“Mom, I Don’t Want to Go”: Terrified of 6ft 7 NBA “Monster”, Carlos Boozer Was Tempted to Give Up Basketball Dream

As Carlos Boozer had a sudden growth spurt while he was young, his parents understood that his basketball dreams could be a reality. Wanting to help their child be the best that he can, Boozer’s parents decided to make him join a basketball camp. But seeing various athletic freaks at the camp, the Utah Jazz legend decided to give up on his dreams.

In the book Every Shot Counts: A Memoir of Resilience, Carlos Boozer talks about the time he questioned his own talents after witnessing a young Richard Jefferson show off his skills.

Richard Jefferson’s athleticism scared Carlos Boozer

When he was young, to support Boozer on his basketball journey, his dad decided to make him join the basketball camp being held at California State University, Dominguez Hills, called Double Pump. His mom accompanied Boozer. As soon as they reached California, Boozer asked his mom to take him to the court. But little did he know that witnessing a 6’7 high flyer would make him question his life choices.

Carlos Boozer said, “A six-foot-something monster caught a pass right in front of me, dribbled once, spun into a leap, and sailed all the way to the net for a dunk.”

He saw that everyone was bigger and stronger than he was, but the move that Richard Jefferson pulled off in front of him made him scared. Boozer saw that as soon as Jefferson got the ball, he dribbled once and jumped straight to the basket for a dunk. This kind of athleticism was new for Boozer.

After seeing that there were many others just like Jefferson at the camp, Boozer said to his mom, “Mom, I don’t want to go,“ as he was intimidated by what he was seeing. However, his mom was unfazed and stated that Boozer would not have been selected if his standards did not match with the others.

Carlos Boozer’s mom instilled confidence in him, which led him to continue on his path. Eventually, Boozer went on to have a great and successful career in the NBA.

Boozer was great in the NBA

Although Carlos Boozer was drafted 35th overall in the 2002 NBA draft by the Cavaliers, he exceeded all expectations. In his rookie season, Boozer recorded 7.5 rebounds with an impressive 10.0 PPG. During his 13-year career, he made the all-star team twice. During his time with the Utah Jazz, Boozer averaged 19.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.

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The confidence that he developed because his parents believed in him is the main reason for him to have reached his true potential. His mom was with him when he doubted himself, and she helped a young Boozer stay on his path and reach his goals.

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