It’s the quintessential American story as they call it, Dominican Republic native Felipe Lopez transcended the American culture during his prolific basketball journey. Felipe fled to New York City at the age of 14, speaking no lick of English and being outside of his comfort zone. Despite all the stacked obstacles, Felipe was able to carve a unique path, which led him to a historical program in St. John’s and to the NBA. Jonathan Hock and ESPN teamed up to produce the documentary titled “The Dominican Dream”. This documentary captures the defining story of Felipe Lopez from the beginning of his journey; it premiered on April 30th at 9pm.

Felipe Lopez attended Rice High School In Harlem, NY in 1990, where he emerged as a household name. (Photo by: The New Yorker)

“There was more hype surrounding Felipe then there was around Lew Alcindor, around Kenny Anderson. He was the most hyped player to ever come out of NYC.”

— Tom Konchalski (NYC Hoops Scout)

Growing up in the South Bronx where gang culture and the drug epidemic was at an all-time high, Felipe decided to stay close to his family and the basketball courts. He attended the Rice High School in Harlem, NY. During his tenure as a raider, Felipe garnered some attention, becoming the top recruit in the country. During his senior campaign Felipe won the CHSAA City Championships defeating perennial powerhouse St. Rays and was named to the 1994 McDonald’s All-American Game. Felipe then decided to be the hometown hero and play for the St. John’s Red Storm joining All-American Zendon Hamilton. This is when the SUPER FRESHMEN was born. Felipe Lopez was the first High School athlete to grace the cover of Sports illustrated, paving the way from HS stars such as Kevin Garnett, LeBron James and Jabari Parker.

St.John’s Freshman Guard Felipe Lopez was the first ever high school athlete ever to grace a sports illustrated cover. (Photo by: Sports Illustrated)

“His Legend was so big.. It was a little bit LeBron-esque”

— Alex Rodriguez ( New York Yankees '16)

After his Sports Illustrated cover shoot, Felipe and the St. John Red Storm were in for a big surprise. Felipe had a bulls eye on his back and every team in the Big east wanted to see if Lopez would live up to the hype. In Felipe’s freshman year the Red Storm finished 8th in the Big east with a 7-11 record. Felipe like many top freshman’s had the opportunity to enter the NBA draft, but Lopez decided to return to St.John’s. In the end it was all worth it, staying all four years cemented Felipe Lopez career as a Red Storm. In his senior year Felipe and the Red Storm finally got to the NCAA Tournament. Unfortunately, they came up short in the first round losing to the Detroit Titans by 2 points. Felipe Lopez missed the game winner in the dying seconds of regulation. In 1998 Felipe Lopez concluded his season as a Red Storm and declared for the NBA Draft. He was drafted late in the first round, and played 4 season on 3 teams (Vancouver Grizzlies, Washington Wizards, Minnesota Timberwolves), before suffering a career-ending knee injury. Everyone had high hopes for Felipe but God had other plans.

Felipe Lopez goes head-to-head with Allen Iverson in the Big East Tournament. (Photo by:Getty Images)

Aside from all his unprecedented success Felipe’s story is bigger than basketball. Here is a kid from the Dominican Republic that comes to America as an immigrant, that speaks no English, and in less than 10 years graduates from a prestigious university and plays in the NBA. Felipe Lopez epitomizes the American Dream, he is also a unique representation for the Latino community in America. Felipe’s compelling narrative has inspired the courageous acts of his work today; He’s fully invested in community work through the NBA Cares. Felipe Lopez continues to break barriers and open doors for the Dominican republic, and continually affecting lives through the platform that he created. Success isn’t about what others expectations are, but fulfilling your true purpose in life.

“Here’s a kid that comes to America the summer before his eight-grade year, can’t speak English and within a few years is the best basketball player in high school.”

— Tom Konchalski

Thanks: Sports Illustrated, ESPN, 30for30,

Figure: Felipe Lopez (NBA Cares Ambassador)

The Talk of the NBA has been Portland’s all-star guard Damian Lillard. He silenced all critics with his historic performance in their first round series vs. the OKC Thunder. Damian Lillard Hit a 37 FT 3-pointer for the game, ending the Thunder’s playoff run. Within minutes his shot circulated across every social media platform and the video went viral. As for Dame, his eyes remain on the prize of winning a NBA Championship. The win was huge for the Trailblazers; providing them with some extra momentum needed to make a run in the Western conference. Damian Lillard has been on the road to redemption after being swepts in the past 2 post-seasons. This time around the narrative has change; Lillard and the Trailblazers are a force reckon with. Portland will go head-to-head with Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets on Monday night.

“At the last second he stepped towards me, so I had to pound dribble, side-step, and raise up”

— Damian Lillard

Throughout his illustrious career Damian Lillard has played with a chip on his shoulder. The narrative was created during his time at Weber State University. Lillard wasn’t heavily recruited by top-tier programs like Duke, UNC, and Kentucky. Despite of those odds Lillard was able to prove all the doubters wrong, becoming a lottery pick in the 2013 NBA draft. In 7 seasons Damian Lillard is a Rookie of the Year, 4-Time All-Star, and 3-Time All-NBA Team. But still, the Oakland native isn’t satisfied. His eyes are set on winning an NBA championship. Heading into the Western Conference semifinals Damian Lillard is averaging 33 points, 6.0 assists, and 48% from deep. The Nuggets won the season series against the Trailblazers 3-1, but Dame and the Trailblazers have other plans.

“For me I love what my situation is. You know I don’t take my position for granted, I know that this is the organization that drafted me, they always done right by me. ”

— Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard has solidified a spot in the conversation for the best guard in the NBA. When it comes to consistency there is no other point guard that displays his ability to produce each night. Damian Lillard has missed 24 games in 7 years of his career and has played a total of 96% of his games. In comparison to the top tier guards across the NBA, they all have a high level of assistance from their counterparts. However, Lillard has been devoid the level of help that Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry, and Russell Westbrook all have. It’s time we start giving Lillard the credit he’s due after out dueling Russell Westbrook in round one. Dame has shownt he world that he’s that special. Ladies and gentlemen Damian Lillard has arrived!

“Damian Lillard deserves to be First team All-NBA, did you guys know Damian Lillard has only missed 4% of his games in his entire career. This is his 7th season!”

— Stephen A. Smith

Thanks: ESPN, SB Nation, Blecher Report

Athlete: Damian Lillard

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