Rudy Gobert, now a massive presence in the NBA and a celebrated Olympic champion, didn’t always have a straightforward path to success. The journey that started from the small town of Saint-Quentin to becoming a global basketball player was the result of his determination, but it wasn’t without its challenges.

Growing up in Saint-Quentin, Rudy was born to a black father, Rudy Bourgarelt, from the French-speaking island of Guadeloupe, and a white mother, Corinne Gobert. After his parents separated, his mother raised him. But, he faced discrimination from his own kin. So much so that his mother was told not to bring him to family Christmas dinners because of his mixed race. But despite all the challenges, he had a bright future ahead of him.

But no matter how good you are, you always face some setbacks in life. Gobert did too. He faced many rejections from different basketball programs all because he had an unconventional style of playing. Amidst all this, is a worried sister, Vanessa Gobert, and a mother, who were afraid that Rudy would ever get to play.

“Seeing Rudy face rejection after rejection was really tough for her. She worried about his future and whether all his hard work and dedication would ever pay off.”

His mother encouraged him to join the French Basketball Academy, where his potential was noticed, and he received the necessary training. As a result, his career began to shine, gaining attention from his coaches.

At the age of 15, Gobert joined Cholet Basket in Cholet, France, a town similar in size to Saint-Quentin. Although Cholet was about a five-hour drive away, his mother was concerned about his sleeping arrangements, meals, and treatment, given his past mistreatment. Vanessa said, “They had to convince her by showing him where he was going to sleep and eat and the people that are going to be around him”.

Despite her fears, she let him go, knowing how much her son wanted to be there. Gobert became a formidable post player and shot-blocker for Cholet’s senior team and the French national team. He even started to play in the FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship.

In France’s Pro A league, Gobert averaged 8.4 points and 5.4 rebounds in 27 games for Cholet during the 2012-13 season. As a result, the Denver Nuggets selected him as the No. 27 overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft and traded him to the Utah Jazz, where he grew to be an impactful player.

From Rejections to the National Hero

Gobert’s career began to shine brighter when he won four NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards, three NBA All-Star appearances, and three All-NBA team selections, which led him to become a potential Hall of Fame player. In 2022, the Minnesota Timberwolves acquired Rudy through a trade.

In addition to his NBA success, Gobert has gained recognition as a French hero. Once nicknamed “The French Rejection,” he is now celebrated in France’s national colors. In his hometown of Saint-Quentin, a mural titled “A KID FROM SAINT-QUENTIN” adorns the outdoor court, featuring a mammoth-painted portrait of a kid on the left court and a similarly sized portrait of him on the right court.

Apart from winning titles in the NBA, Rudy has won major titles for France, which include:

Rudy faced rejection and rose to become an NBA and Olympics star, encountering numerous challenges and triumphs along the way. It highlights not only his talent but also his family’s role in supporting him to overcome obstacles. As Rudy continues to excel on the court, his story remains an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and the unwavering belief of those who stand by us during our most difficult times.

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