Dennis Rodman, Who Was Once Broke, Promised to Never Return Home After Running Away with 2 Clothes at Age 20

Dennis Rodman has one of the most colorful yet enigmatic personalities in the NBA. The Chicago Bulls legend was arguably the best rebounder that the league has ever come across. Despite being an excellent asset for Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls, Rodman found it quite hard to maintain stability in life. He often slipped into his darker habits which led him on the verge of being broken numerous times in his career. However, the Worm dared to stand back on his feet every time he fell. At 20, Rodman made a promise to himself after running away from his home with nearly nothing in his pocket.

Professional basketball was no way near Rodman’s sight when he was going through adolescence. A young Dennis roamed around the messy streets of Dallas and often found himself in trouble. However, his will to change and become a better person took him quite farther than he would have ever imagined.

Rodman’s introduction to professional basketball

Dennis Rodman had a tough time at home while growing up. He did not start playing organized basketball until he was 20 years old. However, a major turnaround came in Rodman’s life when he suddenly grew 10-inches after high school.

READ MORE: ?My Mother Never Paid Attention to Me?: 5X NBA Champion Dennis Rodman Once Let His Heart Out on Having Tough Relations With His Mom Due to Circumstances

Rodman had very little organized basketball skills when his sisters got him into the Cooke County(Texas) Junior College basketball team. However, Rodman flunked out of the college after mere ten games and a single semester.

Fortunately, the five-time NBA champ’s talent was spotted by Southeastern Oklahoma State’s assistant coach Lon Reisman before he left the team. Reisman approached Rodman’s mother Shirley, who pressurized Rodman to listen to the coach’s offer. However, all Dennis Rodman wanted was to stay in the back room and ignore Reisman’s existence.

Dennis Rodman vows to never return home

The pitch from Reisman had an impact on Rodman, leading to the sudden decision of leaving home to join Southeastern the same day. Surprisingly, all Rodman packed were two changes of clothes. The then-20-year-old promised himself to never return home as he went on a journey to becoming a legend.

His decision to visit Oklahoma state led him to join the Detroit Pistons. He honed his abilities under former Pistons head coach and his mentor Chuck Daly. After leaving the Pistons, Rodman went to the San Antonio Spurs, before joining hands with Michael Jordan,?Scottie Pippen at the Chicago Bulls.

Watch This Story: Dennis Rodman disrespects NBA 75 jacket in LeBron James and Stephen Curry?s presence

Thus, despite his personal struggles every step of the way, Dennis Rodman managed to create a name for himself in the history of the NBA