The volume.

The volume.

Have you been hungry for some college football?

Have you been hungry for some college football?

I am.

I am.

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What's up, everybody? Welcome back to the Draymond Green Show. We are live here, well live as we record this for you here at the Resort World in Las Vegas. Appreciate them for having us here. I'm honored to have this next guest of mine. Uh, what's a teammate of mine?

What's up, everybody? Welcome back to the Draymond Green Show. We are live here, well live as we record this for you here at the Resort World in Las Vegas. Appreciate them for having us here. I'm honored to have this next guest of mine. Uh, what's a teammate of mine?

For a year?

For a year?

I used to kick his ass like literally the years prior to that. But nonetheless, outside of him being my teammate, it's my brother and I'm honored to have this next guest. Five fifth overall pick in the twenty ten draft, four time NBA All Star, two time All NBA Second Team, and twenty sixteen Olympic gold medalists. None No, the one and only book, DeMarcus Cousins.

I used to kick his ass like literally the years prior to that. But nonetheless, outside of him being my teammate, it's my brother and I'm honored to have this next guest. Five fifth overall pick in the twenty ten draft, four time NBA All Star, two time All NBA Second Team, and twenty sixteen Olympic gold medalists. None No, the one and only book, DeMarcus Cousins.

What dog. I appreciate you coming on, man, what it is? Love?

What dog. I appreciate you coming on, man, what it is? Love?

This is an honor for me, Bro, Like I've been one to have this conversation for a while. There's also one I never really wanted to do over Zoom. I think for me, the connection is too strong, the brotherhood is too strong, and I'm happy to do it here in person.

This is an honor for me, Bro, Like I've been one to have this conversation for a while. There's also one I never really wanted to do over Zoom. I think for me, the connection is too strong, the brotherhood is too strong, and I'm happy to do it here in person.

So I appreciate you. Appreciate you, Bro, absolutely.

So I appreciate you. Appreciate you, Bro, absolutely.

But let's uh walk me back to the beginning growing up in Alabama. What was it like growing up and having to get it out the mud and then making it out of Alabama?

But let's uh walk me back to the beginning growing up in Alabama. What was it like growing up and having to get it out the mud and then making it out of Alabama?

It was tough, man, you know, you know, typical story. You grew up in an environment that that isn't promising. It's not a lot of opportunity and it's just not a lot of resources in general. So you know, you kind of grew up in a situation where you you become a product of your environment. But you know, as every young boy, you kind of get to that point in life, usually about middle school where I'm from, we call it hopping off the porch. But you know, you get to that point you got to figure out, you know, which route you're gonna take left for right, and you know when you come from that type of place, you know what that means.

It was tough, man, you know, you know, typical story. You grew up in an environment that that isn't promising. It's not a lot of opportunity and it's just not a lot of resources in general. So you know, you kind of grew up in a situation where you you become a product of your environment. But you know, as every young boy, you kind of get to that point in life, usually about middle school where I'm from, we call it hopping off the porch. But you know, you get to that point you got to figure out, you know, which route you're gonna take left for right, and you know when you come from that type of place, you know what that means.

So you know, it was, you know, that typical.

So you know, it was, you know, that typical.

Type situation, and you know, it was a lot of growing pains for me, you know, trying to figure out how to become a young man and figure out my niche in life, and you know, just what I even wanted to do. There was a lot of negativity in front of me that you know, a lot of negative influence, which is usually what kind of you know, uh, what are the words? Uh, that's the part that you get the most of. That's the overload that you get growing up in those type of environments. So with that being said, it goes back to you know, what do I want to do? Who do I want to be? And you know, with the influence of my mom watching her work, you know, uh, two jobs at some at sometimes and and and raise six kids. It's like, you know, she was the perfect example for me as far as work ethic. So you know, once I got to that part where hey, at the end of the day I'm willing to work my tail off to you know, accomplish whatever I put my mind to, like I know, I had a chance. So you know, she helped me discover ball. I grew up playing football originally, you know, had dreams of being in the NFL. Uh.

Type situation, and you know, it was a lot of growing pains for me, you know, trying to figure out how to become a young man and figure out my niche in life, and you know, just what I even wanted to do. There was a lot of negativity in front of me that you know, a lot of negative influence, which is usually what kind of you know, uh, what are the words? Uh, that's the part that you get the most of. That's the overload that you get growing up in those type of environments. So with that being said, it goes back to you know, what do I want to do? Who do I want to be? And you know, with the influence of my mom watching her work, you know, uh, two jobs at some at sometimes and and and raise six kids. It's like, you know, she was the perfect example for me as far as work ethic. So you know, once I got to that part where hey, at the end of the day I'm willing to work my tail off to you know, accomplish whatever I put my mind to, like I know, I had a chance. So you know, she helped me discover ball. I grew up playing football originally, you know, had dreams of being in the NFL. Uh.

Genetics just ain't really work out in my favor.

Genetics just ain't really work out in my favor.

So you know, I did take some some things from that with just the physicality part that killed her mindset, you know, part of it. And he kind of translated over the ball. But back to what I was saying, my mom was the person that kind of introduced me to it.

So you know, I did take some some things from that with just the physicality part that killed her mindset, you know, part of it. And he kind of translated over the ball. But back to what I was saying, my mom was the person that kind of introduced me to it.

I was, you know, getting in trouble doing a lot of you know.

I was, you know, getting in trouble doing a lot of you know.

Just silly, immature shit, and my mom, you know, she was like, I need to, you know, put you in something that's you know, constructive for you, you know, keep me on the right path.

Just silly, immature shit, and my mom, you know, she was like, I need to, you know, put you in something that's you know, constructive for you, you know, keep me on the right path.

Things like that. So she like tried basketball and you.

Things like that. So she like tried basketball and you.

Know, quick learner, very fast, very fast learner, and you know, you know, the kind of the rest is history. You know, my story played out how I played out. But originally that's just kind of you know, like I said, typical you know story of you know how we kind of kind of come up and grew.

Know, quick learner, very fast, very fast learner, and you know, you know, the kind of the rest is history. You know, my story played out how I played out. But originally that's just kind of you know, like I said, typical you know story of you know how we kind of kind of come up and grew.

Up born raised in Mobile, then you moved to Birmingham.

Up born raised in Mobile, then you moved to Birmingham.

I was born in Mobile and you know, basically raised in Birmingham, and then I went back to Mobile my junior senior year of high school.

I was born in Mobile and you know, basically raised in Birmingham, and then I went back to Mobile my junior senior year of high school.

And why go back then?

And why go back then?

Uh, like I said, I was a young I was I was a younger trying to figure things out. And you know, like I said, I bumped my head plenty of times. I've I've had a lot, a lot of life lessons. You know, early in life, I grew up faster than a lot of kids. And like I said, that's just kind of the environment I grew up in. So, you know, me going back to Mobile was a decision my mom ended up making when you know, she basically got to a boiling point of you know, I can't do this alone. I need a little more help, and she kind of leaned on her mother in that situation that you know, help guide me through uh the rest of my years in high school. But I gotten some silly ship junior year, which kind of led me back to going to Mobile. And you know, at that point in my life, that's that's when I really, you know, made a decision to commit to you know, being a basketball player full time. And you know, and I understood I had a lot of potential on my side. I had a skill set that wasn't really a normal thing. So you know, I told myself, let's take advantage of this opportunity and let's see where it can take you.

Uh, like I said, I was a young I was I was a younger trying to figure things out. And you know, like I said, I bumped my head plenty of times. I've I've had a lot, a lot of life lessons. You know, early in life, I grew up faster than a lot of kids. And like I said, that's just kind of the environment I grew up in. So, you know, me going back to Mobile was a decision my mom ended up making when you know, she basically got to a boiling point of you know, I can't do this alone. I need a little more help, and she kind of leaned on her mother in that situation that you know, help guide me through uh the rest of my years in high school. But I gotten some silly ship junior year, which kind of led me back to going to Mobile. And you know, at that point in my life, that's that's when I really, you know, made a decision to commit to you know, being a basketball player full time. And you know, and I understood I had a lot of potential on my side. I had a skill set that wasn't really a normal thing. So you know, I told myself, let's take advantage of this opportunity and let's see where it can take you.

So you keep mentioning your mom for me, My mom, man, you know, shout out to dudes. Man, shout out the.

So you keep mentioning your mom for me, My mom, man, you know, shout out to dudes. Man, shout out the.

Dude coming out tomorrow on Tuesday.

Dude coming out tomorrow on Tuesday.

Okay, But I know how strong my mom is in your mom the same way. Brilliant, incredible job that they did in raising us. But when it's funny because I had a conversation and the reason I say this, you keep saying my mom did this, My mom did that.

Okay, But I know how strong my mom is in your mom the same way. Brilliant, incredible job that they did in raising us. But when it's funny because I had a conversation and the reason I say this, you keep saying my mom did this, My mom did that.

I had a conversation with my.

I had a conversation with my.

Mom one day about from eleven years old on my mom was a single mother, and you know, from twelve to eighteen them about final years and growing into manhood. And I lived in a house with my mom and so In turn, I watched everything that I watched the way my mom run a house as opposed to the way my dad or a father or a man would run a house. In turn, I picked up some of those tendencies because that's what you see. And I said to my mom one day, maybe like three or four years ago, I was like, man, you know an incredible job raising me. I'm so thankful and appreciative. But something I need you to understand is I also watched you, as a woman do all that you can to raise us. But some of the things that you did I picked.

Mom one day about from eleven years old on my mom was a single mother, and you know, from twelve to eighteen them about final years and growing into manhood. And I lived in a house with my mom and so In turn, I watched everything that I watched the way my mom run a house as opposed to the way my dad or a father or a man would run a house. In turn, I picked up some of those tendencies because that's what you see. And I said to my mom one day, maybe like three or four years ago, I was like, man, you know an incredible job raising me. I'm so thankful and appreciative. But something I need you to understand is I also watched you, as a woman do all that you can to raise us. But some of the things that you did I picked.

Up on absolutely.

Up on absolutely.

And now I have a wife and a woman and sometimes we bump heads, right, And the reason we bump heads is probably because I'm doing something that she should be doing her that she would be doing, because those are things that I picked up just because I was raised by my mom. And so I said all of that to say, you keep mentioning your mom, where does your father come in in your life? And with that relationship, then how did it impact your upbringing and who you became as a man in the life lessons that you had to learn?

And now I have a wife and a woman and sometimes we bump heads, right, And the reason we bump heads is probably because I'm doing something that she should be doing her that she would be doing, because those are things that I picked up just because I was raised by my mom. And so I said all of that to say, you keep mentioning your mom, where does your father come in in your life? And with that relationship, then how did it impact your upbringing and who you became as a man in the life lessons that you had to learn?

You know with my pops is I know I know who he is, but the relationship is non existent at this point. You know, I've attempted to you know, kind of create a relationship or you know, a bond and you know, it just didn't quite work out that way.

You know with my pops is I know I know who he is, but the relationship is non existent at this point. You know, I've attempted to you know, kind of create a relationship or you know, a bond and you know, it just didn't quite work out that way.

That's just you know, it is what it is.

That's just you know, it is what it is.

But you know it's you know, some things just aren't meant to be, and you know it's it's okay.

But you know it's you know, some things just aren't meant to be, and you know it's it's okay.

But I do learn from it.

But I do learn from it.

I do take you know, things from our relationship, and I don't take it in a way of trying to apply to my life that I actually want to do the opposite. It's actually, you know, being a father's it means so much to me that it's actually an insecurity for me. And the reason I say that is because I don't always feel like I do it the correct way or sometimes you know, my message that I'm I'm giving my boys and my daughter is like is it the correct message or is this just the way I feel? You know, And you know, you can you know, the trauma and the toxicity and the negativity that you kind of grow up with can also become a part of and sometimes we're making decision it's hard to separate, you know, your foundation and an emotional decisions so sometimes it kind of gets in, kind of gets in my mind on that type of thing, and you know, I beat myself up about it. I want to be the best example I can be. I want to make sure, you know, I'm a resource for them and let them know, like whatever they're going through, no matter what it is, I'm pretty sure I've been through it or I have you know, some pretty sound advice that can help guide you through it, you know, the cleanest way possible. So you know, it's a struggle for me because I didn't get it firsthand. So I'm also you know, no matter you know, no matter how long I am, my father is still going to always kind of be brand new for me because I didn't have an example in front of me. So, you know, I pride myself on being the best version of myself every day. You know, I never want you know, my seeds to go through you know, anything that I had to experience, And like I said, I want to make this the cleanest path possible for them. And on top of all of it, it's more so for me just breaking you know, generational curses were.

I do take you know, things from our relationship, and I don't take it in a way of trying to apply to my life that I actually want to do the opposite. It's actually, you know, being a father's it means so much to me that it's actually an insecurity for me. And the reason I say that is because I don't always feel like I do it the correct way or sometimes you know, my message that I'm I'm giving my boys and my daughter is like is it the correct message or is this just the way I feel? You know, And you know, you can you know, the trauma and the toxicity and the negativity that you kind of grow up with can also become a part of and sometimes we're making decision it's hard to separate, you know, your foundation and an emotional decisions so sometimes it kind of gets in, kind of gets in my mind on that type of thing, and you know, I beat myself up about it. I want to be the best example I can be. I want to make sure, you know, I'm a resource for them and let them know, like whatever they're going through, no matter what it is, I'm pretty sure I've been through it or I have you know, some pretty sound advice that can help guide you through it, you know, the cleanest way possible. So you know, it's a struggle for me because I didn't get it firsthand. So I'm also you know, no matter you know, no matter how long I am, my father is still going to always kind of be brand new for me because I didn't have an example in front of me. So, you know, I pride myself on being the best version of myself every day. You know, I never want you know, my seeds to go through you know, anything that I had to experience, And like I said, I want to make this the cleanest path possible for them. And on top of all of it, it's more so for me just breaking you know, generational curses were.

You know, it's so much bullshit.

You know, it's so much bullshit.

In our culture that you know, we kind of praise and when an actuality it should be kind of frowned upon, but it's it's so many years of this cycle of doing it the same type of way that we think is okay. So for me, it's just you know, breaking that cycle. Even when it comes down to you know, eating the correct way, putting the right things in your body. You know, there's plenty of you know, black families, ethnic families out there that deal with diabetes and things of that nature. My family is one of them. So me knowing that, hey, no sugar, you know what I mean. And I know it sucks. I know your peers are.

In our culture that you know, we kind of praise and when an actuality it should be kind of frowned upon, but it's it's so many years of this cycle of doing it the same type of way that we think is okay. So for me, it's just you know, breaking that cycle. Even when it comes down to you know, eating the correct way, putting the right things in your body. You know, there's plenty of you know, black families, ethnic families out there that deal with diabetes and things of that nature. My family is one of them. So me knowing that, hey, no sugar, you know what I mean. And I know it sucks. I know your peers are.

Doing it, but this is my way of showing you that I love you.

Doing it, but this is my way of showing you that I love you.

And it may suck now, it may not make sense now, but you know down the line you'll understand and realize like he was really doing what was you know, best for my long term am I right now? So you know, that's just kind of where I'm at when it comes to, you know, fatherhood.

And it may suck now, it may not make sense now, but you know down the line you'll understand and realize like he was really doing what was you know, best for my long term am I right now? So you know, that's just kind of where I'm at when it comes to, you know, fatherhood.

I had an interesting thing happened to me the other day. Most people don't know the story of what you know, but most people don't know the story of my fatherhood, my journey with fatherhood in my life, not me as a father. But long story short, I was raised by my daddy until I was twelve. I thought he was my daddy. When I was thirteen, I found out and he wasn't my real father.

I had an interesting thing happened to me the other day. Most people don't know the story of what you know, but most people don't know the story of my fatherhood, my journey with fatherhood in my life, not me as a father. But long story short, I was raised by my daddy until I was twelve. I thought he was my daddy. When I was thirteen, I found out and he wasn't my real father.

Man, my real father.

Man, my real father.

Went through high school embarrassed to really embrace the relationship because everybody in my school district knew my daddy. So now how do I tell people that that's not my daddy? And so then I dealt with that embarrassment and I hear from it. Never really allowed the relationship to go anywhere because I was so embarrassed. By fast forward sophomore year college, I start to become who I became through basketball though, and so as you know, like through basketball we can gain confidence in who we are as men.

Went through high school embarrassed to really embrace the relationship because everybody in my school district knew my daddy. So now how do I tell people that that's not my daddy? And so then I dealt with that embarrassment and I hear from it. Never really allowed the relationship to go anywhere because I was so embarrassed. By fast forward sophomore year college, I start to become who I became through basketball though, and so as you know, like through basketball we can gain confidence in who we are as men.

Uh.

Uh.

We gained an identity through that, and so I became comfortable enough with who Draymond is that it's like, oh, this is my story, it is what it is. Let me embrace this. Uh, embraced it. Things went left with my daddy, who raised me, got to the NBA. Things went left with my father. The birth you know that they give birth to me. But my father tried to patch things up with my daddy. It was kind of shaky and never really the same my father. It's sometimes here, sometimes they are not really his fault either, is kind and he had some blame in it too, But I also have some blame in it, and I know that. But it's just my personal journey. But an interesting thing. And I said all of that to ask you this question. An interesting thing happened to me the other day and it made me really rethink, like this journey with my dad, my father, and where do I need to take it? And I don't know, Like I'm literally just having this conversation with you. I haven't had this conversation with anybody, because it just happened the other day and it shook me up. And my son said, Daddy, who was your daddy when you was my a? And I said, WHOA, who was your daddy when you was my age? And the reality is he's actually met both of them, but not consistently enough in his life to where it's like, oh yeah, you know. And that shook me because it was like, WHOA, I need to change something because I need to figure this out for him, because maybe he's yearning for a grandfather, you know what I'm saying. Maybe he want to know a grandfather. And so it brought me to a place and again, I'm this is therapy for me, by the way right now, because I'm literally just talking through this thing.

We gained an identity through that, and so I became comfortable enough with who Draymond is that it's like, oh, this is my story, it is what it is. Let me embrace this. Uh, embraced it. Things went left with my daddy, who raised me, got to the NBA. Things went left with my father. The birth you know that they give birth to me. But my father tried to patch things up with my daddy. It was kind of shaky and never really the same my father. It's sometimes here, sometimes they are not really his fault either, is kind and he had some blame in it too, But I also have some blame in it, and I know that. But it's just my personal journey. But an interesting thing. And I said all of that to ask you this question. An interesting thing happened to me the other day and it made me really rethink, like this journey with my dad, my father, and where do I need to take it? And I don't know, Like I'm literally just having this conversation with you. I haven't had this conversation with anybody, because it just happened the other day and it shook me up. And my son said, Daddy, who was your daddy when you was my a? And I said, WHOA, who was your daddy when you was my age? And the reality is he's actually met both of them, but not consistently enough in his life to where it's like, oh yeah, you know. And that shook me because it was like, WHOA, I need to change something because I need to figure this out for him, because maybe he's yearning for a grandfather, you know what I'm saying. Maybe he want to know a grandfather. And so it brought me to a place and again, I'm this is therapy for me, by the way right now, because I'm literally just talking through this thing.

It just happened the other day.

It just happened the other day.

But it's got me thinking and I don't know where to turn except for try to make that right for him, so he do know. And I said all of that to ask you, have you faced something like that with your boys where they ask you something, they wonder something about your father, because I feel like they asked me because or he asked me, and your boys would ask you because we are good fathers to them. And so it's like, well, if you're doing this for me, where was that for you? But I don't know where to turn with And I just wanted to ask you, have you faced something like that with your boys?

But it's got me thinking and I don't know where to turn except for try to make that right for him, so he do know. And I said all of that to ask you, have you faced something like that with your boys where they ask you something, they wonder something about your father, because I feel like they asked me because or he asked me, and your boys would ask you because we are good fathers to them. And so it's like, well, if you're doing this for me, where was that for you? But I don't know where to turn with And I just wanted to ask you, have you faced something like that with your boys?

I actually have it.

I actually have it.

It's my oldest son, my too young is not no, not, I'm sure it's on his way, but you know they don't quite understand that right now, but for sure with my oldest. And it's more so where a part of me being a father, I'm super open, like I admit to my flaws, I admit to my struggles coming up admitted to my you know, insecurities coming up because I want my son to be able to relate. And I'm not saying, you know, everything I went through he's going to go through. But you know, just me andmitting and explaining and telling my story, it may be something that he is going through that you know, touches him and it makes sense, you know, or it triggers something within him, or it answers a question that may be you know, in his mind that he's afraid to, you know, speak on.

It's my oldest son, my too young is not no, not, I'm sure it's on his way, but you know they don't quite understand that right now, but for sure with my oldest. And it's more so where a part of me being a father, I'm super open, like I admit to my flaws, I admit to my struggles coming up admitted to my you know, insecurities coming up because I want my son to be able to relate. And I'm not saying, you know, everything I went through he's going to go through. But you know, just me andmitting and explaining and telling my story, it may be something that he is going through that you know, touches him and it makes sense, you know, or it triggers something within him, or it answers a question that may be you know, in his mind that he's afraid to, you know, speak on.

So I'm very open when it comes to that.

So I'm very open when it comes to that.

And like I said, I always want to tell my story so he can understand why I father him the way I do. You know, sometimes you have to be hard on and you know, as a kid, because we were once in that place you feel like man, parents mean as hell, or you know, whatever the case may be. And then you know, you get to this big age and your mind is forever. You know, those messages that you get as a kid, they don't go anywhere, They kind of sit.

And like I said, I always want to tell my story so he can understand why I father him the way I do. You know, sometimes you have to be hard on and you know, as a kid, because we were once in that place you feel like man, parents mean as hell, or you know, whatever the case may be. And then you know, you get to this big age and your mind is forever. You know, those messages that you get as a kid, they don't go anywhere, They kind of sit.

There and then you know, out of nowhere, it kind.

There and then you know, out of nowhere, it kind.

Of clicks for you, like that's what you know what I mean absolutely, So you know that's what I want to happen for mine and hopefully sooner than later.

Of clicks for you, like that's what you know what I mean absolutely, So you know that's what I want to happen for mine and hopefully sooner than later.

So like I said, they don't have to go through the same struggles.

So like I said, they don't have to go through the same struggles.

So I have been through that similar type situation, and you know, it's very sensitive for me because it's a lot of questions I have that still are unanswered and they may remain that way. That's just kind of how this thing works. So it goes back to me. Like I said, I just want to be the best version of myself. And you know, I feel like with that with me just believing in that part. It to carry over the fatherhood and carry over to being a husband in so many other places, and hopefully I can be the you know, the example that they.

So I have been through that similar type situation, and you know, it's very sensitive for me because it's a lot of questions I have that still are unanswered and they may remain that way. That's just kind of how this thing works. So it goes back to me. Like I said, I just want to be the best version of myself. And you know, I feel like with that with me just believing in that part. It to carry over the fatherhood and carry over to being a husband in so many other places, and hopefully I can be the you know, the example that they.

Need, absolutely and I think you've done a great job of that. I've seen you.

Need, absolutely and I think you've done a great job of that. I've seen you.

In your you know.

In your you know.

And daddy moves fathering your kids. The struggles that we go through as fathers, especially times when you have a child that's not with my wife, those struggles. People don't understand that some days you're going to practice coming off a legal call before got legal calls all day the next day, and people don't understand that struggle. And I've seen you in that mode and how you hold it together. No matter what the situation is at that time, because when you have that situation it gets sticky sometimes, you know. And nonetheless, I still got to show up for them, show up for him.

And daddy moves fathering your kids. The struggles that we go through as fathers, especially times when you have a child that's not with my wife, those struggles. People don't understand that some days you're going to practice coming off a legal call before got legal calls all day the next day, and people don't understand that struggle. And I've seen you in that mode and how you hold it together. No matter what the situation is at that time, because when you have that situation it gets sticky sometimes, you know. And nonetheless, I still got to show up for them, show up for him.

And be the same daddy.

And be the same daddy.

He knows when everything is going great for me, and I've seen you in those situations.

He knows when everything is going great for me, and I've seen you in those situations.

Absolutely.

Absolutely.

But then moving forward, uh, high.

But then moving forward, uh, high.

School, then we get to college, you're all American, You're all the things.

School, then we get to college, you're all American, You're all the things.

Commit to U A B. D.

Commit to U A B. D.

Commit, commits to Memphis with coach calv Coach calv Lee's.

Commit, commits to Memphis with coach calv Coach calv Lee's.

Memphis, and you go with him to Kentucky.

Memphis, and you go with him to Kentucky.

Just talk to me about what was it in Cal that you saw where you're like, oh, I'm going to Memphis, which is in the same conference as Actually this this the school that I grew up in the city.

Just talk to me about what was it in Cal that you saw where you're like, oh, I'm going to Memphis, which is in the same conference as Actually this this the school that I grew up in the city.

U A b.

U A b.

Birmingham was in the Conference USA. And then you go with cal like, now I'm going with him. What was it in Cal that you saw that you were like, I'm going with him no matter where he goes.

Birmingham was in the Conference USA. And then you go with cal like, now I'm going with him. What was it in Cal that you saw that you were like, I'm going with him no matter where he goes.

Well, it's crazy, like you said, Memphis and U. A. B. R in the same conference. What was at some point so when I was starting his basketball journey, I ended up, you know, have an opportunity to go to a U A B game, So happened to be playing Memphis. Cale was there and he had a player by the name of Sean Williams. So you know, the way Sean Williams played the game, I'm just like, bro, that's how I want to play like, you know, just being able to play all over the floor or score from all over the floor, be a playmaker or a ball handler, all of those things. And you know, we kind of came up in the era where you were more your talents were a little more minimized. You know, they put you more in a box if you were six or five and above you going to the post box, you know what I mean. So we grew up in that air. So you know, it was weird to see a guy in my size, you know, handling the ball, shooting and things of that nature. So that intrigued me about Kyle that he enabled that in his players. So that was really the first thing. And then you know, I watched how he handled the careers of you know, Tyreek Evans and Derrick Rose and Rodney Carty and all these guys that kind of came up under him, and you know, I loved everything about it. I loved the relationship he had with his guys even after you know, he left it, they left the program, So you know, all of those things kind of intriguing me, you know, towards one to play for Caliperio. And then at the end of the day, he's real about you know, this situation. Yeah, it's a sport, but you know, this is a situation where you can find long long term success, you can find long term wealth, all of these things.

Well, it's crazy, like you said, Memphis and U. A. B. R in the same conference. What was at some point so when I was starting his basketball journey, I ended up, you know, have an opportunity to go to a U A B game, So happened to be playing Memphis. Cale was there and he had a player by the name of Sean Williams. So you know, the way Sean Williams played the game, I'm just like, bro, that's how I want to play like, you know, just being able to play all over the floor or score from all over the floor, be a playmaker or a ball handler, all of those things. And you know, we kind of came up in the era where you were more your talents were a little more minimized. You know, they put you more in a box if you were six or five and above you going to the post box, you know what I mean. So we grew up in that air. So you know, it was weird to see a guy in my size, you know, handling the ball, shooting and things of that nature. So that intrigued me about Kyle that he enabled that in his players. So that was really the first thing. And then you know, I watched how he handled the careers of you know, Tyreek Evans and Derrick Rose and Rodney Carty and all these guys that kind of came up under him, and you know, I loved everything about it. I loved the relationship he had with his guys even after you know, he left it, they left the program, So you know, all of those things kind of intriguing me, you know, towards one to play for Caliperio. And then at the end of the day, he's real about you know, this situation. Yeah, it's a sport, but you know, this is a situation where you can find long long term success, you can find long term wealth, all of these things.

And he understands that. He understands both sides of it.

And he understands that. He understands both sides of it.

Obviously, he wants to, you know, bring in the best talent that's going to help, you know, continue to propel his his program, and it kind of goes hand in hand and he's he's mastered.

Obviously, he wants to, you know, bring in the best talent that's going to help, you know, continue to propel his his program, and it kind of goes hand in hand and he's he's mastered.

He's mastered. How to you know, push that.

He's mastered. How to you know, push that.

Relationship in the most positive way where both sides benefit from it. And that's what I love the most about Kyle. And when they came to me leaving college, I've been on record saying this before, it was just it was the most simple and real conversation ever. It's you know, you'll stay if you want to take care of my family, and you'll leave if you want to take care of your family, and you wanted to stay right, Oh, I was planning on stands. I mean, I was so emotionally attached that that, you bro, you know how college bro, like your heart really be in it. I mean, and once you get, once you get a little taste of success and you get close to that finished line of winning the championship, you kind of start craving it. So it's like, man, I gotta come back and get that, you know what I mean. And just the energy of the tournament, the energy of your university behind you, the way they support you and lift you up like you want to win for them, you know what I mean. So that's just kind of where I was after we lost in the Elite eight.

Relationship in the most positive way where both sides benefit from it. And that's what I love the most about Kyle. And when they came to me leaving college, I've been on record saying this before, it was just it was the most simple and real conversation ever. It's you know, you'll stay if you want to take care of my family, and you'll leave if you want to take care of your family, and you wanted to stay right, Oh, I was planning on stands. I mean, I was so emotionally attached that that, you bro, you know how college bro, like your heart really be in it. I mean, and once you get, once you get a little taste of success and you get close to that finished line of winning the championship, you kind of start craving it. So it's like, man, I gotta come back and get that, you know what I mean. And just the energy of the tournament, the energy of your university behind you, the way they support you and lift you up like you want to win for them, you know what I mean. So that's just kind of where I was after we lost in the Elite eight.

So obviously my mind was like come back. And I had a.

So obviously my mind was like come back. And I had a.

Very brief conversation with John. I'm thinking were on the same page, like, you know, a five, Like, let's run.

Very brief conversation with John. I'm thinking were on the same page, like, you know, a five, Like, let's run.

It back, John, Like, hell out of here.

It back, John, Like, hell out of here.

It makes sense, like the number one pick, why the hell would he come back?

It makes sense, like the number one pick, why the hell would he come back?

Absolutely?

Absolutely?

You know, like I said, after having that conversation with Kyle, it was it was an easy decision from that point moving forward this like I got gonna take care of my.

You know, like I said, after having that conversation with Kyle, it was it was an easy decision from that point moving forward this like I got gonna take care of my.

Family absolutely, and you get drafted to an organization at the time that it was a lot like the organization I got drafted at the time. It was a laughing stock of the NBA was through coaches every two years on year. Bro, it's crazy, like the turnover in the organization, no stability. Teams walking to your gym, it's a night off for them because relax, no, that's that was the Warriors too. What I'm saying is like these organizations now, no no, no, no, no no, I'm talking about the organization. You get drafted to the organization, and the way teams looked at these organizations, it's like, oh, we got a night off when we walked through you know what I'm saying, Like that was the Warriors, that was the Kings, it's the Pistons. Now, that's how the organization was looked at. You get drafted into that organization and in spite of all of that, spite of the coaching changes, the instability, because no one I always talk about, no one ever says yo, it's the organization, right, It's always the player. Fat By the way, nineteen years old, it can't really be my fault. Like nineteen you're supposed to be helping me out, But it don't really happen that way.

Family absolutely, and you get drafted to an organization at the time that it was a lot like the organization I got drafted at the time. It was a laughing stock of the NBA was through coaches every two years on year. Bro, it's crazy, like the turnover in the organization, no stability. Teams walking to your gym, it's a night off for them because relax, no, that's that was the Warriors too. What I'm saying is like these organizations now, no no, no, no, no no, I'm talking about the organization. You get drafted to the organization, and the way teams looked at these organizations, it's like, oh, we got a night off when we walked through you know what I'm saying, Like that was the Warriors, that was the Kings, it's the Pistons. Now, that's how the organization was looked at. You get drafted into that organization and in spite of all of that, spite of the coaching changes, the instability, because no one I always talk about, no one ever says yo, it's the organization, right, It's always the player. Fat By the way, nineteen years old, it can't really be my fault. Like nineteen you're supposed to be helping me out, But it don't really happen that way.

They blame the player. And in spite all of that, you go.

They blame the player. And in spite all of that, you go.

There and you from the time you get there, all rookie teams, all NBAS, all stars didn't want to give you your duet first, but they had to.

There and you from the time you get there, all rookie teams, all NBAS, all stars didn't want to give you your duet first, but they had to.

You forced them to.

You forced them to.

What was it like getting going to an organization like that and then having to navigate all of those things with the coaching changes, the front office, then there was an ownership change while you was there, all of those things happened, And what was it like for you having to navigate that as a young nineteen year old.

What was it like getting going to an organization like that and then having to navigate all of those things with the coaching changes, the front office, then there was an ownership change while you was there, all of those things happened, And what was it like for you having to navigate that as a young nineteen year old.

It was tough and it was confusing, and you know it was it was even you know, worse for me because I was coming from a situation at Kentucky where you know, Cayle treated us like pros, you know what I mean. He was preparing us for that next level. So I remember, I never forget this, but shout out to my vet, you know, San Francis, Francisco Garcia. I'm sorry, Cisco was you know my vet. He might have at the time, my rookie, he might have been five six years in So that just kind of showed like that's not a real vent, not a time that was my vet. But I remember in my rookie season, you know, it was something simple. I don't even remember what the task was, but I kind of like at Kentucky it was like I never did anything like that. Then I came to the Kings, It's like this is this is a step yes, higher, even more, you know what I mean. So this is the elite level of basketball. So my expectations were, you know, just they were off, you know, to say the least. It was a simple task, and I remember Cisco saying something like, uh, like, yo, you really would spoiled at Kentucky like and in my head, I'm like, damn, maybe I was like but at the same time, I'm like this is an even more elite level, So why is it being you know, looked at as me being spoiled. So long story short, Cisco ended up eventually getting traded to the Houston Rockets. Yeah, and I remember when he went there. He ended up tapping in with me like a little later, and he was like, man, I remember that day, I'll called you spoiled Like he was like I was wrong, Like we were in a shithole, like and I'm like, I knew I wasn't driven, bro, and it was and not to I'm not you know, I'm not here to like shit on the kings or anything like that. That's just you know, in sports, you have up and down years. You know, I just so happened to come in at a point where it was down here. The workings was figuring itself out. You know, it was in this transition period. The owners that drafted me, you know, they were ready to move on and sell the team. So it's a lot of things I got caught up in that was just out of my control. But you know, the average you know, fan or whatever don't quite understand that part of the business or or or or the game. So you know, it's easy to to look at my situation and you know just kind of point the finger. And to be honest, a lot of it was my fault. Like I did do a lot of bone here shit, stupid shit, But you know that's part of growing up and becoming the man. Bump your head a few times. But you know it was hard. It was hard figuring it out. You know, a new system every single year, like that's tough to do. Each coach has a different system. Each coach thinks differently, like so, you know, just trying to find success with a new system every single year, that's that's that's really hard to do. And then on top of it, you know, people think players create a vibe, wish they do, but organization being good starts at the top every single that's with any that's with any type of organization, it starts at the top.

It was tough and it was confusing, and you know it was it was even you know, worse for me because I was coming from a situation at Kentucky where you know, Cayle treated us like pros, you know what I mean. He was preparing us for that next level. So I remember, I never forget this, but shout out to my vet, you know, San Francis, Francisco Garcia. I'm sorry, Cisco was you know my vet. He might have at the time, my rookie, he might have been five six years in So that just kind of showed like that's not a real vent, not a time that was my vet. But I remember in my rookie season, you know, it was something simple. I don't even remember what the task was, but I kind of like at Kentucky it was like I never did anything like that. Then I came to the Kings, It's like this is this is a step yes, higher, even more, you know what I mean. So this is the elite level of basketball. So my expectations were, you know, just they were off, you know, to say the least. It was a simple task, and I remember Cisco saying something like, uh, like, yo, you really would spoiled at Kentucky like and in my head, I'm like, damn, maybe I was like but at the same time, I'm like this is an even more elite level, So why is it being you know, looked at as me being spoiled. So long story short, Cisco ended up eventually getting traded to the Houston Rockets. Yeah, and I remember when he went there. He ended up tapping in with me like a little later, and he was like, man, I remember that day, I'll called you spoiled Like he was like I was wrong, Like we were in a shithole, like and I'm like, I knew I wasn't driven, bro, and it was and not to I'm not you know, I'm not here to like shit on the kings or anything like that. That's just you know, in sports, you have up and down years. You know, I just so happened to come in at a point where it was down here. The workings was figuring itself out. You know, it was in this transition period. The owners that drafted me, you know, they were ready to move on and sell the team. So it's a lot of things I got caught up in that was just out of my control. But you know, the average you know, fan or whatever don't quite understand that part of the business or or or or the game. So you know, it's easy to to look at my situation and you know just kind of point the finger. And to be honest, a lot of it was my fault. Like I did do a lot of bone here shit, stupid shit, But you know that's part of growing up and becoming the man. Bump your head a few times. But you know it was hard. It was hard figuring it out. You know, a new system every single year, like that's tough to do. Each coach has a different system. Each coach thinks differently, like so, you know, just trying to find success with a new system every single year, that's that's that's really hard to do. And then on top of it, you know, people think players create a vibe, wish they do, but organization being good starts at the top every single that's with any that's with any type of organization, it starts at the top.

So for sure, it just wasn't right.

So for sure, it just wasn't right.

It wasn't things weren't aligned correctly, and it wasn't The Kings weren't ready to flourish yet. And you know, like I said, I ended up going through a couple ownership with two ownership groups. I had three gms and I was there six and a half year's had six coaches. So, like I said, it was tough to navigate. But you know, at the end of the day, when it came to competing, that was my foundation. I had my own personal goals, which was to try to be the best you know player I could be, regardless of my situation, you know, find a way to shine. And you know that was just kind of my mindset with you know, maneuvering through that.

It wasn't things weren't aligned correctly, and it wasn't The Kings weren't ready to flourish yet. And you know, like I said, I ended up going through a couple ownership with two ownership groups. I had three gms and I was there six and a half year's had six coaches. So, like I said, it was tough to navigate. But you know, at the end of the day, when it came to competing, that was my foundation. I had my own personal goals, which was to try to be the best you know player I could be, regardless of my situation, you know, find a way to shine. And you know that was just kind of my mindset with you know, maneuvering through that.

Nah.

Nah.

I mean, like I said, I think, you know, even when I look back on it, dope to see because and now being in the NBA and understanding a what it means to be a bad organization, right, there's way more bad organizations than there are good organizations. And with that being said, and like I said, it goes back to my original point, which is, ay, we've never once in a million years.

I mean, like I said, I think, you know, even when I look back on it, dope to see because and now being in the NBA and understanding a what it means to be a bad organization, right, there's way more bad organizations than there are good organizations. And with that being said, and like I said, it goes back to my original point, which is, ay, we've never once in a million years.

Saw a list.

Saw a list.

Come out on bleacher Report, on the Athletic on ESPN talking about these are the top five or bottom five worse organizations in the league. These are the bottom ten worse organizations in the league. And Harri's why these organizations are bad. You can go down the list. I've never seen an article that way. But the moment the Marcus Cousins get ejected from a game or get a technical file or him and teammate have words, because that does happen amongst teammates, then that's like this big issue, you know, and it's like, oh, that's then that's who you become. And I myself has experienced some of that, which then leads me to my next question for you, which is there's passion and there's attitude. They are actually they live in the same house. Yes, they sleep in the bedroom together pretty much the same thing, but the difference in it is how they're characterize and categorize. I remember you said something to me in twenty eighteen, maybe even before that, probably was before we were even teammates, but I know for certain you said it to me at some point when we were teammates. I'm actually certain you said it multiple times, which is man were the same, We're the same. And they say you got passion, and they say I'm crazy and got an attitude. And I was like, I can appreciate your passion, and I've always told you that, like, no, I know your passion.

Come out on bleacher Report, on the Athletic on ESPN talking about these are the top five or bottom five worse organizations in the league. These are the bottom ten worse organizations in the league. And Harri's why these organizations are bad. You can go down the list. I've never seen an article that way. But the moment the Marcus Cousins get ejected from a game or get a technical file or him and teammate have words, because that does happen amongst teammates, then that's like this big issue, you know, and it's like, oh, that's then that's who you become. And I myself has experienced some of that, which then leads me to my next question for you, which is there's passion and there's attitude. They are actually they live in the same house. Yes, they sleep in the bedroom together pretty much the same thing, but the difference in it is how they're characterize and categorize. I remember you said something to me in twenty eighteen, maybe even before that, probably was before we were even teammates, but I know for certain you said it to me at some point when we were teammates. I'm actually certain you said it multiple times, which is man were the same, We're the same. And they say you got passion, and they say I'm crazy and got an attitude. And I was like, I can appreciate your passion, and I've always told you that, like, no, I know your passion.

I appreciate us. So it matters, like, don't really put me with.

I appreciate us. So it matters, like, don't really put me with.

Somebody that it don't matter to because I don't want to be around somebody that it don't matter.

Somebody that it don't matter to because I don't want to be around somebody that it don't matter.

But also when you said that, I was like, cause you fucking crazy. We ain't the same.

But also when you said that, I was like, cause you fucking crazy. We ain't the same.

And you said something to me that day and I was like, I didn't necessarily go back at you, but it was a thought provoking thing and I just kept it with me. And what you said was nah. But y'all been winning, so they say yours is passion. I haven't won much, so they say mine is an attitude and I can't be coach, and I'm crazy and this and that, and I said all of that to say, I'm sorry because you was right because all of a sudden we win it. And now I'm crazy.

And you said something to me that day and I was like, I didn't necessarily go back at you, but it was a thought provoking thing and I just kept it with me. And what you said was nah. But y'all been winning, so they say yours is passion. I haven't won much, so they say mine is an attitude and I can't be coach, and I'm crazy and this and that, and I said all of that to say, I'm sorry because you was right because all of a sudden we win it. And now I'm crazy.

Right now, I ain't got this sense m now man, you America's and I'm just like, oh, this is fucking nuts.

Right now, I ain't got this sense m now man, you America's and I'm just like, oh, this is fucking nuts.

And when I was going through all of that stuff this year, the first person I thought about was actually you, because it took me back to that moment when you said that, and I said all of that to say to you, and coming through this league and being labeled.

And when I was going through all of that stuff this year, the first person I thought about was actually you, because it took me back to that moment when you said that, and I said all of that to say to you, and coming through this league and being labeled.

As a head case, as a coach cancer, that's this thing.

As a head case, as a coach cancer, that's this thing.

That's that thing ultimately knowing like, no, bro, I care, right, how did you ultimately come to terms with that of like, no, I care? And I do have passion and all these things. But then y'all are trying to use it against me, make me out to be something I am not. But at the same time, this is how I play, this is how I'm great, this is these are the things that make me great. But then I gotta trying to find this balance because y'all trying to label me and say I'm a problem. How did you ultimately come to terms with that, grow through that or do you think you ever got through it.

That's that thing ultimately knowing like, no, bro, I care, right, how did you ultimately come to terms with that of like, no, I care? And I do have passion and all these things. But then y'all are trying to use it against me, make me out to be something I am not. But at the same time, this is how I play, this is how I'm great, this is these are the things that make me great. But then I gotta trying to find this balance because y'all trying to label me and say I'm a problem. How did you ultimately come to terms with that, grow through that or do you think you ever got through it.

I don't.

I don't.

I never really have come to terms with it to go because you know, you get to a point where you just learn to control that you can control. And at the end of the day, in this lifetime, it's gonna be motherfuckers that hate you, it's gonna be motherfuckers that love you.

I never really have come to terms with it to go because you know, you get to a point where you just learn to control that you can control. And at the end of the day, in this lifetime, it's gonna be motherfuckers that hate you, it's gonna be motherfuckers that love you.

That's just how this goes.

That's just how this goes.

Like no matter what you do, no matter how many things you do right, they gonna find something to hate about you doing you're doing it the right way. So that's just you know, the nature of life. But it was hard because the same you know, the same emotions, the same passion, the same you know that that wiel, the wind, that that that fire inside of it, the same thing that got you to this point and helped you be this world class athlete. It's like frowned upon and at the end of the day, like I think it's it's even deeper than that, Like everybody's not gonna like everybody. But at the end of the day, if you can come to understand the person, it's easy to accept. It's easier to accept and you know, I've thought about it. I brainstormed off. You know, I'm like, what is it like? And it just comes down to we don't relate, Like when you think about these front offices, you think about these people that run these organizations and even coaches, we don't relate. And the biggest thing we don't relate on is you don't know how to be a world class athlete. That part, you don't know what it takes. You don't know the hunger, you don't know, the drive, you don't know to fight, the sacrifice, like, the toughness, the mental toughness, the physical toughness.

Like no matter what you do, no matter how many things you do right, they gonna find something to hate about you doing you're doing it the right way. So that's just you know, the nature of life. But it was hard because the same you know, the same emotions, the same passion, the same you know that that wiel, the wind, that that that fire inside of it, the same thing that got you to this point and helped you be this world class athlete. It's like frowned upon and at the end of the day, like I think it's it's even deeper than that, Like everybody's not gonna like everybody. But at the end of the day, if you can come to understand the person, it's easy to accept. It's easier to accept and you know, I've thought about it. I brainstormed off. You know, I'm like, what is it like? And it just comes down to we don't relate, Like when you think about these front offices, you think about these people that run these organizations and even coaches, we don't relate. And the biggest thing we don't relate on is you don't know how to be a world class athlete. That part, you don't know what it takes. You don't know the hunger, you don't know, the drive, you don't know to fight, the sacrifice, like, the toughness, the mental toughness, the physical toughness.

You don't know what it takes to be a professional athlete.

You don't know what it takes to be a professional athlete.

But you have the power to critique and judge, which is mind blowing. And it even goes a little further than that outside of being a world class athlete. You know, you get these guys from all over the world from different backgrounds, different you know, environments, places, and you appreciate them for the athleticism and you don't really understand their process or what they go through to get to that point to become the athlete, and you know, the different things they went through life to get them to that point.

But you have the power to critique and judge, which is mind blowing. And it even goes a little further than that outside of being a world class athlete. You know, you get these guys from all over the world from different backgrounds, different you know, environments, places, and you appreciate them for the athleticism and you don't really understand their process or what they go through to get to that point to become the athlete, and you know, the different things they went through life to get them to that point.

You don't understand it, You don't even you probably don't even know.

You don't understand it, You don't even you probably don't even know.

And I think that just falls back on you know, it's strictly about being an athlete, but it's so much more deeper to understanding these athletes and these different people that get overlooked.

And I think that just falls back on you know, it's strictly about being an athlete, but it's so much more deeper to understanding these athletes and these different people that get overlooked.

And honestly just kind of swept under the rug.

And honestly just kind of swept under the rug.

And I think that's why it's gonna always be that that rough patch of where it's never going to really match up or be understanding. So have I have I gotten to the point, you know, where I've accepted it or no, but I've definitely let go speaking.

And I think that's why it's gonna always be that that rough patch of where it's never going to really match up or be understanding. So have I have I gotten to the point, you know, where I've accepted it or no, but I've definitely let go speaking.

Of accepting it. Uh, you just spoke about John number one pick mm hm.

Of accepting it. Uh, you just spoke about John number one pick mm hm.

Three Washington Wizards of all times.

Three Washington Wizards of all times.

If you want to argue with me about it, I'm not going to sit here and arguing five top five right right right tomorrow.

If you want to argue with me about it, I'm not going to sit here and arguing five top five right right right tomorrow.

He recently, he recently said, uh, like he just wants to help an NBA team, Like, I know, I still got something left to give to the game, and I just want to help an NBA team be back in the NBA and help him in any way that I can. If that's just mentoring the guy because of what I've been through. Whatever, he wants that you've said the opposite as of recent maybe like six seven months ago, if that long go, you said, I know my time in the NBA is done.

He recently, he recently said, uh, like he just wants to help an NBA team, Like, I know, I still got something left to give to the game, and I just want to help an NBA team be back in the NBA and help him in any way that I can. If that's just mentoring the guy because of what I've been through. Whatever, he wants that you've said the opposite as of recent maybe like six seven months ago, if that long go, you said, I know my time in the NBA is done.

I'm over chasing the dream. I'm moving on. What was the process like for you to get there?

I'm over chasing the dream. I'm moving on. What was the process like for you to get there?

And is that you've continued to play some some basketball in places? Is that the still same sentiment that you share or that you share today about the game about the NBA as you did six seven months ago.

And is that you've continued to play some some basketball in places? Is that the still same sentiment that you share or that you share today about the game about the NBA as you did six seven months ago.

I've actually gotten to the place where, you know, I found that joy again in playing ball, and you know, I feel like people can relate it. It's no different than you know, you're working your regular job, and initially you know you're working your way to getting that job. You loved it, you know, you were all about it. You were you know, I can't wait to work this job. You actually probably enjoyed going to it every day. And then you know, you get to a point where you know the job is overwhelming. It's kind of affecting your personal life's affecting life.

I've actually gotten to the place where, you know, I found that joy again in playing ball, and you know, I feel like people can relate it. It's no different than you know, you're working your regular job, and initially you know you're working your way to getting that job. You loved it, you know, you were all about it. You were you know, I can't wait to work this job. You actually probably enjoyed going to it every day. And then you know, you get to a point where you know the job is overwhelming. It's kind of affecting your personal life's affecting life.

At home, and you know, that's kind of what.

At home, and you know, that's kind of what.

The NBA became for me, and not necessarily that it was doing anything.

The NBA became for me, and not necessarily that it was doing anything.

Detrimental tours me.

Detrimental tours me.

It was just more so the mental space I was in with you know, one accepting it to trying to understand like why am I at this place and why why I'm still trying to prove a point that I felt like I've you know, proven plenty of times. So for me, it was always about finding that joy again because I love the game of basketball, like I'm gonna play ball if I'm on the team or not, Like I'm gonna go to.

It was just more so the mental space I was in with you know, one accepting it to trying to understand like why am I at this place and why why I'm still trying to prove a point that I felt like I've you know, proven plenty of times. So for me, it was always about finding that joy again because I love the game of basketball, like I'm gonna play ball if I'm on the team or not, Like I'm gonna go to.

The local gym and play I love who I really love the whop.

The local gym and play I love who I really love the whop.

So for me, it was finding that joy, you know, being a part of that team, chemistry, team camaraderie and just you know being at the end of the day, were artists like and when you're creating your art and you in that space where you can just you know, free.

So for me, it was finding that joy, you know, being a part of that team, chemistry, team camaraderie and just you know being at the end of the day, were artists like and when you're creating your art and you in that space where you can just you know, free.

Flow and be yourself, be the best.

Flow and be yourself, be the best.

Version of yourself, it's a great feeling, what I mean. And I've finally gotten back to that space and I'm just enjoying my art. You know, I'm in a place where and for me with moving forward when it comes to business, it's gonna always be a place where you know, I'm appreciating and not tolerated, and I don't want that feeling of being tolerated. So you know, that's kind of where I'm at with it. And for the most part, like I say, I'm not chasing that dream. And that's as far as me reaching out, like hey.