Damian Lillard strongly advocates youth basketball, although he also emphasizes the right mindset in prospects. In his Instagram story, the Milwaukee Bucks star shared a quote from the Luka Doncic Foundation about the high expectations placed upon young athletes.
The quote, shared by the page A Coach’s Diary, read:
“Kids are walking away from basketball and other sports because we’ve replaced joy with pressure,” Doncic said. “When we treat young players like pros, we lose the friendship, growth, and fun that makes sports special. This has to change.”
Lillard captioned the story: “Big big facts. It’s a problem.”
Doncic launched his foundation last month to provide children with the right environment to play basketball. Bill Duffy, Stephen Curry, Sabrina Ionescu, and even NBA legends Steve Nash, Pau Gasol, and Dirk Nowitzki actively support the Dallas Mavericks star’s advocacy.
As the Slovenian superstar joins the fray to invite more prospects to the NBA, Damian Lillard has done the support way before Doncic’s debut.
Last 2022, Lillard formed the basketball camp Formula Zero, aiming to develop future hoopsters in the league. During an interview with KGW News, “Dame Time” revealed the motivations behind his advocacy:
“I never would have said that as a kid. I would have been like, ‘I want to win a national championship.’ It’s just different. This camp is about changing that thought process,” Lillard said (0:46)
Damian Lillard has been a champion of young athletes since his rise in the league. He garnered the NBA Community Assist Award three times, primarily for his efforts to develop children when he was in Portland.
Damian Lillard shares experience playing against Spurs giant
During their showdown this Thursday, Damian Lillard takes a close look against the San Antonio Spurs giant Victor Wembanyama. In a report by Fred Katz of the Athletic, Lillard revealed his honest remarks playing against the 7’3 Wembanyama, dubbed the “Alien.”
“He’s always in range to block a shot, to change a shot. … It’s more different when he’s on the floor than any other player that I’ve played against,” Lillard said.
The Bucks garnered their 19th win against the Spurs, leading by 16 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team with 25 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists, while Damian Lillard scored 26 with eight assists.
Meanwhile, Wembanyama scored ten points and ten rebounds.
Damian Lillard’s remarks about Wembanyama prove the Spurs center’s increasing popularity and respect among NBA players. The two superstars will face each other again on February 1.
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