IT’S ALL MENTAL
Check out the kid who’s working the“third shift.”
What does a week of training look like for you?
Since the Donda season ended, I haven’t had much chance to rest because we had two EYBL sessions in April which my team CP3 competed in. My routine has been more about staying in rhythm, but still giving my body proper time to rest and recover because I technically do not have an off season. The last 4 weeks has consisted of getting shots up in the morning then doing recovery work right after lunch and reviewing any decisions that need to be made with my family, followed by a nap, a light lift/stretch in late afternoon and then getting more shots up at night. We have two more EYBL sessions then The Peach Jam Championship so I’m keeping my body conditioned for these next three events.
“Third shift” has been mentioned — what does this mean? What are you doing during this third shift?
Third shift has multiple meanings to me. The times I love to be in the gym are definitely during third shift hours. I believe my game has different shifts to it as well. It is also during this time that I can just relax without any distractions. During 1st & 2nd shifts, I’m usually in the gym eating lunch and doing my school work so that I can finish the year strong academically.
How do you deal with the mental side of being one of the top prospects in the country?
Always being humble and remembering where I came from and the reason I am doing this in the first place, so I would say always having the bigger picture in mind.
Where DO YOU come from, and what is the reason you are doing all of this?
I’m from Hickory, North Carolina. My mom has worked hard her entire life which is where I think I get my work ethic from. My mom is my biggest motivator. I want to make her proud. I want to not only change her life, but I want to show other kids that come from small towns that you can achieve your goals if you continue to work hard.
What do you like to do for fun outside of basketball?
I like to learn about fashion and find the different types of styles there are so when I get to the NBA I won’t have to have a stylist. I also like to hang with my teammates and play games like 2k.
Tell us more about yourself? (how did the ball start bouncing for you, how did you get to where you are today? ) Who are your biggest influences ?
I played other sports when I was younger, but basketball was something I focused on since I was in elementary grade school. My dad took me to Charlotte and got me on a team with other really talented players - it was at that time when I realized I could really be good. I played in the local leagues in Hickory and I was always one of the top guys there. When I started playing in Charlotte I realized I was one of the best guys there, ultimately boosting my confidence. My brother Denzel really pushed me in the gym to help me get my game where it is today. Hearing about the stories of older guys that were really good, but something got them off track to keep them from achieving their ultimate goals is something that sticks in my mind. The fear of failing is something I don’t let get to me, but I have a really good support system that believes in me and that keeps me going and it also keeps me grounded.
Where are you at with your goals and growing your brand?
I want to grow my brand in a very organic - authentic way. I want my brand to represent what I stand for and what I believe in. I have not given much thought as to my personal strategy but the main thing right now is to continue to build my followers on my social platforms then eventually I hope that my followers will support me if I was to offer any sale of merchandise. I think my game on the court will continue to differentiate me from others. I support my peers as we’re all striving to reach our goal, but I have to keep my focus on my main goals and objectives. I don’t get caught up in what everyone else is doing. My main goal is to use the game of basketball to get a free education and build generational wealth for myself and my family.
