Victim of a rupture of the cruciate ligaments at the university then not drafted in 2018, Gabe Vincent is one of the great stories of the season, and in a small corner of California, where it all started for him, we are both proud and amazed to see him start in the NBA Finals.
“We are a bit of fanboys” recognizes Zac ZeyenGabe Vincent’s high school teammate. “It’s just great to see a person who is not only a good person, but also a great basketball player to get such an opportunity”.
If the leader of the Heat began his professional career with the Stockton Kings, the G-League franchise of the Sacramento Kings, it was no coincidence since he had evolved at St. Mary’s High School in the same city of Stockton. His coach at the time, Ken Green, also remembers the teenager he was and the adult he became.
“He is humble. He is very humble. The good thing about him is that he’s got his feet on the ground.” said Ken Greenabout Gabe Vincent. “Nothing is too big for him. He tries to make everyone around him better. He doesn’t just do it as a player, but also as a person. He had an impact, not only on our coaching staff but also on how he made us better on a personal level, and his classmates will tell you the same thing..
An outstanding worker
After growing up in Modesto, California, Vincent joined St. Mary’s High School in his sophomore year. It is there that he will start to make a name for himself with his 22.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.1 steals per game. At the time, this super attacker stood out for his defense!
“What we noticed first, when he defended, was that he already knew how to close access. His hands were very active. He remained low on his supports. And if you watch him right now and watch him play defense, he’s almost always on his feet.” remembers Ken Green. “He’s a guy with guts. He takes strong passes, he scrapes balls near the basket. He recovers stray bullets and lands important shots. He laid the foundations for his dream to come true from the start.”.
Before joining the Heat in January 2020 via a modest “two-way contract”, the Nigerian point guard had his proven track record in the G-League, this time with the Heat’s affiliated franchise, the Skyforce of Sioux Falls. Voted best progress of the 2019/20 season in the G-League with 20.9 points per game at 40% from 3-pointers, he showed great qualities as an attacker.
“Offensively he already mastered the game. He could shoot any way and over time he really improved his shooting distance” pursues his former high school coach. “He improved his athletic qualities. He was a leader from the start of the game. He didn’t need to say anything. He was leading by example. At the start of his senior year, he became a vocal leader, and he could take on whatever he said to the younger ones.”.
Don’t forget where it comes from
When he returns home, Gabe Vincent is a popular figure in Stockton. As proof, the 75 places available at his basketball camp for local youth sold out in less than 24 hours. More generally, he also hangs out with the high school players during the summer. Sitting on the bench, he transmits what he has been taught.
“Gabe came back last year and opened the doors to anyone from Stockton. He didn’t want it to be just St. Mary’s High School.” says Ken Green. “He gave of his time for three hours. He took as many photos as possible and signed as many autographs as possible. It’s Gabe. He doesn’t forget where he comes from. It was very special”.
As he comes to the end of his contract of 3.5 million dollars over two years, he will probably cash this summer the biggest check of his career, in Miami or elsewhere. For those close to him, regardless of his salary or his team, it is the affirmation of the work he has accomplished and of the man he is that counts the most. For his brother, it means a lot to him to see Gabe succeed in his passion.
“It’s really surreal” concludes Ben VincentGabe’s eldest. “We are very moved. We are very proud. We are very happy for him, because it is his time. It’s his time”.
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