A Slam Dunk Story: Rising Through the Ranks with De’Ondric Booker
Hello, I’m De’Ondric Booker. You might know me as a professional basketball player, a father to four beautiful children, or as a community leader. My journey through life has been a game of basketball, full of ups and downs, wins and losses, but always moving forward.
My relationship with basketball goes way back to my childhood. As a kid, I moved around a lot, which was tough. But basketball was my icebreaker, helping me make friends and feel at home wherever I went. It opened doors for me in places I never knew existed. I’ve visited over 20 states in the U.S. and even four countries around the world, all thanks to this game. It’s incredible how a simple passion can unite people from all walks of life.
But my journey hasn’t been all slam dunks and victories. I grew up watching my mother work tirelessly to make ends meet in the absence of my father. This instilled a deep determination within me to take care of my family and to be an active father for my children. This ambition pushed me to succeed professionally and to ensure a stable future for my loved ones.
In college, I played for Johnson C Smith University, a part of the CIAA conference in the NCAA Division II. My time on the court was limited, but that didn’t stop me from giving it my all. We clinched back-to-back conference championships, and I won the Navy Accelerate Your Life award in my freshman year, an award given to student-athletes striving to be the best they can both on and off the court.
My journey took an international turn when I played for semi-pro teams in the Mexican league Cibasurra. In 2013, I was with the Linces, averaging 27 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals per game. The following year, I was with the Conejos, where my stats rose to 30 points, 4 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals per game. And in 2019, I had the opportunity to showcase my skills in the Miami Pro League, playing against current and former NBA players, and still maintaining impressive stats.
However, during these years, my wife and I were grappling with instability. Despite working two jobs and training intensively, we faced repeated evictions from 2014 to 2017. But these trials only strengthened my resolve. I held onto my dream and continued to train, pushing through the struggles, believing in the power of persistence, and keeping my eyes on the prize.
The absence of my father in my life inspired me to start a non-profit focusing on the importance of fatherhood. I wanted to show young people in my community that fatherhood matters and that it’s cool to be a family man. This was my way of filling the void I had felt growing up, and I’m proud to say that it’s making a difference.
Platforms like Jambo have played a pivotal role in my journey. They believed in my dream, and their support took me around the world, proving that faith in each other can indeed create a profound impact. Through my story, I aim to inspire others to chase their dreams, just as I have chased mine.
Basketball has been more than just a game for me; it’s been a lifeline, a bridge, and an inspiration. It has shown me the endless possibilities that come from chasing your dreams, and I am truly blessed to inspire others to do the same. My journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of dreams. And I stand as a testament to Jambo’s mission to empower and inspire, living proof that with determination, resilience, and dreams can become reality.
From the early days of shooting hoops in the neighborhood to playing professionally, my journey has been shaped by both my victories and my struggles. From my mother’s resilience to the trials my wife and I faced, these experiences have only strengthened my resolve, fueling my drive to succeed.
Through all this, I’ve come to understand that basketball is more than just a game. It’s a life lesson. It’s about teamwork, perseverance, and most importantly, never giving up. It’s about picking yourself up every time you fall and turning failures into stepping stones.
And so, I continue to play, to dream, and to inspire. I hope to use my story to motivate others, to show them that no matter where you come from, no matter the odds, with passion and hard work, anything is possible.
In closing, I am De’Ondric Booker, a testament to the power of dreams, and a living embodiment of Jambo’s mission to empower and inspire. And through my story, I hope to inspire others to chase their dreams, just as I have chased and am still chasing mine. Remember, in the grand scheme of life, the possibilities are truly endless.
