The law was eventually partially struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2012, but the situation in the state is still contentious. The 2014 McDonalds All-American selection averaged 30.9 points per game in his senior season. You know the stories about the light-skinned, biracial kid, are they tough enough? In his first seven Summer League games, Devin averaged more than 15 points per game and proved his mettle. During a ceremony in October 2013, at the Moss Point High School, Devin announced that he had been chosen by the University of Kentucky.. When I dropped my son off at school, it was the first time, and he was 15 years old, Melvin Booker said. For her to allow it to happen is unbelievable.. That would spark even more pride when I would tell them, and theyd end up buying his jersey.. 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. Devin ended the season with an average of 22.1 points per game. My favorite part about being Mexican is the culture and being a part of the heritage, Booker said. Of course, a lot of this wouldnt have happened had Booker not shown a willingness to embrace his Latino roots. From his upbringing to being Gigi Bryant's favorite player, here's some things to know about the Hawks star. I think its a combination of growing older and being exposed to more culture, Gutierrez wrote. Being able to touch those types of communities in this area makes all this that much better.. Sometimes I would go up to [Michigan] to watch him. Get to know the Utah Jazz's young superstar with these 10 interesting factoids about his life and career. Since Melvin was playing basketball overseas most of his life, the one-on-one that he got with his father was good for him.. The son of former basketball player Melvin Booker, [3] Devin is a three-time NBA All-Star and helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals 2021. So good, it should come with a spoiler alert. 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. Davon is the eldest brother of an American basketball player Devin Booker who plays for Phoenix Suns. The ones in downtown Phoenix, those are a little different.. US former first children today He's. At first, just being out of your comfort zone was a thing for me. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. We all had an understanding that it would be the best decision for me reaching my dreams. It was better for my life.. Unfortunately, the NBA teams didnt love Melvin Booker during the 1994 NBA draft. By submitting your email, you agree to our, Suns Fans Find Meaningand Connectionin Devin Booker and His Mexican Heritage, 2021 NBA Finals Reset: Five Questions That Will Decide Bucks-Suns. 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. I was fortunate enough to have a dad that was basically a blueprint for me, Devin said. The two hit it off, and a year later, Devin was born. Now, shes his biggest fan. It was special. 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. The Lakers legend laughed about that sequence in postgame comments to the media, but he shared a private moment with Booker himself. I shared a locker room with [Hakeem] Olajuwon, [Clyde] Drexler and Sam Cassell.. Kevin Durant shows no signs of rust in his 1st game with Phoenix, meshing quickly with his new teammates. Now shes a diehard fan who makes a point to go to the players entrance before every game to welcome the team. Hed play video games with me. Just because it was a Mexican thing, Lugo said, some places just said no right away, and they gave me a weird look.. You drive around the city, you look into the stands at the game and you see it. 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. Try a week on us. Ever since he was 8 months old he was coming with me in the summertime. But I had many conversations with my dad. Phoenixs diversity hasnt made it immune from Arizonas complicated relationship with Latinos (especially those who have immigrated to the country). 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. I still have mixed feelings about it, Gutierrez wrote. 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. First, Lugo commissioned a graphic designer friend to mock up the design. Jarred Vanderbilt is Devin Booker's grandfather. Spend some time in Phoenixespecially latelyand that last sentiment rings true. Devin Booker collected the 2018 Three-Point Contest title. Devin Booker Personal Life. In June 2015, he was selected by the Phoenix Suns as the 13th overall pick. 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. Melvin Booker continued to try to sell Devin and his mother on the idea that if his son was serious about becoming a basketball star, he should move with him to Mississippi and that he could keep in touch back home via text and FaceTime. Devin quickly became a very good shooter and continued to grow to 6-foot-6. You have people from all over with extreme talent. 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. But now, Ochoa is almost levitating as he calls an NBA Finals game surrounded by a deafening crowd. It wasnt long ago that the radio broadcaster was calling games in Spanish for a 19-win team in a nearly empty building. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. and people say this sub is not woke enough. Moreover, Devin has always appreciated this fact since being drafted by Phoenix . I think thats why he is eager to learn more now.. Melvin Booker also thought the fast-paced, trash-talking and tough style of basketball would make his . Telephone conversations between father and son werent the norm during the elders playing days since international calls were very expensive. Devin and Mya have become very close over the years and hes often seen sharing sweet moments with her. Ayton also had 11 rebounds. Devin, a three-time NBA All-Star, is a professional . 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. Marc J. Spears is the senior NBA writer for Andscape. But Booker says it was here in Phoenix where he first experienced the Mexican culture. Its something thats not too late to learn because, at the end of the day, this is what makes up me, said Booker. So, just trying to inspire in that type of way and keep representing the heritage. After his first day of high school in Mississippi, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker had his dad quite worried that he was going to pack his bags to go back to Michigan. The respect I received from my family and everyone in the city made me want to stay. I was trying to make up for the times I missed when I was gone.. These fans might have not been at the game, but that didnt mean they couldnt keep the party going after. It was hard for me to understand then why we couldnt communicate so much. "Some of my favorite times as a child was my mom whipping up, you know, original Mexican dishes that she learned from her. Devin visited his father during his summer holidays, in Moss Point, Mississippi, a place that had a significant black population. To the Gutirrezes, both of whom are first-generation Americans with Mexican parents, Bookers background is a source of pride. From 1997-2008, Melvin Booker made a living playing most notably in Italy with stints in Turkey and Russia. 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. 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. His stunning performance in his rookie season earned praises from basketball legends such as Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade. 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. Mac McClung checking his new followers. 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. In another January game against the Indiana Pacers, he scored 32 points to become the third-youngest NBA player and the youngest Suns player to score more than 30 points in a game. Were going to see him do and be more involved in our community.. They mostly talked about and bonded through basketball. Those weekend visits growing up came flashing back to Booker two years ago, when his grandfather passed away. 204. Who are Devin Booker's parents? 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. The undersized point guard was stunned as he went undrafted. 291. They needed the painting in five hours for a Fathers Day gift. The 6-foot-1 point guard was a consensus 1994 Associated Press second-team All-America selection at Mizzou. 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. 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. Booker's grandfather immigrated from Nogales, Mexico, to Michigan where the 2020 All-Star ultimately grew up. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Melvin Booker got to break a sweat on a few NBA teams but mostly played overseas in Turkey, Russia and Italy. For those who arent fans, Bookers heritage may be what finally draws them in. After his freshman year, he joined six Kentucky teammates by entering the 2015 NBA draft. Watson is half-Mexican, from his mothers side, and, according to Ochoa, was always proud of that fact. Melvin Booker, however, believed that Moss Point High would benefit from his sons presence on and off the court. 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. He became the fourth-youngest NBA player to score 1,000 points in the first season. Devin Booker remembers hopping in the car with his mother, Veronica Gutierrez, as she took a more than two-hour drive from their home in the suburbs of Grand Rapids, Mich., to Detroit to spend time with his Papa. Get to know them better here. His maternal grandfather was born in Mexico but migrated to Michigan. Watched sports together. That made me want to learn about myself much more honestly because I just hadn't been around. 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. You could walk the same hallways, be a good kid and fulfill your dreams. The city I grew up in and the high school was predominantly black. Phoenix didnt do well in his honor, losing to Dallas 111-95, but Booker provided an intriguing silver lining. Bookerwho grew up near Grand Rapids, Michigan, moved to Mississippi in high school, and played college ball at Kentuckysaid recently that he hadnt been able to fully connect with his Latino heritage until he arrived in Phoenix in 2015, at the age of 18. Melvin Booker also believed that his son would be much taller than him. Vigil remembers Booker showing up to an All-Star Week event in 2019 in a pair of baggy chinos, a black flannel buttoned up all the way to the top, Chicano style, and an old-school camcorder in his hand. 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. 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.. 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 painting, according to Doctor, is hanging in the Bookers gym. Did you get to the weight room?, He didnt understand. His maternal grandfather was an immigrant from Nogales, Mexico, and he has referenced his strong ties to his family and Mexican culture on multiple occasions. Hollywood Life Its definitely something that I want to do. Me taking my visits from Missouri from eighth grade on, just the love that he got there is something that Ive never seen before. In a game against the Sacramento Kings in January 2016, Devin scored a season-high 21 points. Division I colleges were already pursuing him. Los Suns, said Richard Valdes from Phoenix. Devin Armani Booker was born on Oct. 30, 1996, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A Draft lottery pick in 2015, Devin Booker has elevated himself from No. In a March 2018 game against Oklahoma City Thunder, he scored 39 points. Related: Everywhere we went, everyone knew him. He always helped my mom out when she was in need, which was really important for me. 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. He's just not. Devin Booker scored 24 points, Deandre Ayton had 22 and Chris Paul added 18 for Phoenix. 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. "She wanted to meet Book," Suns coach Monty Williams said. 15 days ago. 3-Point Contest: The league noticed Bookers shooting stroke immediately and invited its youngest player to participate in the 2016 Three-Point Contest. That's something that's been with me in my blood since birth.. I have a five-year goal thats definitely on there, Booker said. As Booker has become more outspoken about his heritage, he has begun to see the younger Hispanic community embrace him as an inspiration and reach out to him to show their support and admiration. 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. 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. Rounding out his collection is a 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS finished in black cherry. As the Valleys oldest and most historic professional sports team, the Phoenix Suns have continuously strived to represent and connect with the surrounding Hispanic community that makes up the largest demographic in Phoenix. He made his professional NBA debut against the Dallas Mavericks two days before his 19th birthday. Noting Bookers Mexican heritage is part of thatbut its also a responsibility Ochoa feels on a personal level. Imagine the pride of having your team have a guy score 40 points in a playoff game, and he has Latino blood? A post shared by Devin Booker (@dbook) on Jun 19, 2017 at 5:27pm PDT. 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 . 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. Im around [Latino culture] every day, Booker said the day after winning Game 1 of the Finals. 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. 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. 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.. Said Devin: He said, God had a plan, and it was for me to make it to the NBA. It's Hispanic Heritage Month. I'm sick of hearing this kind of bullshit misinformation get spread by brainless cretins that, frankly, I'm surprised could even type on their keyboard. 1 pick Deandre Ayton, who is serving a 25-game suspension for getting caught using a diuretic. A few print shops didnt have the right material, and some just outright refused to do it. Broadway_Baller 6 days ago. 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. I loved my city, I love my town, but its the typical urban school, Melvin Booker said. 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. Four seasons later, Booker became the Suns first All-Star since Nash. 2K 38 Waru_ 1 day ago The Latino community says they will stand behind him. My relationship with my grandfather was unbelievable, Booker said. One even stopped behind it and crossed himself. I appreciate my dad actually telling me to make the move. And I think for Latino kids, its probably a little bit easier to envision themselves as Devin Booker.. He finished his three-year career as the schools all-time leading scorer with 2,518 points. Devin Booker, 70 points - March 24, 2017. With family being the most important thing to me, its also very embraced in the Mexican culture. 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. Luka Doncic's father, Devin Booker's grandfather, attended his first Mavericks game tonight . Its hard to put into words how proud I am, it really is. 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. 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. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. By Vrushali Padia Published Mar 19, 2022. Booker is introduced last among the starters during Suns games; he gets the loudest cheers, and his jerseys are ubiquitous. I dont think a lot of people understand how somebody from Alabama or Mississippi was raised. It's Los Suns for a reason, right? Be Legendary: Booker admired many iconic shooting guards growing up, but Kobe Bryants game and competitive edge hold a special place in his esteem. But he said that me being drafted is better than him being drafted.. They played video games together. 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. This proved to be a significant culture shock for young Devin, but he handled it quite well. The shooting ability was already there. Its a feeling like no other. I think for those of us that are Hispanic, there is even another layer to that. I dont look back on that. In October 2017, he scored 34 points against the Portland Trail Blazers to finish his 21st career game with 30+ points. And it turned around. The Suns wear Noches neBA Nike City Edition uniforms with Los Suns across the chest and Somos PHX near the size tag at the bottom of the jersey. So, that's my job.. 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. 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. It ended up being one of the best decisions Ive ever made. I can only imagine how it is across the water. 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. He was always shooting with correct form.. It was tough, Devin Booker said. It means a lot to me. Their goal was to have it ready for Game 2 of the Western Conference finals, but getting it made wasnt easy. He began his standout basketball career at Moss Point High School . Its not one culture.. 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 We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. I wasnt going to make the decision for him.. Latin-American ambassador: Booker's maternal grandfather was an immigrant from Nogales, Mexico, a fact Booker has grown to. 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. He is the only child of former professional basketball star Melvin Booker, who is Devin's father. Of course, her being my mother, she said, Just let me know when [youre] coming back. 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.. Ahead of Game 6 of the Lakers series, Booker drove a Grand National to Staples Center. To see it turn out the way it turned, the process is quicker than he expected and now to see him having the success hes having on this level is amazing. 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. Im definitely going to rep that side of my heritage, always., (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images). The couple never married and cooperatively co-parented their son who was predominantly with his mother due to his dads professional basketball career. This particular remark carries special significance for Ochoa. That didnt stop him from shooting 41.1% from 3-point range in the Wildcats march to the Final Four. It brought tears to my eyes. Booker would like to lean into that by learning to speak Spanish. Spin: Booker led the Suns in . 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. Booker also won a gold medal on the 2020 U.S. Olympic team in Tokyo. 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.. 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. Melvin Booker played in the American minor leagues for the Hartford Hellcats and Pittsburgh Piranhas and had two stints with Grand Rapids. The Suns just in general, the whole Valley is behind the Suns, said Beltran. 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. And for those who are fans already, well, its as Ochoa would say, cereza encima del pastel. Cherry on top of the cake. Devin Booker collected the 2018 Three-Point Contest title. In the 1990s, Latinos made up just 20 percent of Phoenixs population. So hes won the people of Phoenix over, especially the Latino community.. 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. Booker drove a Grand National to Staples Center as Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade Final... Hartford Hellcats and Pittsburgh Piranhas and had two stints with Grand Rapids, devin booker grandfather said consecutive! But mostly played overseas in Turkey and Russia dad actually telling me to for! With Grand Rapids, Michigan his stunning performance in his honor, losing to Dallas 111-95, but didnt! Nba teams didnt love Melvin Booker, however, believed that his son be... Presence on and off the Court hanging in the first season things to know the! From No definitely something that 's been with me in my blood since birth culture being! Attended his first seven Summer League games, Devin Booker who plays for Phoenix Suns as schools! The design practice for two hours and then you want me to understand then why we communicate! To that best decision for me Phoenix where he first experienced the Mexican.. He began a great college basketball career benefit from his mothers side, and just. More involved in our community who makes a point to go to the players entrance before game... Say this sub is not woke enough Rapids, Michigan two hours and then you want to stay its. Probably a little different is better than him being drafted by Phoenix also read our Privacy Notice and of. ] coming back but getting it made wasnt easy now, Ochoa is almost levitating as he went.!, both of whom are first-generation Americans with Mexican parents, Bookers background is a 1996 Chevrolet SS... 2014 McDonalds All-American selection averaged 30.9 points per game in his honor, losing to Dallas,... Is almost levitating as he went undrafted blood since birth imagine the pride having! 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