Booker and Phoenix are starting to build the kind of rare star-city relationship thats been most recently seen between Stephen Curry and the Bay Area. The couple never married and cooperatively co-parented their son who was predominantly with his mother due to his dads professional basketball career. Kobe wrote the same message on the KOBE XI PEs he gave Book in 2016 , (via @DevinBook, h/t Sneakercenter/Instagram) pic.twitter.com/D1jgnhcPXs, Peer approval: Bookers arrival as a star may have been a foregone conclusion. 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. If you're Mexican and you made it to the NBA, I can too, Booker said. Booker has said that before he was drafted by Phoenix in 2015, he hadnt really been able to connect with his Mexican roots. 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. 14. r/AnarchyChess. During a ceremony in October 2013, at the Moss Point High School, Devin announced that he had been chosen by the University of Kentucky.. Devin Booker was born on 30th October 1996 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Melvin Booker and Veronica Gutierrez. But Melvin Booker said the relationship and bond grew so much closer during his sons three years at Moss Point. Music booms through two speakers as a DJ and a hype man practice their lines, but the area is virtually deserted. Four seasons later, Booker became the Suns first All-Star since Nash. I didnt like it all, Devin Booker said. Devin had the kind of relationship with him that was distant but you always knew he was there, Bookers mother wrote in an email. The split came as a surprise to many considering Devin's attendance at Kourtney Kardashian's wedding to Travis Barker. 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. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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. At first, just being out of your comfort zone was a thing for me. 3-Point Contest: The league noticed Bookers shooting stroke immediately and invited its youngest player to participate in the 2016 Three-Point Contest. Im around [Latino culture] every day, Booker said the day after winning Game 1 of the Finals. In the next game, Devin scored 19 points against TexasArlington to set a new season-high score. 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. I appreciate my dad actually telling me to make the move. Its very surreal. 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. Heres a look at 10 things to know about Phoenixs standout guard, his life and his NBA career. But he said that me being drafted is better than him being drafted.. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Grandville was a town that was dominated by its white population. I was with my family back home. The 19-year-old rookie acquitted himself well, reaching the final round before ultimately losing to Klay Thompson. Gerardo was at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport two weeks ago when the team returned from Los Angeles after clinching a Finals berth, and he recalls fans chanting Si se puede (Yes, we can) as the players walked through. Booker would like to lean into that by learning to speak Spanish. With this, he became the third player in NBA history to achieve the feat. That would spark even more pride when I would tell them, and theyd end up buying his jersey.. In a November match against Montana State, Devin scored a season-high 18 points. 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). Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. In April 2015, Devin decided to let go of the remaining years of college and signed up for the NBA draft. RELATED: Devin Booker accepts spot on U.S. Olympic Men's Basketball Team. 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. READ MORE: D-I-S-R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Widespread appreciation grows for Devin Booker after regular season indifference. 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. I see that as a wink to us because I think he knows thats how we dress. 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. 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. Related: 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. Devin Booker collected the 2018 Three-Point Contest title. It instilled more trust in him. Playing in Russia with the time difference it would be 3 in the morning there and the middle of the day for us. That didnt stop him from shooting 41.1% from 3-point range in the Wildcats march to the Final Four. 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. In a. 18. Id do anything for them. . By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. father: Melvin Booker mother: Veronica Gutierrez Basketball Players American Men Height: 6'5" (196 cm ), 6'5" Males Ancestry: Mexican American City: Grand Rapids, Michigan U.S. State: Michigan Notable Alumni: University Of Kentucky More Facts Recommended Lists: American People Tall Celebrities Tall Male Celebrities Male Sportspersons The 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. If you just acknowledge it from that perspective, then, then maybe it is OK to make it a bigger deal.. From 1997-2008, Melvin Booker made a living playing most notably in Italy with stints in Turkey and Russia. Bookers former coach in Phoenix, Earl Watson, shares a similar background with his maternal grandparents hailing from Mexico. Devin, a three-time NBA All-Star, is a professional . 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. I can only imagine how it is across the water. Be Legendary: Booker admired many iconic shooting guards growing up, but Kobe Bryants game and competitive edge hold a special place in his esteem. 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. Latin-American ambassador: Booker's maternal grandfather was an immigrant from Nogales, Mexico, a fact Booker has grown to. He was always shooting with correct form.. Phoenixs diversity hasnt made it immune from Arizonas complicated relationship with Latinos (especially those who have immigrated to the country). The relationship foundered after Devin's birth, and Veronica raised their son as a single mom while Melvin played international basketball in Europe. The elder Booker was the 1994 Big Eight Player of the Year at the University of Missouri and a former professional basketball player. Those weekend visits growing up came flashing back to Booker two years ago, when his grandfather passed away. Those were the most enjoyable moments - just sitting down, family time and enjoying some really good food.. The idea for the flag came during an Xbox night between Lugo and his friends right after the Suns swept the Nuggets in the second round. During the 1995-96 season with Grand Rapids, the basketball player met a remarkable young woman named Veronica. This particular remark carries special significance for Ochoa. 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. 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. In October 2017, he scored 34 points against the Portland Trail Blazers to finish his 21st career game with 30+ points. Not that there's anything wrong with that. It wasnt long ago that the radio broadcaster was calling games in Spanish for a 19-win team in a nearly empty building. 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. Hes a young person, Perla 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. Devin Booker said he owes his mom the world for allowing him to depart to Mississippi and primarily raising him beforehand. 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. 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. The law was eventually partially struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2012, but the situation in the state is still contentious. Me knowing Devin, hes going to continue to work hard and continue to try to get better.. Devin Booker scored 24 points, Deandre Ayton had 22 and Chris Paul added 18 for Phoenix. Did you get to the weight room?, He didnt understand. However, the matter did not do much damage to his career. Everywhere we went, everyone knew him. Sometimes I would go up to [Michigan] to watch him. Get to know them better here. I dont think a lot of people understand how somebody from Alabama or Mississippi was raised. I was with the Rockets for the minute. But draft night was one of the worst nights of my life., Said Devin Booker: I could tell he is still kind of hurt by it.. 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.. The 2014 McDonalds All-American selection averaged 30.9 points per game in his senior season. Eventually, Melvin ended his career to return home to coach his high school team and focus on his son. FantasyPros considers the best player values for DraftKings and FanDuel NBA DFS. Being here in Phoenix has made me aware of living in the culture.. 204. Beginning his career as a sportswriter, Benner then served with the Pacers for 28 years, retiring last season. Devin was born to Melvin Booker and Veronica Gutierrez on 30th October 1996 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His father was a brilliant young NBA player when he met Veronica during on one of his tours for the Continental Basketball Association.. Devin Booker spends his sprawling $26.6 million fortune to live a lavish life. She made it happen. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 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. This proved to be a significant culture shock for young Devin, but he handled it quite well. 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. 15 days ago. It was all his decision, Melvin Booker said. With Booker's help, his younger half-sister, who has microdeletion syndrome, will be a Special Olympics worldwide ambassador in 2020. Spin: Booker led the Suns in . 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. Devin ended the season with an average of 22.1 points per game. Said Devin: He said, God had a plan, and it was for me to make it to the NBA. Its hard to put into words how proud I am, it really is. I was trying to make up for the times I missed when I was gone, he told the outlet in 2016. And for those who are fans already, well, its as Ochoa would say, cereza encima del pastel. Cherry on top of the cake. Hed let them have the seats he got in his contract and then try to help them fall in love with Booker. 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. These fans might have not been at the game, but that didnt mean they couldnt keep the party going after. Stuntin like his daddy: How Devin Bookers father paved his path to the NBA. Devin Booker is part Puerto Rican from his mothers side, and this qualifies him to play for the national Puerto Rican team if he desires to do so. Melvin Booker averaged 5.2 points in 17 minutes in just 24 NBA games and believed that he didnt get a true shot. CartographerBlind. Luka Doncic's father, Devin Booker's grandfather, attended his first Mavericks game tonight . When I saw that, I said he looks like one of my own uncles growing up, Vigil said. and people say this sub is not woke enough. Devin Booker Personal Life. 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. Gary Trent Jr is Kawhi Leonard Wife. Booker returned in 2018 and won the contest, besting Thompson with a record 28 points in the final round. 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. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 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. 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 . Im definitely going to rep that side of my heritage, always., (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images). Melvin Booker told his son that he needed to have a high basketball IQ since he didnt own elite athleticism and running ability. 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. Spend some time in Phoenixespecially latelyand that last sentiment rings true. In the 1990s, Latinos made up just 20 percent of Phoenixs population. The avid Suns fan attended the game at Footprint Center and met Suns All-Star Devin Booker 30 minutes before tip. The then-18-year-old finished the game with 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting in 21 minutes. 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. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network. Devin averaged 30.9 points per game as a senior despite being double- and triple-teamed during the 2013-14 season at Moss Point. Phoenix didnt do well in his honor, losing to Dallas 111-95, but Booker provided an intriguing silver lining. 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. This city deserves it, Booker said. 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. To the Gutirrezes, both of whom are first-generation Americans with Mexican parents, Bookers background is a source of pride. I remember dropping him off at school that day and staying about an hour to make sure he had his classes scheduled correct. Hes from a suburban, predominantly white town, Melvin Booker told The Undefeated. His dad couldnt be prouder. 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. They mostly talked about and bonded through basketball. That was what made me. 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