Recently, NBA player Paul George told an interesting story during his podcast show “Podcast P” about a lesser-known episode that connected him with the NBA. Already as a teenager, George knew that his chances of getting to the NBA were very low, in fact, only 1. Unfortunately, only one percent of eligible Division I college players are able to make their dreams come true. But he was not one to take chances, not even going to the extent of seeking God’s intervention to increase his chances of success.
In a recent interview with his dad, Paul George Sr., the NBA player stated that as a young man in high school, he had to buy holy water after being convinced by an infomercial on TV that it would bless the home with the Holy Ghost. One day, George was about 15 or 16 years old, and he took a chance to do it, thinking that the worst thing that could happen would occur.
Two weeks later, the holy water came, and George, full of faith, gargling the water in his hands, prayed to make him the best basketball player he could be. While it may have been a joke, the fact that the incident occurred during a period when George was undergoing puberty in his physical development lends some degree of doubt to the whole incident.
The Journey from Childhood to Professional Basketball
It has not been easy for Paul George to reach stardom. Even in high school, he was not a superstar destined for the NBA. He did not play during his freshman season, and his statistics were not impressive in his sophomore and junior years. However, the drastic shift came in his senior year, when he was able to score an average of 23. 2 points and 11.1 rebounds and guided Knight High School to a league championship.
Even though his statistics for senior year were rather good, George was just a three-star recruit and was the 29th most wanted player in the position of small forward. He then joined the Fresno State college team, which, although not as strong as some of the other colleges, nevertheless offered him an opportunity to play college basketball, establish himself, and polish his skills. After two good seasons, he decided to forgo his junior year at Kentucky and declare for the 2010 NBA Draft.
Even though George believed he was one of the top forwards in his class, the selectors chose five others before him. But the Indiana Pacers saw his potential and picked him 10th overall. The rest, as they say, is history. George went on to build a Hall of Fame-worthy career, becoming one of the best forwards of his generation.
Divine Intervention or Hard Work?
Although Paul George’s use of holy water may seem lighthearted and endearing, it’s evident that his achievements stem from unwavering dedication and hard work. Whether the holy water had an impact or not, George’s transformation from a three-star recruit to an NBA superstar showcases his resilience and self-belief. He has earned recognition as one of the most distinguished players in the league, truly exemplifying triumph over adversity.
Recently, NBA player Paul George told an interesting story during his podcast show “Podcast P” about a lesser-known episode that connected him with the NBA. Already as a teenager, George knew that his chances of getting to the NBA were very low, in fact, only 1. Unfortunately, only one percent of eligible Division I college players are able to make their dreams come true. But he was not one to take chances, not even going to the extent of seeking God’s intervention to increase his chances of success.
In a recent interview with his dad, Paul George Sr., the NBA player stated that as a young man in high school, he had to buy holy water after being convinced by an infomercial on TV that it would bless the home with the Holy Ghost. One day, George was about 15 or 16 years old, and he took a chance to do it, thinking that the worst thing that could happen would occur.
Two weeks later, the holy water came, and George, full of faith, gargling the water in his hands, prayed to make him the best basketball player he could be. While it may have been a joke, the fact that the incident occurred during a period when George was undergoing puberty in his physical development lends some degree of doubt to the whole incident.
The Journey from Childhood to Professional Basketball
It has not been easy for Paul George to reach stardom. Even in high school, he was not a superstar destined for the NBA. He did not play during his freshman season, and his statistics were not impressive in his sophomore and junior years. However, the drastic shift came in his senior year, when he was able to score an average of 23. 2 points and 11.1 rebounds and guided Knight High School to a league championship.
Even though his statistics for senior year were rather good, George was just a three-star recruit and was the 29th most wanted player in the position of small forward. He then joined the Fresno State college team, which, although not as strong as some of the other colleges, nevertheless offered him an opportunity to play college basketball, establish himself, and polish his skills. After two good seasons, he decided to forgo his junior year at Kentucky and declare for the 2010 NBA Draft.
Even though George believed he was one of the top forwards in his class, the selectors chose five others before him. But the Indiana Pacers saw his potential and picked him 10th overall. The rest, as they say, is history. George went on to build a Hall of Fame-worthy career, becoming one of the best forwards of his generation.
Divine Intervention or Hard Work?
Although Paul George’s use of holy water may seem lighthearted and endearing, it’s evident that his achievements stem from unwavering dedication and hard work. Whether the holy water had an impact or not, George’s transformation from a three-star recruit to an NBA superstar showcases his resilience and self-belief. He has earned recognition as one of the most distinguished players in the league, truly exemplifying triumph over adversity.
