I'm extremely happy for Jokic and the Nuggets. But most of all, I'm excited for the strength and conditioning coach.
My girlfriend played basketball at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma. She came from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Imagine growing up in Sao Paulo and moving to small town Alva for four years. Definite culture shock. A close Brazilian friend from Sao Paulo also got a basketball scholarship to NWOSU. He was a 6'10 kid named Felipe. The Brazilian community is extremely close, especially when they are attending tiny colleges like NWOSU. They became like brother and sister, always looking out for each other.
After graduation, my girlfriend settled in Oklahoma City. Felipe pursued a career in training, relocated to Denver and was hired on by the Nuggets as Strength and Conditioning coach. Every time the Nuggets come to OKC, we pick him up at the hotel and go out for dinner. On a few occasions, a player will tag along.
Let me tell you, Felipe is the most driven and intense person I've ever met. I remember one dinner we had early in the year when he looked me in the face and said 'What are your goals this year? What do you expect to accomplish in 2016?' I was like, 'huh'? Felt like I was having dinner with Tony Robbins. I mentioned maybe wanting to lose some weight and he went on to spell out a weight loss program that could only be accomplished through hard work and discipline. I listened while enjoying my pepperoni pizza.
When I clicked on ESPN a few weeks ago, the top story was about the relationship between Jokic and Felipe, how his S&C coach sat him down and told him he could be the best player in the NBA, the league MVP and NBA champion if he dedicated himself and worked hard. I could immediately picture Felipe telling Jokic every bit of what was written down. I believe every bit of that story.
The son-of-a-gun actually did it. Through hard work and dedication, they actually pulled it off. He's achieved the American Dream. Can't wait to see the ring.
A car ride and a Game 7 loss that activated Nikola Jokic into an MVP - ESPN