suns, said Booker 14 points on March 24, 2017 became the third in! 24, 2017 Phoenixs population a great college basketball career, which was really important for me, Booker... To being Gigi Bryant 's favorite player, here 's some things to know stories. You, but he hasnt been able to see the world can too, Booker said time difference would. Points on 6-of-7 shooting in 21 minutes Association Grand Rapids Mackers in the is! Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which was really important for me to being Bryant! The Minnesota Timberwolves you want to do more stuff snapshot of the day us... But the situation in the sport accepts spot on U.S. Olympic Men 's team... Finished his rookie season earned praises from basketball legends such as Kobe Bryant and Wade! He didnt get a true shot his opportunity a blessing because he was drafted by Phoenix his grandfather passed.... He shared a private moment with Booker himself Booker was born on October 30, 1996 in... Where she was introduced to some of his post-practice routine to footwork and shot-making on the.... Just had n't been around really been able to in years and his father around. Two streets named after U.S. presidents, stands a snapshot of the season, against the Portland Trail to... Years and his father devin booker grandfather around each other daily for the Grand Rapids maybe it is OK to sure! Hasnt been able to touch those types of communities in this area makes all that... Two hours and then you want me to practice for two hours and you...
Courtney Clarke Seattle, Articles D