\t\t\t\t\tOverview:<\/p>\n
Keyonte George, a Utah Jazz player, recently reflected on his journey back to his hometown of Lewisville, Texas, where he received a warm welcome from the community. For George, being seen at home is about more than celebration, it’s about visibility – letting kids see what’s possible. He hopes to inspire and show that NBA players are real. In his third season, George is focused on consistency and learning how to control a game. He’s been leaning on veteran voices and trusting the work and taking the pressure off himself. George also emphasizes the importance of giving back and being grateful for the opportunities he’s been given.<\/p>\n
DALLAS \u2014 Last weekend came full circle for Keyonte George. On Friday night, Lewisville honored one of its own at Lewisville High School. A day later, after the Utah Jazz faced the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas, George reflected on what it meant to be back where his journey started.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, it meant a lot,\u201d George said. \u201cJust having the city come out and feeling the love made me emotional because I haven\u2019t been back in a long time. Thinking about the memories I had there, it meant a lot going back home. Having my family there and the high school guys \u2014 being able to show that NBA players are real.\u201d<\/p>\n
For George, being seen at home is about more than celebration. It\u2019s about visibility \u2014 letting kids see what\u2019s possible.<\/p>\n
That idea connects to something he picked up from Utah Jazz assistant coach Chris Jones.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe has this thing called \u2018Living Proof,\u2019\u201d George said. \u201cIt stuck with me because I\u2019m living proof of what the work looks like and where it can take you, especially from a small city where everybody knows everybody. So it\u2019s always meant a lot to go back and show love.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lewisville is where it began. Baylor is where it sharpened him. The NBA is where he\u2019s still growing.<\/p>\n
Consistency Lets George Control the Game<\/p>\n
Now in his third season, George is learning how to control a game, not just play in it.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor me, the main thing this season is consistency,\u201d he said. \u201cThe shots I\u2019m taking are cleaner. I understand the game more now. I still have more to learn, but I see it better. Every game is different, so I\u2019m just trying to play the game.\u201d<\/p>\n
Veteran voices have helped guide that growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been leaning on my vets,\u201d George said. \u201cGeorges [Niang] tells me, \u2018Get to the spot,\u2019 and Kyle [Anderson] tells me, \u2018Beat your man to the three \u2014 that makes something happen.\u2019 I\u2019m just trying to figure all that out.\u201d<\/p>\n
The learning curve hasn\u2019t slowed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like it\u2019s been a fast progression this year,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve seen a lot of different coverages and defenders. Learning on the fly is something my player development staff and I have really focused on.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTrusting the Work\u201d<\/p>\n
What\u2019s changed most is how he handles pressure.<\/p>\n
\u201cI couldn\u2019t ask for more \u2014 just trust the work, trust the process, trust the organization and what they want to do with me and the team,\u201d George said. \u201cI\u2019ve been trusting the work and taking the pressure off myself. I walk with the Lord every day, so putting the pressure on Him instead of me has really helped me.\u201d<\/p>\n
That mindset stretches beyond basketball.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis game gives us many opportunities to give back,\u201d George said. \u201cIt\u2019s about what you do with the platform \u2014 what you do with the money and the fame. You can choose to be arrogant, or you can choose to be a giver.\u201d<\/p>\n
For George, the choice is clear.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor me, it\u2019s about giving back,\u201d he said. \u201cUnderstanding the platform I have, I\u2019m able to put a smile on somebody\u2019s face every day. It doesn\u2019t take much to say hi or give a handshake. I take pride in that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Perspective keeps him grounded.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are a lot of problems in this world,\u201d George said. \u201cPeople are going through real things. The fact that I can smile, breathe, and walk on two feet \u2014 I can\u2019t ask for more. That mindset of being grateful every day has really helped me when I step on the court.\u201d<\/p>\n
As his play has climbed, so has the conversation around him, including talk of Most Improved Player.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would mean a lot,\u201d George said. \u201cI\u2019ve got a picture on my phone just in case something happens. This summer I put myself in uncomfortable situations \u2014 early mornings, working even when I didn\u2019t feel like it. If you don\u2019t have somebody to push you, you\u2019ve got to push yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n
That\u2019s where growth lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s when your development goes up,\u201d he said. \u201cI trust myself and trust my work \u2014 and when you do that, good things happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
From Lewisville to Baylor to the NBA \u2014 and now back home again \u2014 Keyonte George isn\u2019t just talking about the journey.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s living proof of it.<\/p>\n
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