Challenge: sophomore year, coach cuts him from varsity—“too small, too slow.” Goes home, cries like a kid.
Accountable: didn’t blame the coach, didn’t blame his height—he blamed his game. 5 a.m. gym, every day. Every miss, every blown layup—his.
Assimilated: turned basketball into American religion. Nike, sneakers, global brand—became the face of “you can.”
Allegiance: USA jersey, Olympics, Jordan Brand—jobs, pride, the game first.
Permanent: the gym call never ended.
Prudent: invested in Nike, in himself—quiet money, smart money.
Pragmatic: dad murdered, he quits to play baseball—world laughs. Comes back, wins three more rings.
Lemons: cut, murdered dad, mocked swing.
What he made: GOAT. Not just rings—belief.
Read: The Last Dance—Netflix, or the book For the Love of the Game.
Grateful Immigrant 