Joel Embiid never envisioned stardom and himself participating in structured basketball, much less reaching the NBA. During his childhood in Cameroon, he casually played basketball with his younger brother, Arthur. But everything took a turn when ex-NBA player Luc Richard Mbah a Moute uncovered Embiid and took him to the United States.
A Sudden Path to Basketball
When he was 16, Embiid didn’t have intentions of taking basketball seriously. His father, who was a member of the military, stepped in and ensured that Joel went to a basketball camp, putting him on a different course. Mbah a Moute mentored Embiid, making sure he stayed committed to basketball and school. This caused Embiid to enroll at Montverde Academy in Florida, where he had difficulty getting on the court and encountered a language barrier.
Finding His Place at The Rock School
Acknowledging Embiid’s promise, The Rock School in Gainesville enlisted him. Coach Justin Harden was in need of a powerful player and did not anticipate that he would evolve into a top NBA player. In his final year of high school, Embiid put up averages of 13 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, guiding his team to a 33-4 record and a State Championship victory.
From College to NBA Draft
In 2012, he decided to attend Kansas University and promptly gained recognition, winning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Nevertheless, a back injury ended his college career early. In spite of the obstacles, Embiid participated in the 2014 NBA Draft. He was chosen as the third overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Overcoming Injuries to Become a Star
Even though he was held back by injuries, Embiid eventually made his NBA debut in 2016. After that, Embiid stardom evolved into a 7-time NBA All-Star and one of the most powerful players in the league.
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