Journey from Bimini to the NBA
I’m overwhelmed with gratitude as I reflect on my path from the small island of Bimini to the Philadelphia 76ers. It’s been an emotional ride, especially during draft night, surrounded by my family and loved ones, feeling their support as we watched names being called.
In the excitement of the moment, I received a message from my agent that changed everything. The moment I realized my name would be announced felt surreal. I stood up to embrace my family, feeling a rush of emotions as I prepared for my first interview, still feeling the impact of my late coach, Grathen “Sugar” Robins, whose memory I honored with a name tag in my suit.
My upbringing in Bimini shaped who I am; our small island community instilled a sense of love and respect. Growing up, I didn’t have many luxuries, but the support from my mom and grandma provided me with everything essential. Those days playing basketball outside with friends built my dreams amidst limited resources.
Basketball became my passion around the age of seven, thanks to Sugar, who devoted his life to youth sports. He helped inspire countless kids like me, culminating in my first tournament away from home at just nine years old. The thrill of flying for the first time and representing our underdog island team brought immense joy.
After moving to the U.S. as a teenager, I relied on my brother and an encouraging coach, who made personal sacrifices to help me thrive. My pursuit led me to play at top schools, where I focused on developing my skills and gaining exposure, all while keeping Sugar’s vision close to my heart.
Playing for Team Bahamas offered a fresh platform to showcase my talent alongside NBA players, proving that hard work and belief in myself could turn dreams into reality. Now, as I settle into my role with the 76ers, I am eager to earn respect and contribute to the game’s legacy.
For anyone facing doubts, I encourage you to stay motivated and prove naysayers wrong. Your journey is your own, and while they might say “you can’t,” remember that you absolutely can. This journey has taught me that the impossible can become possible if you believe.
