GN: It’s kind of been crazy. I first started growing up in Methuen, Massachusetts, right next to Lawrence. I loved all sports growing up, played basketball early on, and gradually got better. I went to a boarding school, The Tilton School, where I was fortunate enough to play with other high-level talented guys like Wayne Selden, Alex Oriakhi, Nerlens Noel, and a bunch of others. We played a high-level schedule, and I was lucky enough to receive a high-major offer, although not from any high-major school close to where I live. So, that’s the reason why I had to go to Iowa State. It turned out to be the best decision I ever made. I was embraced and loved in a community where the school meant everything to them. It was an amazing journey that jolted me into the next phase of my life – my NBA career.
People don’t realize that once you finish up in college, nobody really cares about what you’ve done in college when it comes to the professional level. I had to start all over again; I was cut from the Indiana Pacers after being drafted 50th. After one year, I played in the G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors and then signed a two-way deal to Utah. Now, I’m traveling all over the country. Eventually, I signed a three-year deal with Utah. After that, I signed with Philadelphia, and now I’ve just signed with Cleveland. It’s been an up-and-down roller coaster, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. I’ve had to earn every bit of what I’ve achieved up to this point, and it’s made me appreciate the ride even more.
