Of course, before these men played a role in my life, I was fortunate to have great basketball influences in my very own neighborhood in Reston, Virginia where I grew up.
My very first basketball hero before Patrick Ewing was Michael Jackson. Now not the singer who we all missed dearly. You know, he was an inspiration too. I just couldn't sing and dance.
But Michael Jackson, the basketball player, played at South Lakes High School where I played eventually. And his excellence on the court first introduced me to the game
and let me know that someone from my hometown could achieve greatness in the game of basketball. There are also those a few years older than me in my neighborhood, whose achievements inspired me as well.
People like Dennis Scott, Christy Winters and Jerome Scott. They were great players and people that I looked up to and always encouraged me and inspired me back when I was young.
During those formative years in Reston, I was blessed to have great coaches as well. People like Bruce Monroe, Al Blunt, Reginald Kitchen, Jim Warren who coached me in the AAU Basketball, my high school coach Wendell Byrd.
A man of great character who taught me the value of hard work and discipline. Thank you, coach. Of course, I have to thank my entire South Lakes in Reston family.
I've always tried to represent you well in all that I do. I can't mention all of my teammates that I played with through the years.
But if you're here in person, or you're watching this from home, or you're at home and you're not watching, I'd like to personally thank you for the wonderful memories and experiences.
You guys are all essential to my growth and success both on and off the court. It was an honor and privilege to play with each of you through the years and I'm very grateful to have you as teammates.
