Meet Taurean Prince, professional basketball player in the NBA. Taurean was the number 12 draft pick in the 2016 NBA draft. He currently plays small forward for the Atlanta Hawks. Originally a native of San Antonio Texas, Taurean finished his NCAA career at Baylor University where he was voted First-Team All-Big 12 in 2016. I sat down with Taurean and asked him a few questions about how he got started, his career successes, and where he would like to be in five years.
How did you first get started playing basketball?
I really first started playing basketball hooping outside with the older guys. I was a youngen growing up always playing against older people, so it got me better pretty quick.
If you weren’t playing basketball, what would you be doing?
I’m really into music, so probably something musically.
Don’t listen to the outside critics, they’re always going to be there from the time you start till the moment you retire, so just worry about you, your team, and the people around you that keep you going.
Taurean Prince
Who was your childhood idol growing up?
My childhood idol was Allen Iverson, I liked how he moved on the court and he never let anybody else dictate how he lived his life.
What’s your favorite song right now?
My favorite song right now would probably have to be Never Stop by Future.
Who controls the locker room music on your team?
The person who gets to it first, they get to hold it down for the day.
Who was the toughest player you’ve played against?
That would probably be Kevin Durant, he’s always in attack mode.
What’s one food you had to give up when playing pro basketball?
White chocolate, its not really a food, but its a candy you shouldn’t eat.
What are your biggest career successes so far?
Being with one team, finishing my third season with the Hawks that’s a blessing. Being able to make the Raising Stars game after my Sophomore year, and being alive.
What are some challenges you’ve faced in the NBA and how did you overcome them?
Probably not playing right off the bat my rookie year was tough, I just continued to work hard, show my work ethic and eventually I got to start during the playoffs that same season, it was a blessing in disguise.
What is your advice to kids who want to go pro?
My advice to kids who want to go pro is just to focus on yourself, don’t let anybody else tell you you can’t.
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What are some activities you like to do outside of playing basketball?
I like to be with my family, play video games, and basketball has to come back in right after that.
What are your biggest strengths on the court?
I’m strong at 3 point shooting, slashing, and just being a great teammate overall.
What areas of your game would you like to improve?
I would like to improve my ball handling and sometimes my decision making.
What is the best advice you’ve received while playing in the NBA?
Don’t listen to the outside critics, they’re always going to be there from the time you start till the moment you retire, so just worry about you, your team, and the people around you that keep you going.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career?
Patience.
Where do you want to see yourself in five years?
I see myself a two time All-Star, doing well for myself and my family, and the people around me that I work with every single day.
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What is LIE Clothing?
That’s my brand, LIE stands for Loyalty Is Everything, it’s kind of a forward backward thing. It all started with a handshake, me and my homie came up with it. Loyalty is what me and my guys go by. We just want to treat everyone around us the same and not hold ourselves on a higher pedestal just because we might be in a better position either because of our basketball ability or our financial situations. To me everybody is equal. There is already interest from several individuals from around the league that want to be a part of it including Royce O’Neale of the Utah Jazz and Terry Rozier of the Boston Celtics. Right now it’s just something for us as players to wear, but who knows where it will go in the future.
What type of apparel can one expect from LIE?
The attire is more laid back and fashionable, we have some sweat suits, something you can be cozy in and wear in any weather. We have both thin and thick hoodies. Waiting on the next drop which will include sweatpants, headbands, socks, and more. We just want to keep the variety going.
You can check out LIE clothing at lie.clothing
About Me:
My name is Zeyu M Wang, I create one-on-one interviews with some of the world’s top footballers and athletes from various leagues and locations, including the Barclays Premier League, German Bundesliga, Dutch Eredivisie, Major League Soccer, and Thai Premier League. I have worked with players such as Achraf Hakimi, Gokhan Inler, Dominick Calvert-Lewin and many more.
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