MILWAUKEE (AP) — There was a stretch of homelessness while growing up. A relentless shifting from one highschool to a different. The cancellation of an NBA draft training program resulting from the pandemic. A 12 months proving himself with a G League developmental team.
MarJon Beauchamp’s journey to the NBA has been fraught with a lot adversity, he questioned whether he’d even have the chance to get here. At one point, after missing out on the training program, Beauchamp handled depression and felt his probabilities had run out.
“There was a degree that I didn’t really consider in myself,” Beauchamp told the media Tuesday. “I didn’t haven’t any opportunities and I desired to be within the league so bad.”
He cried on draft night when the Milwaukee Bucks took him with the twenty fourth overall pick and received welcoming text messages from Bucks stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. But it surely wasn’t until he arrived in Milwaukee this week, saw his image on a billboard and met with coaches and team personnel that he finally knew “it’s getting real.”
“I feel all of the adversity prepared me for this moment,” Beauchamp said. “The obstacles I needed to undergo to get here was a little bit different from everyone. Getting through the adversity made me who I’m today and made me more thankful of my opportunities. I don’t need to lose this chance.”
General manager Jon Horst said he was thrilled that Beauchamp remained on the board when the Bucks’ pick got here up.
“That is an incredible opportunity for us once you have a look at the player and the person … and the things he’s overcome in his life to get to where he’s at,” Horst said. “We consider this shall be someone who shall be a fantastic fit for us each for basketball and from a personality and character standpoint.”
Beauchamp’s humility has impressed Mike Budenholzer, however the Bucks coach stressed that Beauchamp may have to win a spot on the roster and playing time with a team that won the NBA title in 2021, its first in 50 years.
“He’s going to need to are available and earn every thing he gets,” Budenholzer said.
The prospect to play with a championship-caliber team has Beauchamp enthusiastic about landing in Milwaukee.
“It’s a blessing to be in a winning situation and with a winning team because I feel like I’m a winner,” he said. “I feel like I can flourish with this team.”
Beauchamp sees himself fitting in at the beginning as someone with “young energy” who can contribute immediately on defense while providing outside shooting on the offensive end, a sore spot for the Bucks in last season’s playoffs.
“I do know there’s lots of attention on Giannis and I feel like I can knock down that 3-ball within the corner,” he said.
Beauchamp, who credited his grandmother for keeping him focused throughout the difficult periods, said he continues to be motivated by a goal he set a while ago, one which reflects the hurdles he’s faced.
“My goal is to get my mom a house someday,” Beauchamp said.
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