Lu Dort is a Canadian, but his heart lies somewhere else. There’s no doubt that he loves Canada, but there’s someplace too that has conquered his heart. His deep love for his family’s roots, and culture, and his hopes to keep it alive are something that is rarely seen these days. But, the Thunder star sets an example of how can we love our roots, even if we may not be close to them.

So, with that, let’s look into his family and their story.

What nationality is Lu Dort? Where was he born and brought up?

Luguentz Dort was born on April 19, 1999, in Montreal, Quebec. Thus, making his nationality Canadian. But his roots trace back to Haiti, which makes his ethnicity Haitian. Dort’s parents, Lufruentz Dort and Erline Mortel, emigrated from Saint-Marc, Haiti, and settled in Montreal when they were just 21. His father became a taxi driver and owner, while his mother worked as a manufacturer of clothing. Dort’s upbringing was deeply influenced by his Haitian heritage and culture, along with his five siblings, Daphney, Ludnie, Berline, Frantz Jr., and Eveno.

Growing up in Montreal’s Montréal-Nord neighborhood, Dort initially played soccer as a goalkeeper. But his brothers, with their passion for basketball, convinced him to switch sports. Well, it was indeed a great success. However, Basketball became his refuge, especially since it kept him away from the street gangs that some of his friends joined. He began playing street basketball at Saint Laurent Park near his home, developing his skills further. At 12, Dort began playing organized basketball in Park Extension, where he was coached by Nelson Ossé.

As his basketball talent blossomed, Dort joined the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) circuit, playing with Brookwood Elite throughout his high school years. This exposure allowed him to compete against elite-level players, further sharpening his skills. After spending his first high school season in Quebec, Dort moved to Arlington Country Day School in Jacksonville, Florida, as a sophomore. This move not only allowed him to compete at a higher level but also helped him improve his English and adjust to a more competitive basketball environment. These experiences laid the foundation for his eventual success on the international stage.

However, the hooper’s childhood was more than just basketball, rather, it was a lot about his culture.

“I’ve watched a lot of documentaries about Haitian history,” Dort shared. His curiosity about Haitian culture grew, and he immersed himself in the history of his roots. He was fascinated by how was Haiti’s unique role as the first Black republic. His heart was connected deeply with the Haitian struggle for independence, admiring the bravery of the ancestors who fought for freedom.

His pride in his heritage is not just seen in his words, but also in his actions. During his rookie season in the NBA, Dort made a statement with his jersey. While the most common words that many players wore were “Equality” or “Black Lives Matter,” he wore the words “Respekte Nou” on the back of his jersey. Now you might wonder what that means. This phrase translates to “respect us” in Haitian Creole, this reflects his personal connection to the struggles in Haiti.

“There was a lot of stuff going on [in Haiti], too. It was big for me to put ‘Respect Us’ in Creole on my back because of all the stuff that was going on back there,” he explained. His message resonated deeply with the Haitian community, who felt seen and represented.

Dort’s connection to Haiti runs deep. He grew up speaking Haitian Creole fluently and was raised in a home where Haitian pride was a core value. He recalls living in Canada but feeling like he was surrounded by Haiti, thanks to his family’s strong ties to their homeland. His parents taught him about Haitian history, pride, and the culture of their homeland. The pride he feels for Haiti is evident, even on his Instagram bio, where both the Haitian and Canadian flags are displayed.

“I was living in Canada, but I felt like I was in Haiti the whole time,” the hoopster reflected. Despite his success in Canada, he feels a strong sense of responsibility to represent his Haitian roots. Dort’s journey is not just about basketball; it’s about uplifting his people and culture.

He visited his homeland when he was 5 years old, and hopes one day he can visit Haiti again. However, do you know about his dream? Dort dreams of hosting a basketball camp in Haiti to give back to his community. His goal is to not only inspire young basketball players but to make a difference as a humanitarian. Through his journey, Dort represents not just Canada but the Haitian community, making sure their voices and struggles are never forgotten. However, with that, let’s see if he has ever played for Canada.

Has Lu Dort represented the Canadian National Team?

Yes, Lu Dort has represented Canada. In May 2022, he decided to commit and play for Canada’s senior men’s national team. His decision was a significant milestone, marking his dedication to representing his country. Dort was also part of the 2024 Paris Olympics team, which was a major achievement for Canada, as the men’s team qualified for the first time since Sydney 2000. In 2023, he helped secure Canada’s first World Cup medal for senior men, winning bronze.

The team triumphed over the United States, 127-118, in an overtime thriller, solidifying Dort’s place in Canadian basketball history. His commitment continues to inspire future generations of athletes.