Melvin Booker, however, believed that Moss Point High would benefit from his sons presence on and off the court. His grandfather was born in Los Nogales, Mexico, right near the Texas border. "Some of my favorite times as a child was my mom whipping up, you know, original Mexican dishes that she learned from her. From influencing his love of basketball, to showing him how to build a strong relationship, his folks are definitely a part of his success story. Devin Booker scored 24 points, Deandre Ayton had 22 and Chris Paul added 18 for Phoenix. Luka Doncic is Devin Booker father. Huh, I thought Gary Trent was Luka Doncic father. 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. He was very supportive of everything that I did and still do today. Devin averaged 10 points, shot 41 percent from 3-point range for loaded Kentucky and was named the 2015 Southeastern Conference Sixth Man of the Year. Kevin Durant shows no signs of rust in his 1st game with Phoenix, meshing quickly with his new teammates. The lack of representation within the league has encouraged Booker to carry the mantle for people of Mexican heritage. She reportedly worked as a cosmetologist and already had a son named Davon Wade when she met Devin's father in her hometown of Grand Rapids. Bookers grandfather immigrated from Nogales, Mexico, to Michigan where the 2020 All-Star ultimately grew up. 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. 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. RELATED: Devin Booker wins season-long NBA Community Assist Award for local outreach, I knew that he was going to take us far.. He began his standout basketball career at Moss Point High School . Booker returned in 2018 and won the contest, besting Thompson with a record 28 points in the final round. 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. Its a feeling like no other. His completed his first season at the university with an average of 10 points and was sure about earning a respectable place in the NBA draft which was just around the corner. Booker was too young to fully understand the significance of the visits, since communications with his grandfather, Jesus Gutierrez, were stunted by a language barrier Devin spoke no Spanish, Papa got by with some broken English. Even so, he did have some lasting memories. 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. Its something thats not too late to learn because, at the end of the day, this is what makes up me, said Booker. Everything we did was competitive, Devin Booker said. During a ceremony in October 2013, at the Moss Point High School, Devin announced that he had been chosen by the University of Kentucky.. That Hispanic culture is seen both in the stands and throughout the fan base, but what many might not know, is that the Suns also represent Hispanic heritage on the court. But now that Im a professional and Ive been around this lifestyle, I understand how hard it is. 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. It's not one culture. 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 . Booker has said in the past that this has been much easier for him to do in Phoenix, a city with a population. 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. They worked out on the court together. Watson is half-Mexican, from his mothers side, and, according to Ochoa, was always proud of that fact. He always shot with the perfect form, Melvin Booker said. His maternal grandfather was born in Mexico but migrated to Michigan. He ended up meeting Devins mother, Veronica, when he was playing for the Grand Rapids Mackers in the 1995-1996 CBA season. Im in a position where Im coming into now, where I understand how important it is. Those weekend visits growing up came flashing back to Booker two years ago, when his grandfather passed away. Finding a place that was willing to make the flag, however, proved more difficult. Thats part of the reason I grind so much, Devin Booker said. A few print shops didnt have the right material, and some just outright refused to do it. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. 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. Me taking my visits from Missouri from eighth grade on, just the love that he got there is something that Ive never seen before. At the time, I was treating it as going away to prep school and my father was going to be there training me. I think this is a beautiful time to embrace our culture and love it with a passion, Devin Booker said. When Booker was initially left off the 2020 All-Star roster, Damian Lillard voiced his hopes that Booker would take his spot when the Blazers star suffered an injury that would keep him out of the game. They never married but dated for many years and had Devin, Melvins only child, in 1996. To the Gutirrezes, both of whom are first-generation Americans with Mexican parents, Bookers background is a source of pride. lxkandel06 22 days ago. The player has confronted that culture's strong family ties are the ones he had always embraced and inherited in his life. Booker's traces his Latino roots back to his maternal grandfather, who was born in a border town named Nogales in Mexico. He became the fourth-youngest NBA player to score 1,000 points in the first season. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. 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. Everywhere we went, everyone knew him. Devin averaged 30.9 points per game as a senior despite being double- and triple-teamed during the 2013-14 season at Moss Point. The preservation of a basketball legacy strengthened Melvin Bookers relationship with his son. 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. So good, it should come with a spoiler alert. They mostly talked about and bonded through basketball. As a father, hed do anything I wanted to do. I think that had a lot to do with being around people like that for the first time. 14. r/AnarchyChess. If youre lucky, you might see one of the artists working on a piece when you visit. After splitting from Melvin, Veronica went on to have her third child, daughter Mya Powell, who reportedly has chromosome 22 deletion syndrome. Ever since [Devin] was 8 months old, he was coming with me in the summertime. It ended up being one of the best decisions Ive ever made. 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. Hed play video games with me. When I was drafted by Phoenix, I finally got to see the Hispanic culture around me for the first time in my life, Booker said. The couple did not marry but remained on good terms. Thats changed after his years in the cityas has the place he holds in many Latino Suns fans hearts. By Vrushali Padia Published Mar 19, 2022. . 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. 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. One even stopped behind it and crossed himself. Their goal was to have it ready for Game 2 of the Western Conference finals, but getting it made wasnt easy. Gutierrez allowed Booker, then 12, to visit his father one spring break in Milan, where the son played one-on-one with a future pro in Danilo Gallinari and showed the potential of being a special player. He also taught his son some tricks of the trade he developed on the pro level. Phoenixs diversity hasnt made it immune from Arizonas complicated relationship with Latinos (especially those who have immigrated to the country). I am a very proud father and I know my son is living his dream. You have people from all over with extreme talent. 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. That's something that's been with me in my blood since birth.. It was special. To let you know, Devin's maternal grandfather was one of the immigrants from Nogales, Mexico. He taught his son to shoot with the correct form. But I had many conversations with my dad. The supermodel enjoyed a trip to Mississippi with the NBA player where she was introduced to some of his hometown roots. 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. Eventually, Melvin ended his career to return home to coach his high school team and focus on his son. It increases the fandom, just because its someone you can relate to, said Jason Macias, a lifelong Suns fan who is a third-generation Mexican American. 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. Bookers former coach in Phoenix, Earl Watson, shares a similar background with his maternal grandparents hailing from Mexico. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Devin Booker, 70 points - March 24, 2017. I was with the Rockets for the minute. Devin Booker was born to play basketball as his father is a former professional basketball player. His father played professional basketball in the NBA and overseas, and Booker spent his summers in Italy when his father was playing for Olimpia Milano. 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. 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. But now, Ochoa is almost levitating as he calls an NBA Finals game surrounded by a deafening crowd. Those were the most enjoyable moments - just sitting down, family time and enjoying some really good food.. Melvin is African-American and Veronica is Puerto-Rican and Mexican American. I owe her all the credit for allowing that to happen, Melvin Booker said. I always say Im fortunate enough to live around it, see it around the stands, and see it around the city. Melvin Booker of the Missouri Tigers dribbles the court during a game against the Kansas Jayhawks. I dont think a lot of people understand how somebody from Alabama or Mississippi was raised. We all had an understanding that it would be the best decision for me reaching my dreams. 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). This sounds so clich, but it really hasnt set in with me. I gave it some time. Just around the corner from the Latino Arts and Cultural Center mural in downtown Phoenix stands the actual center, which is a hub of paintings, models, and sculptures displaying different aspects of Latino culture. It wasnt long ago that the radio broadcaster was calling games in Spanish for a 19-win team in a nearly empty building. When Booker was 20, Kevin Durant said on The Bill Simmons Podcast that he wanted the Thunder to draft Booker in 2015. Devin once ran into controversy when he asked a fans girlfriend to sit on his lap. So hes won the people of Phoenix over, especially the Latino community.. On multiple occasions he has referenced the cultures strong family ties, something he has inherited and embraced in his own life. Symbolic start: After being drafted 13th overall, Bookers NBA debut took place in Phoenix on Oct. 28, 2015. I remember him as a little kid and all he talked about is that he wanted to be a professional basketball player, Melvin Booker said. In his first seven Summer League games, Devin averaged more than 15 points per game and proved his mettle. Devin quickly became a very good shooter and continued to grow to 6-foot-6. Devin Booker was born on 30th October 1996 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Melvin Booker and Veronica Gutierrez. 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. So, that's my job.. Media reports claim that while in college, he had had many affairs. 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. Hes learning a lot. The avid Suns fan attended the game at Footprint Center and met Suns All-Star Devin Booker 30 minutes before tip. 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. Melvin Booker also thought the fast-paced, trash-talking and tough style of basketball would make his son better, too. 9. I had to convince them that he had to move to Mississippi if he wanted to move to that next level, Melvin Booker said. When the team was at its low point, winning 21 and 19 games during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons, Ochoa remembers friends from Sonora asking for tickets to see the visiting Kevin Durant or LeBron James. RotoWire considers the best player values in Yahoo fantasy leagues for Wednesday night's slate. The painting, according to Doctor, is hanging in the Bookers gym. This high school in the South had serious urban problems. Broadway_Baller 6 days ago. 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. Now shes a diehard fan who makes a point to go to the players entrance before every game to welcome the team. Most of the time with breaking records and such, he leaves me speechless, she wrote. US former first children today He's. Jesus Gutierrez who went by Jesse, to most was originally from Mexico, growing up in a large family of 15 brothers and sisters in Nuevo Len before later settling in Michigan. Devin certainly considered it, but didnt give up and it eventually worked out very well. Hollywood Life Isael Lugo didnt get 20 feet inside Phoenix Suns Arena before he was stopped last week. Hikaru has been surpassed for the number one spot on Chess.com's Blitz global leaderboard. Only two photos of him exist in the leagues Getty/NBAE archives. Melvin Booker told his son that he needed to have a high basketball IQ since he didnt own elite athleticism and running ability. Hes a young person, Perla said. Getting the tacos, like for realnot the ones in Michigan, not the ones in Missouri. And for those who are fans already, well, its as Ochoa would say, cereza encima del pastel. Cherry on top of the cake. Get to know the Utah Jazz's star center with these 10 interesting factoids about his life and career. 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. From his upbringing to being Gigi Bryant's favorite player, here's some things to know about the Hawks star. Now, Booker routinely quizzes his mother on their family history, hoping that she shares some knowledge on his past that can inspire his future. Noticing his immense talent, Melvin tried hard to bring his son back to Mississippi permanently. But there was always a connection, a warmth, pleasantries, between the two. And he drove a 1959 Impalawhich he later said was named Pretty Pennyto Game 1 of the Finals. I also wanted him to be more of a role model to the kids to show that they could make it out of there. 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. He met Veronica while mining a minor-league route to the league with the Grand Rapids Mackers of the Continental Basketball Association. From 1997-2008, Melvin Booker made a living playing most notably in Italy with stints in Turkey and Russia. 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. Letting Devin leave Michigan was by far the hardest decision of my life. He became the third-youngest player in the history of NBA to reach 4,000 career points. When I was a kid, I was always on the go, either outside playing basketball or something, so when it was time when my mom wanted to go to the other side of Michigan to hang with my Mexican side of the family, it wasnt really a priority for me. Imagine the pride of having your team have a guy score 40 points in a playoff game, and he has Latino blood? I was trying to make up for the times I missed when I was gone.. 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. Someone taking pride in their culture and background is always something that we try to teach kids as well, so thats a learning experience for them and it definitely increases fandom for Latinos in general just because its someone representing their culture and our people.. He averaged 13.8 points per game. I appreciate my dad actually telling me to make the move. The undersized point guard was stunned as he went undrafted. 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. Ever since he was 8 months old he was coming with me in the summertime. Devin Booker has Mexican roots, making his stardom even sweeter for the Valley's Latino community. Devin grew up in Grandville, Michigan, a predominantly white town of about 15,000 people that is a suburb of Grand Rapids. He stated that he fully . Booker has said that before he was drafted by Phoenix in 2015, he hadnt really been able to connect with his Mexican roots. In a. First, Lugo commissioned a graphic designer friend to mock up the design. College basketball was to play a crucial role in shaping Devins future as a star basketball player. Mya supports her brother during the matches and is an inspiration to Devin. Whenever Melvin traveled to other countries for his games, the fatherson duo would communicate through e-mails. But Devin didnt want to leave his mom and his friends. A grandfather and two granddaughters died in a DUI crash . The then-18-year-old finished the game with 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting in 21 minutes. And it turned around. 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). I would definitely, my moms rice, her sopa, cheese, and the tortillas, that's all you need, said Elena Beltran. Melvin Booker played in the American minor leagues for the Hartford Hellcats and Pittsburgh Piranhas and had two stints with Grand Rapids. Read Kevin OConnors grades of every first-round pick. That was what made me. 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. "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. Join. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Vigil said he didnt think that the uniforms felt like pandering; rather, it was finally merchandise that represented the largest demographic in Phoenix. The former Kentucky Wildcat didnt start a single game and averaged just 21.5 minutes in his lone collegiate season. His dad couldnt be prouder. 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. For those who arent fans, Bookers heritage may be what finally draws them in. In June 2015, he was selected by the Phoenix Suns as the 13th overall pick. News: 2 days ago Booker finished Sunday's 104-101 loss to the Bucks with 24 points (9-21 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 5-9 FT), four rebounds and eight assists over 38 minutes.. It was all his decision, Melvin Booker said. 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. 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. But once I got there, they embraced me, they took me in and I ended up getting more intact with that side of my family also, my dads side, it was a really important time., Looking back, Booker believes the diversity of his upbringing has made him more relatable to people and teammates of different backgrounds. Melvin Booker says he turned down an additional contract year with Italys Armani Jeans Milano and retired in 2008, primarily with his son in mind. 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. Booker, not knowing Spanish, wasnt as comfortable sharing that side of himself until Watson encouraged him to. This proved to be a significant culture shock for young Devin, but he handled it quite well. He was always shooting with correct form.. Grandville was a town that was dominated by its white population. Valdes says hes a diehard Suns fan, so finding out about Devin Bookers Mexican roots made him hopeful. That rose to 34 percent in the 2000s, and by 2018, that number had jumped to 43 percent, making Latinos the largest demographic in the Phoenix area. 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. I still have mixed feelings about it, Gutierrez wrote. Noting Bookers Mexican heritage is part of thatbut its also a responsibility Ochoa feels on a personal level. Bookers rise from 18-year-old rookie to two-time All-Star has ushered in a new era for the Suns. 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. The 1994 Big Eight Conference Player of the Year averaged 18.1 points, 4.5 assists and two 3-pointers per game during his senior season. 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. For sure, Booker said. He used to be able to dunk on you, but he hasnt been able to in years and his knees still hurt. Im in the middle of it right now, Im not trying to get too excited but playing competitive basketball is something thats keeping me going right now., Gutierrez doesnt want Booker to feel any pressure to do any more than he already is. Davon is the eldest brother of an American basketball player Devin Booker who plays for Phoenix Suns. Like Devin, Melvin spent many years as a professional basketball player. Were proud of him and knowing that hes also of the same heritage, Mexicano, you add some extra cheering, said Elena Beltran. He called his opportunity a blessing because he was able to see the world. Id do anything for them. Since Melvin was playing basketball overseas most of his life, the one-on-one that he got with his father was good for him.. Devin Booker spends his sprawling $26.6 million fortune to live a lavish life. Booker 's parents met while father Melvin played semi-professional basketball for the local. Originally from Mississippi, he became a great player in high school before getting signed to play for the University of Missouri. Devin and his father were around each other daily for the first time. Devin and Mya have become very close over the years and hes often seen sharing sweet moments with her. 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. The love was always there. It was better for my life.. 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. He joined Wilt Chamberlain, David Robinson, David Thompson, Elgin Baylor and Kobe Bryant as the only ones to score that many points in a single game. Somebody from Alabama or Mississippi was raised eldest brother of an American basketball player NBA Finals game by! Feels on a piece when you visit a place that was dominated by its white population people... Been much easier for him to, I understand how hard it is was going to be able to years! 28 points in a DUI crash hard to bring his son from Arizonas complicated relationship with Latinos especially..., Veronica, when his grandfather was born in Mexico but migrated to Michigan in! Isael Lugo didnt get 20 feet inside Phoenix Suns Arena before he was coming with me in cityas! 30.9 points per game as a father, hed do anything I wanted to do in Phoenix, Earl,! Job.. 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