Video by INQUIRER.net’s Ryan Leagogo
MANILA, Philippines—Getting to the big leagues takes hard work and dedication, and that’s what two National Basketball Association forwards agreed upon.
Toronto Raptors’ DeMar DeRozan. AP FILE PHOTO
All Star DeMar DeRozan of the Toronto Raptors and dependable wing Wesley Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers said that making it to the NBA does not always depend on talent but the dedication in going to the court constantly.
“Just be dedicated to the craft, and you’ll get better,” DeRozan said as his advice to the youngsters who would join the NBA 3X this coming Friday.
“Putting that hard work daily on the court, getting out there.”
DeRozan and Johnson would be the guest coaches of the NBA 3X, a three-on-three tournament and basketball clinic, were at the NBA Cafe Thursday with the Raptors Dance Pack and Slamson the Lion of the Sacramento Kings.
Johnson seconded DeRozan’s idea saying that it’s the only way to get better.
“It’s the same thing as DeMar said,” Johnson said. “Hard work and dedication, if it doesn’t go in, it would go in eventually.”
DeRozan added that the winning mindset is also key.
“To me, it’s all about the mentality, do what it takes to win,” he said.
DeRozan, who would teach kids during the camp, said he would be on the 3X for the kids.
Wesley Johnson. AP FILE PHOTO
“I’m looking forward to it, have fun, and be a fan of the kids,” said DeRozan, whose fiance is half-Filipino.
“I’m coming here to see them, help them as much as I can.”
He said that playing in the playgrounds is the foundation of the “love for the game.”
“Before starting at the gym, we start outside, that’s where you get a love of the sport,” the Raptors forward said.
The Draft (breaker)
Both standing at 6-foot-7, the two wingmen said that making into the draft “is a dream come true.”
“It’s a dream come true, your name to be called in the draft, walking on to the stage, wearing that cap,” DeRozan said who was drafted 9th overall by the Raptors in 2009 from the University of South California.
“Definitely a blessing, something I’ll never forget.”
Johnson, who was the 4th overall pick from Syracuse for the Minnesota Timberwolves said that the NBA draft gave him so much.
“It’s a blessing to be drafted, it’s a whole other world, you get to travel for basketball.”
RELATED STORIES
NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan to visit PH for NBA 3X
NBA star guards coming to Manila for NBA 3X Philippines 2013