Im definitely going to rep that side of my heritage, always., (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images). The preservation of a basketball legacy strengthened Melvin Bookers relationship with his son. Its not one culture.. The then-18-year-old finished the game with 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting in 21 minutes. Luka Doncic's father, Devin Booker's grandfather, attended his first Mavericks game tonight . In a match against the New Orleans Pelicans in November 2016, Devin scored a career-high of 38 points, and a few days later, he bettered it by scoring 39 points against the Los Angeles Lakers. He became the first Phoenix Suns player in 28 years to touch the 38-point mark consecutively in two matches. 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. Melvin Booker got to break a sweat on a few NBA teams but mostly played overseas in Turkey, Russia and Italy. 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 it turned around. 18. While Devin grew up, his fathers lifestyle influenced him greatly. But Booker says it was here in Phoenix where he first experienced the Mexican culture. I dont know if its because he has Mexican blood, but he has a special charisma that translates without any words being exchanged and translates in his game because he always plays passionately. Devin spent his early years in Grandville, Michigan, which was a suburb of Grand Rapids. He stated that he fully . Hollywood Life, Latest Hollywood Celebrity & Entertainment News. 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). She reportedly worked as a cosmetologist and already had a son named Davon Wade when she met Devin's father in her hometown of Grand Rapids. The love was always there. 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. For those who arent fans, Bookers heritage may be what finally draws them in. I didnt like it all, Devin Booker said. First, Lugo commissioned a graphic designer friend to mock up the design. It was hard for me to understand then why we couldnt communicate so much. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Everywhere we went, everyone knew him. Phoenixs diversity hasnt made it immune from Arizonas complicated relationship with Latinos (especially those who have immigrated to the country). 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. 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. Veronica is a Mexican-American and her father was born in Mexico. 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. 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. Melvin Booker averaged 5.2 points in 17 minutes in just 24 NBA games and believed that he didnt get a true shot. 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. 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. 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. Devin Booker is rumored to be dating Kendell Jenner. Hollywood Life A shooting guard, Booker received a star status after being the 13th overall draft and being selected by Phoenix Suns. 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. Grandville was a town that was dominated by its white population. 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. Moreover, Devin has always appreciated this fact since being drafted by Phoenix . Something went wrong. That was the only reason I put Devin there. The 19-year-old rookie acquitted himself well, reaching the final round before ultimately losing to Klay Thompson. Playoff ready: Any questions about how Bookers scoring would translate to the postseason were answered swiftly. You drive around the city, you look into the stands at the game and you see it. To capitalize on his popularity after those performances, Booker worked out deals with Nike and Zucaritas, the Mexican version of Frosted Flakes, to make a few return trips. They needed the painting in five hours for a Fathers Day gift. Devin Booker's sister, Mya Powell, has always been in the limelight for her bond with the NBA player. Hed let them have the seats he got in his contract and then try to help them fall in love with Booker. Heres a look at 10 things to know about Phoenixs standout guard, his life and his NBA career. Playing in Russia with the time difference it would be 3 in the morning there and the middle of the day for us. The Godfather game for PS3 @NikeMcDonalds . 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. 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. Get to know the Utah Jazz's star center with these 10 interesting factoids about his life and career. Booker was always aware of his Mexican heritage but never felt a strong desire to delve into that side of his background until he lost his Papa. But living around it and the culture and getting to see it day to day is a lot better. Because of an editing error, an earlier version of this piece incorrectly stated that Bookers grandfather was born in Nogales, Mexico; he was born in Los Nogales. I think I gained kind of a following there.. It's Los Suns for a reason, right? I would definitely, my moms rice, her sopa, cheese, and the tortillas, that's all you need, said Elena Beltran. I think growing up, were usually in one part of the country, one region, the Midwest, West Coast kids, or from the south. A grandfather and two granddaughters died in a DUI crash . Its helped me out a lot, he said. He also taught his son some tricks of the trade he developed on the pro level. 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 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. I see that as a wink to us because I think he knows thats how we dress. The city I grew up in and the high school was predominantly black. I dont look back on that. I think when youre young, you dont really understand it that much. And many other local fans feel similarly. It wasnt long ago that the radio broadcaster was calling games in Spanish for a 19-win team in a nearly empty building. Even so, he did have some lasting memories. One even stopped behind it and crossed himself. In the next game, Devin scored 19 points against TexasArlington to set a new season-high score. Davon Wade works as a realtor at Linehan Real Estate. He wanted his son to join him to not only grow as a basketball player, but as a young man in Mississippi and learn a better work ethic. With his fathers influence, Devin naturally fell in love with the game of basketball as a child. He always shot with the perfect form, Melvin Booker said. You could walk the same hallways, be a good kid and fulfill your dreams. I guess he has 2 dads. If you just acknowledge it from that perspective, then, then maybe it is OK to make it a bigger deal.. 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. The 1994 Big Eight Conference Player of the Year averaged 18.1 points, 4.5 assists and two 3-pointers per game during his senior season. Vigil said he didnt think that the uniforms felt like pandering; rather, it was finally merchandise that represented the largest demographic in Phoenix. Ever since [Devin] was 8 months old, he was coming with me in the summertime. Division I colleges were already pursuing him. I think its a combination of growing older and being exposed to more culture, Gutierrez wrote. Devin visited Missouri twice, but his dad says he didnt pressure him to go there. They worked out on the court together. Being here in Phoenix has made me aware of living in the culture.. Even after having a really long playoff run, Devin Booker wasn't . He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Finding a place that was willing to make the flag, however, proved more difficult. I havent gotten around to it yet, but thats the goal. I think the moment everybody found out that I had Mexican in my bloodline, I got on social media and started seeing younger kids of the Hispanic descent reaching out to me and saying, Youre my favorite player. This particular remark carries special significance for Ochoa. Who the f is this guy lmao. Ayton also had 11 rebounds. Melvin Booker played in the American minor leagues for the Hartford Hellcats and Pittsburgh Piranhas and had two stints with Grand Rapids. Four seasons later, Booker became the Suns first All-Star since Nash. Learn more about the Hall of Fame career of the legendary point guard. 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. Although Veronica would stay with Devin while Melvin traveled to Europe and Asia for games, he would bring Devin to the court in the summers, further peaking his interest in the sport. 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. 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 Devin Booker scored a franchise-record and NBA season-high 70 points on March 24, 2017. 9. And it seems as if things have gotten serious to the point where Devin Booker, 24, wanted his supermodel girlfriend Kendall Jenner, 25, to meet his grandma in Moss Point, Mississippi . Devin and his father were around each other daily for the first time. Devin Booker, 70 points - March 24, 2017. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. With this, he became the third player in NBA history to achieve the feat. 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. Post player first:Being tall for his age, Booker actually played significant minutes in the post as a kid before ultimately becoming a shooting guard. 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. He joined Wilt Chamberlain, David Robinson, David Thompson, Elgin Baylor and Kobe Bryant as the only ones to score that many points in a single game. 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. I didnt tell him at all, but I called my mom that night telling her that I might be back soon. Melvin Booker worried that his son might want to go back to Michigan after a bad first day of high school in Mississippi. It was special. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Bookers grandfather immigrated from Nogales, Mexico, to Michigan where the 2020 All-Star ultimately grew up. After having Devin in 1996, she was often the one to. 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. I am a very proud father and I know my son is living his dream. He went on to play in the NBA for the Houston Rockets during the 1995-1996 season and the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors during the 1996-1997 season. Spin: Booker led the Suns in . He did eventually make it to the NBA, first playing 11 games for the Houston Rockets during the 1995-96 season. 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. With family being the most important thing to me, its also very embraced in the Mexican culture. This proved to be a significant culture shock for young Devin, but he handled it quite well. As of early 2021, Davon has an estimated net worth of around $500 thousand. 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. We talked about maybe getting a tutor that can be on the planes with us or something like that. 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 always helped my mom out when she was in need, which was really important for me. But Devin didnt want to leave his mom and his friends. Now shes a diehard fan who makes a point to go to the players entrance before every game to welcome the team. I think this is a beautiful time to embrace our culture and love it with a passion, Devin Booker said. You have the same issues and same problems you have at most urban schools. Devin Booker hasnt disappointed. Now, Booker routinely quizzes his mother on their family history, hoping that she shares some knowledge on his past that can inspire his future. That didnt stop him from shooting 41.1% from 3-point range in the Wildcats march to the Final Four. Theres so much to learn about the Mexican culture, but Devin Booker says its never too late. Devin was born to Melvin Booker and Veronica Gutierrez on 30th October 1996 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 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. They decided to forgo. He died aged 67. The athletes parents, Melvin Booker and Veronica Gutierrez, led successful careers of their own as they raised him, and have been a huge part of his life. 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. So, just trying to inspire in that type of way and keep representing the heritage. So hes won the people of Phoenix over, especially the Latino community.. 13 overall pick to leading superstar for the Phoenix Suns. 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. 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. Especially with him embracing it, I mean, it brings us more attention toojust knowing that hes Hispanic and hes not afraid to show it.. These fans might have not been at the game, but that didnt mean they couldnt keep the party going after. On multiple occasions he has referenced the cultures strong family ties, something he has inherited and embraced in his own life. Join. His stunning performance in his rookie season earned praises from basketball legends such as Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade. 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. As a father, hed do anything I wanted to do. That Hispanic culture is seen both in the stands and throughout the fan base, but what many might not know, is that the Suns also represent Hispanic heritage on the court. Devin Booker said he owes his mom the world for allowing him to depart to Mississippi and primarily raising him beforehand. At just 20 years old, Devin Booker became the youngest NBA player to record a 70-point game. 1 / 3. 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. He made his professional NBA debut against the Dallas Mavericks two days before his 19th birthday. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Also, being the support for your family and being the backbone of your family and how important that is.. CartographerBlind. 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. At the time, I was treating it as going away to prep school and my father was going to be there training me. I think the moment everybody found out that I had Mexican in my bloodline, I got on social media and started seeing younger kids of the Hispanic descent reaching out to me and saying, 'You're my favorite player. And for those who are fans already, well, its as Ochoa would say, cereza encima del pastel. Cherry on top of the cake. 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