What does the Hornets’ Kemba Walker do away from the basketball court? We asked
We’re in the midst of football season, but basketball is right around the corner. The Charlotte Hornets recently started training camp and they’ll play two exhibition games in China against the Clippers Oct. 11 and 14.
C5 caught up with agile Hornets point guard, and dancing sensation, Kemba Walker while he was re-hydrating after a grinding, all-morning preseason practice session.
In yet another installment in the series of informal self-assessments, C5 got a look at his personal side by asking three questions:
(1) What are you reading?
(2) What are you listening to?
(3) What are you watching?
We will take the answers to these three questions and find the meaning, theme, or message.
What are you reading?
I just finished reading “The Hard Hat: 21 Ways to Be a Great Teammate,” by Jon Gordon. It is a true story about George Boiardi, a lacrosse player at Cornell University, who was known by all as a selfless, loyal, competitive, and compassionate person while competing as an elite athlete. The book has tons of insights for any aspiring leader.
Also, I just started reading “The 12 Leadership Principles of Dean Smith,” by Charlotte’s own David Chadwick. Coach Smith put people first and that was the basis for his success. It is very good, so far.
Keeping an eye out for the players who are making the passes tonight. #TeamworkWins #CLE #GSW http://t.co/aRxx9BCgcy pic.twitter.com/csEEdeggVG
— David Chadwick (@fhDavidChadwick) June 8, 2015
What are you listening to?
I listen to a lot of music. But, let’s just concentrate on what I am playing the most.
Right now, I am listening to Drake and Future. Future is the man; I love his stuff. I usually download onto my iPhone.
https://twitter.com/1future/status/635845639176228864
I do listen to some Pandora. When I am practicing basketball, I am on Future Radio. When I am cleaning at home, I am on R. Kelly & Usher. It is all about the pace in which I need to be moving.
What are you watching?
I don’t watch too much TV. But I do like to go to the movies when I get some time. I just saw “Straight Outta Compton.” It was electric. They overcame a lot to become breakthrough artists.
You are now about to witness the strength of street knowledge. Get #StraightOuttaCompton tix: http://t.co/qzkMyx2bsChttps://t.co/R6rCGx7YJp
— StraightOuttaCompton (@ComptonMovie) August 14, 2015
What does all of this mean to Kemba as a static self-assessment?
I may always be in motion but I still need to make myself a better person. In everything I have done, I have been a leader. I have to keep trying to be a better one to help my teammates grow now … and to help myself grow, too.
Here’s to a successful, and healthy, 2015-16 season with the Hornets.
Photo: David T. Foster III/Charlotte Observer
This story was originally published October 5, 2015 at 12:15 AM with the headline "What does the Hornets’ Kemba Walker do away from the basketball court? We asked."