KUALA LUMPUR: Parents in Malaysia will no doubt love NBA star Malcolm Brogdon.
The 2016-17 NBA Rookie of the Year is a fine example of an athlete who has made it to the highest level in the sport without sacrificing his studies.
The Milwaukee Bucks guard, who is armed with a master’s degree in public policy as well as an undergraduate degree in history, revealed that he grew up in an education-first policy household.
"I grew up in a house where my mum wouldn't let me participate on the basketball court and in extracurricular activities if I didn't have at least a B average (grade) in the classroom," said Brogdon, who is currently in Malaysia to handle the Junior NBA (Jr. NBA) National Training Camp which is supported by Dutch Lady.
"Growing up it was a standard that I had in my house. I had to be excellent both ways and work equally hard on the court and on my studies."
Brogdon added that his secret to success is simple – hard work and discipline.
"Outwork everybody – that was my thing. I always wanted to outwork everybody. I knew that even if I was the best player in my team or the camp I was participating in, there could always be someone else out there in another state or country who was working harder than me.
"You have to be more disciplined and be willing to sacrifice more. There will be times you will not be able to go to a party or drink.
"For me, the biggest challenge coming up in the sport was to be ready when an opportunity came. Honestly, everybody will get an opportunity but not everyone will be able to take advantage of it because they did not work hard enough to be ready at that moment."
Brogdon added that giving youngsters a proper platform to start playing and also develop is crucial if the game is to further grow in Asia.
"I think the sport is definitely growing in Asia. For it to further develop it has to be more accessible to the people.
"I am very excited to be working with the kids in this camp (Jr. NBA) which emphasis good sportsmanship, teamwork, attitude and respect. I got a chance to work with a few kids in the morning and they are very enthusiastic and want to learn. It is important to do things (programmes) like this, kids need encouragement."
A total of 100 promising players will take part in the Jr. NBA National Training Camp which starts tomorrow and ends on Sunday at One Utama Oval. Dutch Lady is the official presenting partner of Jr. NBA.
From the 100 players, eight boys and eight girls will be selected as the 2018 Jr. NBA Malaysia All-Stars and travel to Shanghai in October to attend NBA China games.