Soon to be NBA Rookie De'Aaron Fox recently recounted his reasons for playing his best basketball when facing off against UCLA and fellow future draftee Lonzo Ball in this year's NCAA tournament.
Fox didn't forget an earlier matchup between the Kentucky Wildcats and the UCLA Bruins which resulted in the Wildcats' 42-game win streak being snapped despite Fox's 20 points and 9 rebounds.
That was only partially the reason Fox was stirred up, and the icing on the cake came when LaVar Ball became more outspoken the moment it became clear his son would be drafted into the NBA.
According to SI.com's Andre Sharp, Fox got extra motivation from Ball.
“In the last year, he became relevant for some reason. When I knew Lonzo in high school, I'd never seen his dad before. He went crazy this year. I guess when your son a lottery pick, that gives you a lot of confidence.”
Fox had all the motivation he needed and got his chance for revenge in the NCAA Sweet 16 Tournament, where he led Kentucky to an 86-75 victory over UCLA, scoring 39 points in the process. When asked about why he played at such a high level, he mentioned one reason only.
“Shut Lavar Ball up.”
Lonzo Ball might be better off without his old man finding ways to grate the nerves of other players once his NBA debut begins.
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