By Adam Malev
Sean Kilpatrick is a White Plains High School alumnus who has went on to make the NBA playing for several teams in the past few seasons. He ended the 2017-18 season with the Bulls and plans to return to them next season. I had the opportunity to sit down with Sean at the Juice Lab, a smoothie shop he opened a few years ago with those close to him on Mamaroneck Avenue. After generously offering me a free smoothie, I was able to ask Kilpatrick some questions about his journey from White Plains High School to the NBA. Adam: When did you first get interested in basketball? Sean: I started liking basketball at 3 years old, but actually as a kid I was more of a baseball player. I played little league and didn't stop playing baseball until middle school. What really got me into basketball was watching LeBron and Kobe in their prime. Adam: Who was your favorite team growing up? Sean: The Cavs. I was a huge LeBron fan growing up, even now. Adam: Well you've played against LeBron in the NBA. What was that like? Sean: It kind of felt like a dream when we first played him in Brooklyn. I grew up playing 2k with him, watching him on tv, and now I'm playing against him. It was amazing. Adam: How has being raised in White Plains influenced you? Sean: I have so many memories, here, in White Plains. My first argument, first girlfriend. White Plains made me who I am today. Adam: You went to Rochambeau. What was your high school experience like? Sean: Rochambeau was a great school. I went there with my best friend. But I wasn't the best student in high school. A lot of people had been telling me that I wouldn't be able to graduate high school. And I wouldn't have been able to if it wasn't for one English teacher I had, Janet Warmbir. When everyone was telling me I couldn't, she was the only one who told me that I could. She encouraged me. She told me to never give up. She was definitely my favorite teacher in high school. Adam: What advice has Coach Mayfield given to you that has influenced you? Sean: Coach Mayfield always talked a lot about defense. Defense and preserverence. He also told me never to give up on my dreams. He's someone that can give advice not just about basketball, but about life. That's why he's one of the most respedcted coaches in the area when it comes to basketball. He has a different type of respect for people. Adam: Are there any other teams you would want to play on? Sean: The Cavs. I would love to play with LeBron. Adam: Who has been your favorite teammate throughout your career? Sean: I would have to say DeAndre Jordan. His mindset is a little like mine. We think alike. Adam: Wow I would not expect that, haha. What is your favorite team that you have played on? Sean: Definitely the Bulls. Adam: Why the Bulls? Sean: The players have a very tight knit bond. Also, the coaches the players, everyone there is honest and keep it real about everything. Adam: Do you think the Bulls are going to make the playoffs next season? Sean: Definitely, as long as we don't have any injuries because that was a problem this season. We have a young team and as long as we play together we'll be able to make the playoffs. We've got a lot of good guys on the team, me, Zach Lavine, Kris Dunn, Denzel Valentine-
Adam: Lori Markkaken
Sean: Oh yeah that's my guy! But yeah guys like them, Robin Lopez, if we stay healthy we'll have a good season. Adam: What advice do you have for anyone that wants to play in the NBA like you? Sean: Never give up, always continue chasing dreams no matter who tells you what you can and can't do. Go at everything 100. People told me I wouldn't graduate high school, I wouldn't graduate college, I wouldn't make the NBA, but guess what? I did all 3. So never listen to the people that tell you that you can't do something. If you want a chance to meet Sean Kilpatrick and buy a good smoothie head over to the Juice Lab NY at 148A Mamaroneck Ave.
Comentarios