Basketball is a sport that requires courage, intelligence, and perseverance to shape one's character and destiny. In the history of the NBA, there have been many basketball superstars who have inspired countless young people with their stories and achievements. One of them is Damian Lillard, the Portland Trail Blazers star who went from being an overlooked schoolboy to one of the league's most decisive guards. His story is full of setbacks, struggles and perseverance, and also shows his soul that does not admit defeat.
Lillard was born in Auckland in 1990 in a happy and complete family, and he has had a strong interest in basketball since he was a child. He also frequented the Warriors' Oracle Arena to seek autographs from his favorite stars, and even sneaked into the court to watch games. He has a dream in his heart to be able to stand on that stadium one day and receive cheers from the fans.
But it won't be easy for Lillard to make that dream a reality. He encountered many difficulties and challenges in high school. He transferred to three schools because he always pointed fingers at his teammates who didn't work hard, causing displeasure among parents. He was ostracized by his classmates at a private school because of his family's financial difficulties. Even though he averaged 28 points per game at his last high school, he didn't get the favor of college coaches. In the end, he had to choose an unknown Burley State University.
In college, Lillard continued to work hard to improve his skills and skills. He can do everything on the court, scoring points, assists, steals, and rebounds is the first on the team. He led the team to the NCAA Tournament and won honors such as America's Rookie of the Year. He was supposed to play in the NBA Draft in his junior year, but an unexpected injury cost him the entire season. This is undoubtedly a heavy blow for a young man eager to enter the NBA.
However, Lillard did not give up on his dreams. He trained himself harder during his rehabilitation to prepare for the next opportunity. In his senior year, he returned with an average of 24.5 points per game and became the second-highest scorer in school history. This time, he finally caught the attention of NBA scouts and was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the sixth overall pick.
After entering the NBA, Lillard did not disappoint. He was named Rookie of the Year with 19 points, 6.5 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game and was named to the All-Star Rookie Game. Since then, he has become a core player for the Trail Blazers, leading the team to several playoff appearances and playing many memorable kills in key moments. He also became one of the league's most decisive guards, a multiple All-Star and All-Star selection.
Lillard's story teaches us that basketball is not only a sport, but also a spirit. It requires courage, wisdom and perseverance to face setbacks and challenges, not to admit defeat and not to give up. Lillard proved his worth with his actions and fulfilled his dreams. From Oakland to Portland, he grew from an neglected schoolboy to a soul who did not admit defeat. He is a basketball superstar and a basketball role model.