But he said that me being drafted is better than him being drafted.. 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). My Mexican culture has taught me a lot about myself. 18. I guess he has 2 dads. Thats changed after his years in the cityas has the place he holds in many Latino Suns fans hearts. Devin Booker scored a franchise-record and NBA season-high 70 points on March 24, 2017. It was his mother, Veronica Gutierrez's hometown, and his father, Melvin Booker, who played for CBA's Grand Rapids Hoops. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. You drive around the city, you look into the stands at the game and you see it. Bookers former coach in Phoenix, Earl Watson, shares a similar background with his maternal grandparents hailing from Mexico. His dad couldnt be prouder. Devin was immensely attached to his father. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. The then-18-year-old finished the game with 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting in 21 minutes. 15 days ago. 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. Maybe they didn't though, maybe they just smashed their sweaty, ugly, greasy, zit-covered faces all over their . "Some of my favorite times as a child was my mom whipping up, you know, original Mexican dishes that she learned from her. One even stopped behind it and crossed himself. 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. Down to just people saying Kobe when they shoot a piece of trash in the garbage. It's not one culture. Only two photos of him exist in the leagues Getty/NBAE archives. This season was to mark his fifth appearance in the competition before ultimately pulling out due to injury. Now shes a diehard fan who makes a point to go to the players entrance before every game to welcome the team. 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. 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. Were going to see him do and be more involved in our community.. Even then, he still dedicated portions of his post-practice routine to footwork and shot-making on the block. 1.4K. 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. The only real time with communication I had with him were the two to three months out of the year when I would go down to Mississippi [in the summer]. Rounding out his collection is a 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS finished in black cherry. It ended up being one of the best decisions Ive ever made. 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. With his fathers influence, Devin naturally fell in love with the game of basketball as a child. 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. Its helped me out a lot, he said. So hes won the people of Phoenix over, especially the Latino community.. Ive talked to my teammate Tyler Johnson about it. Hollywood Life During the 1995-96 season with Grand Rapids, the basketball player met a remarkable young woman named Veronica. Booker returned in 2018 and won the contest, besting Thompson with a record 28 points in the final round. Knowing that you're capable of doing that and seeing somebody in front of you that has done it before, I know it can be inspiring. 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. Playing in Russia with the time difference it would be 3 in the morning there and the middle of the day for us. Whenever Melvin traveled to other countries for his games, the fatherson duo would communicate through e-mails. 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. Booker 's parents met while father Melvin played semi-professional basketball for the local. Other Latinos dream of bringing Booker home for dinner to introduce him to their most favorite Mexican dishes. Finding a place that was willing to make the flag, however, proved more difficult. Melvin Booker told his son that he needed to have a high basketball IQ since he didnt own elite athleticism and running ability. 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. Devin played basketball with his dad and his friends. At the time, I was treating it as going away to prep school and my father was going to be there training me. By Vrushali Padia Published Mar 19, 2022. In April 2015, Devin decided to let go of the remaining years of college and signed up for the NBA draft. 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. She made it happen. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Did you get to the weight room?, He didnt understand. Media reports claim that while in college, he had had many affairs. The Godfather game for PS3 @NikeMcDonalds . While Devin grew up, his fathers lifestyle influenced him greatly. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. Devin Booker has Mexican roots, making his stardom even sweeter for the Valley's Latino community. Devin once ran into controversy when he asked a fans girlfriend to sit on his lap. Devin Booker was born on October 30, 1996, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Who the f is this guy lmao. Growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, you don't get as much of it, besides the time that I spent with my grandpa and my mother, what she's passed down to us. Devin initially refused to go to Mississippi. 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. Spend some time in Phoenixespecially latelyand that last sentiment rings true. I shared a locker room with [Hakeem] Olajuwon, [Clyde] Drexler and Sam Cassell.. In February 2017, he scored 31 points against the Milwaukee Bucks and became the youngest player in NBA history to score at least 20 points in 16 consecutive games. In October 2017, he scored 34 points against the Portland Trail Blazers to finish his 21st career game with 30+ points. It was better for my life.. 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. 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. "I usually keep it Chevy, you know . Moreover, Devin has always appreciated this fact since being drafted by Phoenix . 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. Phoenixs diversity hasnt made it immune from Arizonas complicated relationship with Latinos (especially those who have immigrated to the country). 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. You have the same issues and same problems you have at most urban schools. At this point, that community knows who he is. The 2014 McDonalds All-American selection averaged 30.9 points per game in his senior season. 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. Doctor said it wouldnt be his best work, but hed do it. 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. His mom even has the same last name as us: Gutirrez.. My favorite part about being Mexican is the culture and being a part of the heritage, Booker said. Now, shes his biggest fan. Its something thats not too late to learn because, at the end of the day, this is what makes up me, said Booker. They played video games together. 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. 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. The Suns, including owner Robert Sarver, spoke out against the bill and wore their Los Suns jerseys in solidarity with the community. Theres so much to learn about the Mexican culture, but Devin Booker says its never too late. I would definitely, my moms rice, her sopa, cheese, and the tortillas, that's all you need, said Elena Beltran. At first, just being out of your comfort zone was a thing for me. That didnt stop him from shooting 41.1% from 3-point range in the Wildcats march to the Final Four. Bookers grandfather immigrated from Nogales, Mexico, to Michigan where the 2020 All-Star ultimately grew up. 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. Not that there's anything wrong with that. But living around it and the culture and getting to see it day to day is a lot better. READ MORE: D-I-S-R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Widespread appreciation grows for Devin Booker after regular season indifference. The supermodel enjoyed a trip to Mississippi with the NBA player where she was introduced to some of his hometown roots. While in high school, Devin exhibited his remarkable sporting talent. That was the only reason I put Devin there. Melvin Booker played in the American minor leagues for the Hartford Hellcats and Pittsburgh Piranhas and had two stints with Grand Rapids. The player has confronted that culture's strong family ties are the ones he had always embraced and inherited in his life. Its definitely something that I want to do. 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. 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. I got to see the guys like Michael Jordan play up close, Melvin Booker said. 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. Everywhere we went, everyone knew him. 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. He spent the summers with his father in the latters hometown of Moss Point, Mississippi, a predominantly black town with around 13,000 people that also had its share of crime and poverty issues. So good, it should come with a spoiler alert. Thanks, Pops: Bookers father, Melvin Booker, played professionally from 1994-2008, including for two seasons and three different NBA teams (Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors). In a. It was tough, Devin Booker said. I can only imagine how it is across the water. Originally from Mississippi, he became a great player in high school before getting signed to play for the University of Missouri. Kevin Durant shows no signs of rust in his 1st game with Phoenix, meshing quickly with his new teammates. Bryant noticed the young Booker as well, especially when he tried to use one of his own patented post moves against him in Bryants last career game at Phoenix in 2016. Vigil said he didnt think that the uniforms felt like pandering; rather, it was finally merchandise that represented the largest demographic in Phoenix. 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. 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.. 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. It means a lot to me. To let you know, Devin's maternal grandfather was one of the immigrants from Nogales, Mexico. I loved my city, I love my town, but its the typical urban school, Melvin Booker said. And for those who are fans already, well, its as Ochoa would say, cereza encima del pastel. Cherry on top of the cake. As of early 2021, Davon has an estimated net worth of around $500 thousand. Devin had the kind of relationship with him that was distant but you always knew he was there, Bookers mother wrote in an email. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. 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. Being able to touch those types of communities in this area makes all this that much better, said Booker. Sometimes I would call and ask him, What did you do after practice? In the 1990s, Latinos made up just 20 percent of Phoenixs population. Being here in Phoenix has made me aware of living in the culture.. Thats part of the reason I grind so much, Devin Booker said. Thats how she ended up at a Suns game a few years ago on Latino Night and found out about Bookers heritage. Melvin Booker also believed that his son would be much taller than him. 13 overall pick to leading superstar for the Phoenix Suns. 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.. 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. 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 . Middleton found Lopez for the go-ahead basket with 24.8 seconds remaining. The lack of representation within the league has encouraged Booker to carry the mantle for people of Mexican heritage. If you have a dream and you have the work ethic to match that dream, anything is possible.. Eventually, Melvin ended his career to return home to coach his high school team and focus on his son. 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. The painting, according to Doctor, is hanging in the Bookers gym. I see that as a wink to us because I think he knows thats how we dress. He's just not. 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. 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. Those weekend visits growing up came flashing back to Booker two years ago, when his grandfather passed away. Watson is half-Mexican, from his mothers side, and, according to Ochoa, was always proud of that fact. The ones in downtown Phoenix, those are a little different.. Getting the tacos, like for realnot the ones in Michigan, not the ones in Missouri. Devin Booker was born to play basketball as his father is a former professional basketball player. Huh, I thought Gary Trent was Luka Doncic father. This sounds so clich, but it really hasnt set in with me. I gave it some time. 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. 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