Getting the tacos, like for realnot the ones in Michigan, not the ones in Missouri. Devin Booker Personal Life. Devin Booker remembers hopping in the car with his mother, Veronica Gutierrez, as she took a more than two-hour drive from their home in the suburbs of Grand Rapids, Mich., to Detroit to spend time with his Papa. 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. Marc J. Spears is the senior NBA writer for Andscape. Read Kevin OConnors grades of every first-round pick. Devin Bookers Dating History: All About His 2-Year Romance With Kendall Jenner & Past Loves. 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). Devin Booker was born on 30th October 1996 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Melvin Booker and Veronica Gutierrez. 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. 3. Let these kids know that, especially with the NBA today, it's not one race. PHOENIX Phoenix Suns' number one player Devin Booker is an inspiration to many people, but here in the Valley of the Sun, Booker has added a special moment of pride to the Latino community. Lugo, who had draped the flag around his back, was trying to get to his seats in the 200 level, but he kept getting interrupted by people asking to take a picture of the flag. Please enter a valid email and try again. He became the third-youngest player in the history of NBA to reach 4,000 career points. 25. Melvin Booker continued to try to sell Devin and his mother on the idea that if his son was serious about becoming a basketball star, he should move with him to Mississippi and that he could keep in touch back home via text and FaceTime. Broadway_Baller 6 days ago. And many other local fans feel similarly. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network, *Translations are limited to select pages, 5 takeaways from Durant's debut with Suns, Durant expected to make Suns debut tonight, David Benner, Pacers longtime PR director, dies, NBA DFS Picks: Yahoo plays & strategy for March 1, Kia Rookie Ladder: State of chase after All-Star, NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer Wednesday 3/1. 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. 1 pick Deandre Ayton, who is serving a 25-game suspension for getting caught using a diuretic. From 1997-2008, Melvin Booker made a living playing most notably in Italy with stints in Turkey and Russia. Melvin Booker gave strong credit to Gutierrez for doing a great job of keeping me connected while he was playing professional basketball and allowing him to get off-season time with his only child. Hes a young person, Perla said. There was a family legacy at Moss Point as Devin's father and grandfather also attended the high school. I remember dropping him off at school that day and staying about an hour to make sure he had his classes scheduled correct. Its a feeling like no other. Said Devin: He said, God had a plan, and it was for me to make it to the NBA. One fan I encountered just before Game 2 said she researched Bookers heritage after seeing his face, doing a double take, and saying, Esa cara no se ve gringa (That face doesnt look gringa). They never married but dated for many years and had Devin, Melvins only child, in 1996. While going back to Michigan did get strong consideration, Devin Bookers perseverance not only led to an NBA career but also a close bond with father. Bookers grandfather immigrated from Nogales, Mexico, to Michigan where the 2020 All-Star ultimately grew up. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. A Draft lottery pick in 2015, Devin Booker has elevated himself from No. He became an assistant basketball coach at his alma mater, Moss Point High School, after retiring from playing professionally. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. This city deserves it, Booker said. He's just not. Melvin Booker, his African-American father, played for the Continental Basketball Association Grand Rapids Mackers during the 1995-96 season. Now, with the Suns winning and Bookers background gaining prevalence, Ochoa has noticed an increased interest from Latinos around the cityand even from new fans in Mexico. Spend some time in Phoenixespecially latelyand that last sentiment rings true. For her to allow it to happen is unbelievable.. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, INTERACTIVE RADAR: Tracking winter storm in Arizona. He played for the freshman, junior varsity and varsity teams during his freshman year at Grandville High School in Michigan instead of joining his dad. That was what made me. My relationship with my grandfather was unbelievable, Booker said. I am a very proud father and I know my son is living his dream. The ones in downtown Phoenix, those are a little different.. 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. Join. Devin Booker was the leading offensive force on the Phoenix Suns and led them to their first appearance in the Finals since 1993. I shared a locker room with [Hakeem] Olajuwon, [Clyde] Drexler and Sam Cassell.. "Some of my favorite times as a child was my mom whipping up, you know, original Mexican dishes that she learned from her. But Booker says it was here in Phoenix where he first experienced the Mexican culture. No longer a pushover or punchline, Phoenix is showing a punchers chance under new coach Monty Williams most nights and is in the playoff hunt despite missing 2018 No. Booker is aware that representing the Hispanic community in the NBA carries some pressure and is fully embracing the opportunity to prove that with a focused mindset and a strong work ethic, anything is possible no matter what race or nationality. We all had an understanding that it would be the best decision for me reaching my dreams. So, that's my job.. It took a lot of persuading for former NBA player Melvin Booker to get his son to move to Mississippi away from his mom to best aid his hoop dream. But getting to the age that Im at now, understanding how important that is, thats a part of me, something that Im growing to realize. Eventually, Melvin ended his career to return home to coach his high school team and focus on his son. Hes learning a lot. Latin-American ambassador: Booker's maternal grandfather was an immigrant from Nogales, Mexico, a fact Booker has grown to. Paolo Banchero leads the way as the Kia Rookie of the Year chase begins to head for the finish line. The avid Suns fan attended the game at Footprint Center and met Suns All-Star Devin Booker 30 minutes before tip. His father was a brilliant young NBA player when he met Veronica during on one of his tours for the Continental Basketball Association.. Devin Booker, however, said much of his improvement as a basketball player at Moss Point came from the knowledge of the game his dad shared daily. Devin averaged 30.9 points per game as a senior despite being double- and triple-teamed during the 2013-14 season at Moss Point. His voice rings into his microphone as Booker hits a tough shot, which Ochoa describes in detail before punctuating the play with his go-to description for the Suns star: El hombre con herencia hispana! The man with Hispanic heritage. And he drove a 1959 Impalawhich he later said was named Pretty Pennyto Game 1 of the Finals. I was with my family back home. 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 Devins mother is Victoria Gutirrez, a Mexican-American who has two other children. Bryant noticed the young Booker as well, especially when he tried to use one of his own patented post moves against him in Bryants last career game at Phoenix in 2016. The former Kentucky Wildcat didnt start a single game and averaged just 21.5 minutes in his lone collegiate season. He convinced Gutierrez and Devin on a move to Mississippi before his sophomore year in high school so that he could be trained and prepared to play at a big-time college. Huh, I thought Gary Trent was Luka Doncic father. 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. My journey and my path, I hope it opens up something in their minds to let them know that they're capable of doing exactly what I've done, Booker said. I was with the Rockets for the minute. I havent gotten around to it yet, but thats the goal. In the next game, Devin scored 19 points against TexasArlington to set a new season-high score. It instilled more trust in him. In a November match against Montana State, Devin scored a season-high 18 points. Before his senior season, Devin narrowed his final college choices to his dads alma mater, Missouri, as well as Michigan, Michigan State, and Kentucky. Being here in Phoenix has made me aware of living in the culture.. In an interview with Undefeated, Melvin credited her for helping him continue his sport. "I usually keep it Chevy, you know . Mexican blood like you? Ochoa said in Spanish. And for those who are fans already, well, its as Ochoa would say, cereza encima del pastel. Cherry on top of the cake. It has paid off: Booker shot 52.5% and averaged 1.08 points per post-up possessions this season, making him the 10th most efficient player in the league with at least 50 such possessions. Gary Trent Jr is Kawhi Leonard Wife. It increases the fandom, just because its someone you can relate to, said Jason Macias, a lifelong Suns fan who is a third-generation Mexican American. He became the fourth-youngest NBA player to score 1,000 points in the first season. Devin Booker was born to play basketball as his father is a former professional basketball player. I guess he has 2 dads. For those who arent fans, Bookers heritage may be what finally draws them in. Imagine the pride of having your team have a guy score 40 points in a playoff game, and he has Latino blood? She just always talked about his character and how loving he was, and just how he was the backbone of the family.. Booker had never visited his grandfather's country until his job with the Phoenix Suns took him to Mexico City for two games in January 2017, where the then-unheralded second-year shooting. The brothers got their Suns fandom from their father, who came to love the team during the Seven Seconds or Less era. My favorite part about being Mexican is the culture and being a part of the heritage, Booker said. In another January game against the Indiana Pacers, he scored 32 points to become the third-youngest NBA player and the youngest Suns player to score more than 30 points in a game. Like Devin, Melvin spent many years as a professional basketball player. The split came as a surprise to many considering Devin's attendance at Kourtney Kardashian's wedding to Travis Barker. His dad couldnt be prouder. And I think for Latino kids, its probably a little bit easier to envision themselves as Devin Booker.. As Booker has become more outspoken about his heritage, he has begun to see the younger Hispanic community embrace him as an inspiration and reach out to him to show their support and admiration. He is not living through me. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Dad was also an assistant coach on his sons high school and AAU team. Noting Bookers Mexican heritage is part of thatbut its also a responsibility Ochoa feels on a personal level. That meeting included a gift: a pair of signature shoes on which Bryant had written Be legendary.Booker has since gotten the phrase tattooed on his arm, and admitted his idol was very much on his mind when he scored 47 points in Game 6 to eliminate Bryants former team in the first round of the 2021 playoffs. While in high school, Devin exhibited his remarkable sporting talent. That was simple enough: Lugo knew he wanted Bookers face on a prayer candle, and a Suns logo with the traditional green, red, and white tricolor design. Get to know the Phoenix Suns' young superstar with these 10 interesting factoids about his life and career. 204. Everywhere we went, everyone knew him. His maternal grandfather was born in Mexico but migrated to Michigan. But now, Ochoa is almost levitating as he calls an NBA Finals game surrounded by a deafening crowd. But there was always a connection, a warmth, pleasantries, between the two. The 24-year-old Lugo had the one of the most coveted pieces of memorabilia in the house: a custom-made Mexican flag with a Suns logo in place of the shield, and Bookers face plastered on a prayer candle. From influencing his love of basketball, to showing him how to build a strong relationship, his folks are definitely a part of his success story. Finding a place that was willing to make the flag, however, proved more difficult. With his fathers influence, Devin naturally fell in love with the game of basketball as a child. He called his opportunity a blessing because he was able to see the world. With Devin Booker falling in love with basketball as a child, he had an easy role model to follow in his father. And hes been loyal. In the 1990s, Latinos made up just 20 percent of Phoenixs population. During the 1995-96 season with Grand Rapids, the basketball player met a remarkable young woman named Veronica. Other Latinos dream of bringing Booker home for dinner to introduce him to their most favorite Mexican dishes. I didnt like it all, Devin Booker said. Down to just people saying Kobe when they shoot a piece of trash in the garbage. After retiring from professional basketball in 2008, Melvin used his time to help Devin prepare for his own career and was hired as an assistant coach to his old high school, Moss Point High School, in 2011. 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. If you're Mexican and you made it to the NBA, I can too, Booker said. I have a very traditional tight Mexican family on my fathers side, but Devins life has pretty much been on the go with school, b-ball and summers in Mississippi. So good, it should come with a spoiler alert. The Latino community says they will stand behind him. I think when youre young, you dont really understand it that much. He spent the summers with his father in the latters hometown of Moss Point, Mississippi, a predominantly black town with around 13,000 people that also had its share of crime and poverty issues. Vigil said he didnt think that the uniforms felt like pandering; rather, it was finally merchandise that represented the largest demographic in Phoenix. Melvin Booker also believed that his son would grow as a person from being at a school where most students didn't have his blessings. After his freshman year, he joined six Kentucky teammates by entering the 2015 NBA draft. The painting, according to Doctor, is hanging in the Bookers gym. It's not one culture. It was better for my life.. Music booms through two speakers as a DJ and a hype man practice their lines, but the area is virtually deserted. After the passing of his grandfather, Booker made it an emphasis to get intact. These fans might have not been at the game, but that didnt mean they couldnt keep the party going after. It's Hispanic Heritage Month. Booker has come to embrace the Mexican side of his family as the support of the Valleys culture has driven him to educate himself more on his familys background and learn more about his lineage. 1.4K. This proved to be a significant culture shock for young Devin, but he handled it quite well. Devin Booker, 25, has made quite the impression on the basketball court as part of the Phoenix Suns, and it seems his skill and hard work runs in the family. 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. I think thats why he is eager to learn more now.. 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. With family being the most important thing to me, its also very embraced in the Mexican culture. Devin Booker collected the 2018 Three-Point Contest title. After having Devin in 1996, she was often the one to spend time with him when Melvin traveled in different countries for his professional basketball career. To the Gutirrezes, both of whom are first-generation Americans with Mexican parents, Bookers background is a source of pride. As Booker has embraced his Latino side, those whove long followed his career have seen incremental changes to everything from the way he dresses to what he drivesmuch of which seems to be a hat tip to this culture. That's something that's been with me in my blood since birth.. 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 . In his first seven Summer League games, Devin averaged more than 15 points per game and proved his mettle. As a father, hed do anything I wanted to do. Kevin Durant shows no signs of rust in his 1st game with Phoenix, meshing quickly with his new teammates. Devin Booker may be known as a professional basketball player, but it turns out his parents, Melvin Booker and Veronica Gutierrez, also have impressive careers. Everything we did was competitive, Devin Booker said. Its hard to put into words how proud I am, it really is. This sounds so clich, but it really hasnt set in with me. At the time, I was treating it as going away to prep school and my father was going to be there training me. The then-18-year-old finished the game with 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting in 21 minutes. After the passing of his grandfather, Booker made it an emphasis to get intact with his heritage and the surrounding Valley community gave him the perfect environment to do so. Im in the middle of it right now, Im not trying to get too excited but playing competitive basketball is something thats keeping me going right now., Gutierrez doesnt want Booker to feel any pressure to do any more than he already is. Maybe its my Mexican roots, Booker said with a smile when he was asked how he was able to put up 39 points in back-to-back games there. With Booker's help, his younger half-sister, who has microdeletion syndrome, will be a Special Olympics worldwide ambassador in 2020. 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. Devin initially refused to go to Mississippi. Devin was immensely attached to his father. Every day has been a learning process for me. Hed play video games with me. I always say Im fortunate enough to live around it, see it around the stands, and see it around the city. 9. Slowly but surely, though, Bookers awareness ofand appreciation forthe culture around him has become more evident. 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. Perla Macias, Jasons wife and a Mexican national who moved to the States at 6 years old and just recently became a citizen, has been involved with Latino outreach organizations around Phoenix. Bookers rise from 18-year-old rookie to two-time All-Star has ushered in a new era for the Suns. The elder Booker was the 1994 Big Eight Player of the Year at the University of Missouri and a former professional basketball player. Mya supports her brother during the matches and is an inspiration to Devin. And while the Gutirrez brothers and other Latino fans have plenty of respect and appreciation for a player like Chris Paul, whose arrival last offseason helped turn the Suns into a contender, what they feel for Booker is something much greater: a cultural connection. Valdes says hes a diehard Suns fan, so finding out about Devin Bookers Mexican roots made him hopeful. I dont think any kid can just make that move that I made but I understood the goal that was at hand and I just embraced the Mississippi culture, you know, the inner city and it was good for me, Booker said. The following season, he was named to the All-NBA First Team and helped lead the Suns to a franchise record of 64 wins. Luka Doncic's father, Devin Booker's grandfather, attended his first Mavericks game tonight . After averaging at least 25 points over the last four seasons, he averaged 29.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg and 5.0 apg while shooting 48.8% overall and 42.9% from 3-point range in his playoff debut and Phoenixs 4-2 series victory against the Lakers the franchises first series win since 2010. Just because it was a Mexican thing, Lugo said, some places just said no right away, and they gave me a weird look.. At first, just being out of your comfort zone was a thing for me. Me taking my visits from Missouri from eighth grade on, just the love that he got there is something that Ive never seen before. Learn more about the Hall of Fame career of the legendary point guard. They worked out on the court together. and people say this sub is not woke enough. His grandfather was born in Los Nogales, Mexico, right near the Texas border. His stunning performance in his rookie season earned praises from basketball legends such as Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade. Devin Booker is rumored to be dating Kendell Jenner. That made me want to learn about myself much more honestly because I just hadn't been around. Devin Booker's sister, Mya Powell, has always been in the limelight for her bond with the NBA player. He was just a really caring guy, Booker said of his grandfather in a recent telephone conversation with The Athletic. They needed the painting in five hours for a Fathers Day gift. But now that Im a professional and Ive been around this lifestyle, I understand how hard it is. Devin Booker spends his sprawling $26.6 million fortune to live a lavish life. Its 11 p.m. on the night before Game 1 of the 2021 NBA Finals, and the space in front of Phoenix Suns Arena is brightly lit. Im in a position where Im coming into now, where I understand how important it is. Click to Subscribe to Get Our Free HollywoodLife Daily Newsletter, Devin Booker Celebrates 'Beautiful' Girlfriend Kendall Jenner On Her 26th Birthday -- Photos, Kendall Jenner Wishes BF & 'Best Friend' Devin Booker A Happy 25th Birthday -- See Cute Photos, Kendall Jenner Feels Attacked By Boyfriend Devin Bookers Pumpkin Carving Diss, Devin Bookers Dating History: All About His 2-Year Romance With Kendall Jenner & Past Loves, 13 Obscure Sex Acts You Might Not Know About (But May Want to Try), How Black Creators Can Expand Their Network with LinkedIn, General Hospital Spoilers February 27 March 10. Playing in Russia with the time difference it would be 3 in the morning there and the middle of the day for us. But draft night was one of the worst nights of my life., Said Devin Booker: I could tell he is still kind of hurt by it.. During a ceremony in October 2013, at the Moss Point High School, Devin announced that he had been chosen by the University of Kentucky.. His maternal grandfather was born in Mexico but migrated to Michigan. 291. Playoff ready: Any questions about how Bookers scoring would translate to the postseason were answered swiftly. It's Los Suns for a reason, right? It means a lot to me. You know the stories about the light-skinned, biracial kid, are they tough enough? Let these kids know that, especially with the NBA today, its not one race. Its helped me out a lot, he said. A grandfather and two granddaughters died in a DUI crash . One of them shows the elder Booker then playing for the Golden State Warriors driving against, you guessed it, the Phoenix Suns. Were going to see him do and be more involved in our community.. He is the only child of former professional basketball star Melvin Booker, who is Devin's father. 3-Point Contest: The league noticed Bookers shooting stroke immediately and invited its youngest player to participate in the 2016 Three-Point Contest. Devin averaged 10 points, shot 41 percent from 3-point range for loaded Kentucky and was named the 2015 Southeastern Conference Sixth Man of the Year. Veronica is Puerto-Rican and Mexican American, and Melvin is African-American. I'm sick of hearing this kind of bullshit misinformation get spread by brainless cretins that, frankly, I'm surprised could even type on their keyboard. That was the only reason I put Devin there. The love was always there. Who Is Melvin Booker? Devin Booker collected the 2018 Three-Point Contest title. So I think with the team that we have, the culture that we have, that coach Monty has put together, this is the best position that weve been in since Ive been here, to make those dreams and aspirations come to life. Media reports claim that while in college, he had had many affairs. The cheering can be heard throughout the Valley in English and Spanish. For sure, Booker said. 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