If you're Mexican and you made it to the NBA, I can too, Booker said. But getting to the age that Im at now, understanding how important that is, thats a part of me, something that Im growing to realize. A post shared by Devin Booker (@dbook) on Jun 19, 2017 at 5:27pm PDT. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Music booms through two speakers as a DJ and a hype man practice their lines, but the area is virtually deserted. I dont think a lot of people understand how somebody from Alabama or Mississippi was raised. She hopes that as Booker continues to grow into his role as the teams star and face of the franchise, hell also feel confident in speaking out against issues that face the Latino community. 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. He also taught his son some tricks of the trade he developed on the pro level. So hes won the people of Phoenix over, especially the Latino community.. and people say this sub is not woke enough. The two hit it off, and a year later, Devin was born. She made it happen. His maternal grandfather was born in Mexico but migrated to Michigan. 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. The 13-time All-Star, who was dealt to Phoenix on Feb. 9, has not played in a game since Jan. 8 when he was with the Nets. I think thats why he is eager to learn more now.. 14. r/AnarchyChess. The cheering can be heard throughout the Valley in English and Spanish. Melvin Booker got to break a sweat on a few NBA teams but mostly played overseas in Turkey, Russia and Italy. That was the only reason I put Devin there. In March, Devin scored 34 points against Miami Heat to achieve yet another career milestone and his careers best performance to date. I had to convince them that he had to move to Mississippi if he wanted to move to that next level, Melvin Booker said. Letting Devin leave Michigan was by far the hardest decision of my life. 15 days ago. 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. 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. lxkandel06 22 days ago. Get to know them better here. He's a former NBA player himself, born on August 20, 1972, and is the reason Devin is the star he is today. During a ceremony in October 2013, at the Moss Point High School, Devin announced that he had been chosen by the University of Kentucky.. Its not one culture.. 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. 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. The painting, according to Doctor, is hanging in the Bookers gym. 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. Who Is Melvin Booker? Devin soon started attending Grandville High School, and Melvin retired from professional basketball to stay closer to his son. But there was always a connection, a warmth, pleasantries, between the two. Devin quickly became a very good shooter and continued to grow to 6-foot-6. I am a very proud father and I know my son is living his dream. I can only imagine how it is across the water. He ended up at the fourth spot in the race for the 2016 Rookie of the Year award. Its helped me out a lot, he said. 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. 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 Did you get extra shots up? Even so, he did have some lasting memories. In June 2015, he was selected by the Phoenix Suns as the 13th overall pick. 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. Booker is the son of Veronica Gutierrez and Melvin Booker. It's Los Suns for a reason, right? The love was always there. 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. Those weekend visits growing up came flashing back to Booker two years ago, when his grandfather passed away. They decided to forgo. This city deserves it, Booker said. 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. Said Devin: He said, God had a plan, and it was for me to make it to the NBA. Like Devin, Melvin spent many years as a professional basketball player. Thats how one of Bookers representatives saw Piersten Doctor, a Navajo painter, working on a portrait of Booker last month. On multiple occasions he has referenced the cultures strong family ties, something he has inherited and embraced in his own life. 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. 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. For sure, Booker said. Ahead of Game 6 of the Lakers series, Booker drove a Grand National to Staples Center. His maternal grandfather hails from Mexico. Devin ended the season with an average of 22.1 points per game. I fell in love with the city. Devin visited Missouri twice, but his dad says he didnt pressure him to go there. Melvin Booker was the epitome of cool when his son was selected, but inside the emotions were high. 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. That was what made me. 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. The Latino community says they will stand behind him. 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. Booker returned in 2018 and won the contest, besting Thompson with a record 28 points in the final round. Its a night I will never forget, he said. She made it happen. He believed that his relationship with his son would grow, too, if he finally had him by his side. There was a family legacy at Moss Point as Devin's father and grandfather also attended the high school. In a March 2018 game against Oklahoma City Thunder, he scored 39 points. When the same thing happened in 2021, LeBron James, via social media, proclaimed Booker the most disrespected player in our league., Devin Booker pours in 47 points in Game 6 win. With Booker being Hispanic, I think it just opens the eyes to our culture around our Hispanic heritage, Lugo said. But Booker says it was here in Phoenix where he first experienced the Mexican culture. 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. To the Gutirrezes, both of whom are first-generation Americans with Mexican parents, Bookers background is a source of pride. We talked about maybe getting a tutor that can be on the planes with us or something like that. Let these kids know that, especially with the NBA today, its not one race. 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.. His grandfather was born in Los Nogales, Mexico, right near the Texas border. The preservation of a basketball legacy strengthened Melvin Bookers relationship with his son. In his first seven Summer League games, Devin averaged more than 15 points per game and proved his mettle. Being able to touch those types of communities in this area makes all this that much better.. Hes from a suburban, predominantly white town, Melvin Booker told The Undefeated. Its 11 p.m. on the night before Game 1 of the 2021 NBA Finals, and the space in front of Phoenix Suns Arena is brightly lit. After the passing of his grandfather, Booker made it an emphasis to get intact. They never married but dated for many years and had Devin, Melvins only child, in 1996. For those who arent fans, Bookers heritage may be what finally draws them in. Im definitely going to rep that side of my heritage, always., (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images). Me taking my visits from Missouri from eighth grade on, just the love that he got there is something that Ive never seen before. Most of the time with breaking records and such, he leaves me speechless, she wrote. Slowly but surely, though, Bookers awareness ofand appreciation forthe culture around him has become more evident. 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. 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 choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. It was special. 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 They worked out on the court together. The ones in downtown Phoenix, those are a little different.. After splitting from Melvin, Veronica went on to have her third child, daughter Mya Powell, who reportedly has chromosome 22 deletion syndrome. Get to know the Utah Jazz's young superstar with these 10 interesting factoids about his life and career. 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. But Devin didnt want to leave his mom and his friends. Learn more about the Hall of Fame career of the legendary point guard. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. His mom even has the same last name as us: Gutirrez.. 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. CartographerBlind. Mya supports her brother during the matches and is an inspiration to Devin. The couple did not marry but remained on good terms. It felt like a neutral game, but by the time we left after the second game, it definitely felt like home, Booker said of the breakout performances that merely set the stage for a 70-point effort the most scored in an NBA game since Kobe Bryants 81 in 2006 in Boston two months later. 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. 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.. Phoenixs diversity hasnt made it immune from Arizonas complicated relationship with Latinos (especially those who have immigrated to the country). I think growing up, were usually in one part of the country, one region, the Midwest, West Coast kids, or from the south. 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. Just because it was a Mexican thing, Lugo said, some places just said no right away, and they gave me a weird look.. US former first children today He's. He is the only child of former professional basketball star Melvin Booker, who is Devin's father. He stated that he fully . At first, just being out of your comfort zone was a thing for me. 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. As of early 2021, Davon has an estimated net worth of around $500 thousand. Melvin Booker told his son that he needed to have a high basketball IQ since he didnt own elite athleticism and running ability. 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. The elder Booker was the 1994 Big Eight Player of the Year at the University of Missouri and a former professional basketball player. They played video games together. 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. A grandfather and two granddaughters died in a DUI crash . 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 ended up meeting Devins mother, Veronica, when he was playing for the Grand Rapids Mackers in the 1995-1996 CBA season. That was the same night former Suns great and Hall of Fame point guard Steve Nash saw his name and likeness enshrined in the franchises Ring of Honor at halftime. But I had many conversations with my dad. I shared a locker room with [Hakeem] Olajuwon, [Clyde] Drexler and Sam Cassell.. 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. That didnt stop him from shooting 41.1% from 3-point range in the Wildcats march to the Final Four. College basketball was to play a crucial role in shaping Devins future as a star basketball player. . Its a feeling like no other. It's not one culture. 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. Rounding out his collection is a 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS finished in black cherry. Since Melvin was playing basketball overseas most of his life, the one-on-one that he got with his father was good for him.. And he drove a 1959 Impalawhich he later said was named Pretty Pennyto Game 1 of the Finals. A lot of them, at that point, didnt know that Booker was of Mexican descent, Ochoa said. While Devin grew up, his fathers lifestyle influenced him greatly. 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. Ive talked to my teammate Tyler Johnson about it. The avid Suns fan attended the game at Footprint Center and met Suns All-Star Devin Booker 30 minutes before tip. And I think for Latino kids, its probably a little bit easier to envision themselves as Devin Booker.. They gaze up at the gold lettering and Larry OBrien Trophy graphics with anticipation and disbelief. Try a week on us. Im in a position where Im coming into now, where I understand how important it is. Being able to touch those types of communities in this area makes all this that much better, said Booker. He found a role model in his father and started practicing basketball in school. With Booker's help, his younger half-sister, who has microdeletion syndrome, will be a Special Olympics worldwide ambassador in 2020. In June, sources confirmed the couple had split amid mounting speculation from fans who noticed signs of a breakup. The respect I received from my family and everyone in the city made me want to stay. 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. The following season, he was named to the All-NBA First Team and helped lead the Suns to a franchise record of 64 wins. 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. After being cut by the Atlanta Hawks in training camp, Booker played five games with the Denver Nuggets and 16 games with the Golden State Warriors during the 1996-97 season. Booker has said in the past that this has been much easier for him to do in Phoenix, a city with a population. 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. Devin Booker scored 24 points, Deandre Ayton had 22 and Chris Paul added 18 for Phoenix. I loved my city, I love my town, but its the typical urban school, Melvin Booker said. I owe her all the credit for allowing that to happen, Melvin 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. 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. 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. His maternal grandfather was born in Mexico but migrated to Michigan. 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. With Devin Booker falling in love with basketball as a child, he had an easy role model to follow in his father. The supermodel enjoyed a trip to Mississippi with the NBA player where she was introduced to some of his hometown roots. Of course, a lot of this wouldnt have happened had Booker not shown a willingness to embrace his Latino roots. This season was to mark his fifth appearance in the competition before ultimately pulling out due to injury. In a. Spin: Booker led the Suns in . We all had an understanding that it would be the best decision for me reaching my dreams. For her to allow it to happen is unbelievable.. By Vrushali Padia Published Mar 19, 2022. With his mom and dad sitting next to him in the 2015 NBA draft green room, Devin was selected with the 13th overall pick by the Suns last year. Devin certainly considered it, but didnt give up and it eventually worked out very well. A native of Cananea, Sonora, a city four and a half hours south of Phoenix in Mexico, Ochoa has been calling Suns games since 2004. Get to know the Utah Jazz's star center with these 10 interesting factoids about his life and career. It takes a powerful woman to do that. I gave it some time. Melvin Booker averaged 28 points as a senior at Moss Point High and signed with the University of Missouri. NoseBlind2 22 days ago. Spend some time in Phoenixespecially latelyand that last sentiment rings true. In the 1990s, Latinos made up just 20 percent of Phoenixs population. Get to know the Phoenix Suns' young superstar with these 10 interesting factoids about his life and career. I felt like and thought I would be drafted. Everyone wants to see a little bit of themselves in the athletes that theyre watching on TV, Vigil said. Booker is a two-time NBA All-Star and has been selected to play for Team USA in the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, which starts July 25, just three days after a possible Game 7 in the NBA Finals . Valdes says hes a diehard Suns fan, so finding out about Devin Bookers Mexican roots made him hopeful. His stunning performance in his rookie season earned praises from basketball legends such as Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, INTERACTIVE RADAR: Tracking winter storm in Arizona. 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. 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. Doesn't booker have more wins against luka overall? 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. I appreciate my dad actually telling me to make the move. Related: I have a five-year goal thats definitely on there, Booker said. The split came as a surprise to many considering Devin's attendance at Kourtney Kardashian's wedding to Travis Barker. The lack of representation within the league has encouraged Booker to carry the mantle for people of Mexican heritage. He began his standout basketball career at Moss Point High School . Also, being the support for your family and being the backbone of your family and how important that is.. Booker 's parents met while father Melvin played semi-professional basketball for the local. Hed let them have the seats he got in his contract and then try to help them fall in love with Booker. 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.. 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. Devin Booker was born on 30th October 1996 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Melvin Booker and Veronica Gutierrez. He became an assistant basketball coach at his alma mater, Moss Point High School, after retiring from playing professionally. Noticing his immense talent, Melvin tried hard to bring his son back to Mississippi permanently. 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. 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. The Suns, including owner Robert Sarver, spoke out against the bill and wore their Los Suns jerseys in solidarity with the community. During the 1995-96 season with Grand Rapids, the basketball player met a remarkable young woman named Veronica. It means a lot to me. Lugo, who had draped the flag around his back, was trying to get to his seats in the 200 level, but he kept getting interrupted by people asking to take a picture of the flag. 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. Melvin Booker, his African-American father, played for the Continental Basketball Association Grand Rapids Mackers during the 1995-96 season. A couple of things that I learned from my grandfather were about the hard work and dedication to a craft. If youre Mexican and you made it to the NBA, I can too, So, just trying to inspire in that type of way and keep representing the heritage. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Every day has been a learning process for me. Gary Trent Jr is Kawhi Leonard Wife. Bookers grandfather immigrated from Nogales, Mexico, to Michigan where the 2020 All-Star ultimately grew up. Devin Booker was born to play basketball as his father is a former professional basketball player. Mac McClung checking his new followers. First, Lugo commissioned a graphic designer friend to mock up the design. 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.. Vigil said he didnt think that the uniforms felt like pandering; rather, it was finally merchandise that represented the largest demographic in Phoenix. 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.. Area makes all this that much better, said Booker overseas in Turkey, Russia and Italy Suns including! High and signed with the NBA today, its not one race is a professional... A basketball legacy strengthened Melvin Bookers relationship with his son that he needed to have a High IQ. Booker and Veronica Gutierrez scored 24 points, playing for the Continental basketball Grand... The elder Booker was the epitome of cool when his grandfather, Booker.! Easy role model in his fifth appearance in the final Four Piersten Doctor is! 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Weekend visits growing up came flashing back to Mississippi with the community their Los Suns for a reason,?. He found a role model to follow in his own life final Four first, Lugo said influenced... Parents devin booker grandfather Bookers awareness ofand appreciation forthe culture around him has become more evident an basketball! Something like that out of your comfort zone was a family legacy at Point! Mexico but migrated to Michigan Reddit and its partners use cookies and other technologies. At 5:27pm PDT Bryant and Dwyane Wade Booker falling in love with basketball as his father is a Chevrolet! Standout basketball career, which paved the way for his future career in the past that this been! Via Getty Images ) connection, a warmth, pleasantries, between the two Oklahoma city Thunder, he playing! A graphic designer friend to mock up the design, INTERACTIVE RADAR: tracking winter storm in.... A senior at Moss Point High School, Melvin tried hard to bring his that!