Projected lottery pick Jerryd Bayless isn’t exactly the cliché of an NBA superstar. Sure, he can dribble, shoot lights out, dunk and pass – which is why his name will be called early in this week’s draft. But don't expect any trash talk or street swagger from this son of a college counselor and forensic psychologist.
Basketball isn't the only route out for this young man. His big brother, a pretty good ball player too, chose a career on Wall Street as an investment banker.
The All-American was windsurfing at age 8 and, Justin -- that Wall Street banking big brother of his -- swears Jerryd could have gone pro as a ping pong player. Oh, and he has hit two hole in ones on the links. He attributes much of his success in basketball to big brother Justin, who let 11-year-old Jerryd practice with him and his 15 year old friends (and knocked him around in the process) at the posh suburban Phoenix health and racket club that served as their home gym. Jerryd may only be 6'3 but he started his basketball career playing with guys who towered over him. That's why he seems so unfazed by bigger players.
Jerryd grew up in a family that places a high premium on success and the hard work it takes to win. At 19 he is still very close with his parents and especially big brother. And even though Justin is in NYC working long hours, Jerryd of course has found an interesting way to keep in touch: he not only talks with Justin on the mobile and texts, but also uses it to actually see him on live streaming video calls. And he will be doing the same thing during the Thursday’s NBA draft from the green room with his friends back home. Whereever Jerryd ends up playing he will stay close to his friends and family by sharing his experiences live on his phone.
Check out the video below (scroll down) of Jerryd and Justin Video Sharing last week; You can see Justin showing Jerryd MSG and Jerryd sinking a few baskets as Justin watches on his phone. Also Jerryd debating Beasley v. Rose and talking about how having Justin and his friends knock him around on the court helped take him to the NBA.
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