Chris Boucher | Road To The NBA / November 6, 2019 by Hussein Abdullahi

Chris Boucher’s road to the NBA wasn’t promising, growing up in one of Montreal’s toughest neighborhoods; Chris used basketball as a way out. During his mid-teen year Boucher faced many trials and even admitted to being homeless sleeping on his friends couches. While Attending Alma Prep in Quebec Boucher went on to met friend and now manager Ibrahim Appiah. Before you know it Boucher was flourishing as a top player in the US, where he caught the attention from Coach Dana Altman. Boucher attended the University of Oregon for two season playing alongside fellow Canadians Dillon Brooks and Dylan Ennis. During his time at Oregon Chris Boucher led to ducks to the elite eight. It was at this moment where Boucher saw the possibility of entering the NBA.

“From 16-18 I’m Homeless, I’m going to friends house or whatever. Basically I had to find my own way and figure out what I wanted to do in life.”

— Chris Boucher

During his senior campaign Boucher suffered an ACL injury during the Pac-12 Championship Tournament. Because of his ACL injury Boucher’s stock dropped drastically and as a result he went undrafted.. In 2017 The Golden State Warrior signed Boucher on a 2-way deal where Chris got to play for their G-League affiliate team. In his first season with the warriors Boucher struggled to find his way in the league and it was a learning process for him. After Boucher’s rookie season he signed with the Toronto Raptors. This was the golden opportunity that Boucher needed. Injuries plagued that Raptors roster, which gave Boucher more minutes with the Raptors 905. In 28 games Boucher averaged 25 ppg while shooting 46 % from deep. Later that season Boucher was named NBA G-League MVP and Defensive Player of The Year, being the first player to do so in the same season.

“ Everything changed I went from being a 10 minute guy in the G-League to a MVP and defensive player of the year, and after that I won a Championship.”

— Chris Boucher

Boucher spoke on his experiences in the G-League and how it impacted his career thus far. in two seasons Boucher won 2 NBA titles ( Warriors, Raptors) , G-League MVP award, and Defensive Player of the year award. From being homeless at 16 to this, it’s safe to safe that Boucher has reached the mountaintop. This past summer Boucher got the chance to celebrate his championship back in his hometown. Montreal isn’t known for their unique sports culture but now, they’re apart of the story. Boucher reflects on his childhood life and feels grateful that he has the chance to share his successes with the place the raise him. The work doesn’t stop; Boucher is motivated to bring another championship back to his hometown in Montreal. C’est La Vie!

“I say to kids all the time if they say you can’t fly, then try to fly. For a minute I never thought I was going to get here. ”

— Chris Boucher

Thanks: @vicesports, @raptors, @nbagleague, @rocnationsports

Athlete: Chris Boucher (@slimmduck)

Stephon Marbury | From Coney Island- Mr. China Basketball / October 24, 2019 by Hussein Abdullahi

He is known as the basketball godfather to most; Stephon Marbury is now the Head coach of CBA’s Beijing Royal Fighters. The Coney Island native retired from basketball in February 2018 after his 22-year career. Marbury’ long list of accolades includes a 2x NBA All-star, 3x CBA Champion, 1x CBA MVP and 1x CBA Finals MVP. His fair share of hardware can be found at The House of Marbury Museum in Beijing. Over the last decade The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) has emerged as a premier league globally. Honing NBA talents such as Stephon Marbury, Jeremy Lin, Lance Stephenson, Tracy McGrady, and Jimmer Fredette. China has become a historical landmark for basketball as they previously hosted the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup. It’s only a matter of time until the CBA looks to expand into other parts of Asia. Marbury has become an ambassador for China Basketball and has set his expectations high this upcoming season.

“Culturally for Chinese people to get the opportunity to be able to experience the world game, I think is very important ”

— Stephon Marbury

During his 8 year career in China Marbury played with Shanxi Zhongyu Brave Dragons, Foshan Dralions, Beijing Ducks, and Beijing Fly Dragons. In the 2011-2012 season Marbury guided the Beijing Ducks to their first ever CBA Championship title, beating crosstown rival and 7-time Champs Guangdong Southern Tigers. Marbury then went on winning back -to-back CBA championship titles. To express their gratitude that made Stephon Marbury his own Statue at the MasterCard Centre (Beijing). At the ripe age of 42 Marbury looks to enter another chapter in his life as a coach in the CBA. The Commissioner gave Marbury the creative freedom to recruit players to play for his team. . The Dragons recently acquired Former Seton Hall Centre Angel Delgado. Under the guidance of Marbury the Fly Dragons will embraced an up-tempo style of play, become defensively sound and inherit a culture of winning.

“We gon work like champions, we gon train like champions, and we gon play like champions !”

— Stephon Marbury

Marbury has become a public figure in China after being there for almost a decade. From growing up in Coney Island and being the hometown hero, Marbury has had an unpredictable journey. Coming to China presented Marbury with an opportunity to resurrect his basketball career and bond with a new world. Now being in a coaching position Marbury will continue to help advance the sport of basketball throughout China and be an inspiration for the future generation of athletes globally. The CBA season will kick off November 1 with a match-up between Liaoning Flying Leopards and Guangdong Southern Tigers. Who would of thought that a kid from Conley Island would be embraced in the highest populated country in the world? Mr China Basketball.

“The people have done so much for me as far as helping me rebuild my spirit and my soul, and allowing me to be able to move forward in a life. It’s not just about basketball.”

— Stephon Marbury

Figure: Stephon Marbury (@starburymarbury)

Special Thanks: @Slamonline, @fiba, @bleacherreport

Produced by: TGQ Inc. (@tgq.inc)