Kawhi Leonard's college teammates and coaches call the Toronto Raptors superstar the hardest worker they have ever come across.
Leonard played his college ball at San Diego State. Jayson Jenks of The Athletic recently talked to a few of Leonard's old teammates and coaches, and they all spoke glowingly about Kawhi, who has become one of the best players in the NBA.
Article Continues BelowDave Velasquez, assistant coach: My favorite story about Kawhi is when he got to San Diego State his freshman year. He had a math class at 8 a.m. and a writing class at 10 a.m. It was Monday through Thursday, and it was really tough. Our job was to make sure the freshmen were up for that 8 a.m. class. So we were always knocking on their dorm room at 7:30. When we had to find Kawhi for his 8 a.m. class, he was rebounding by himself.
Gay: By far the hardest worker I’ve ever come across, I’ve ever known.
Alex Jamerson, manager: I’ve never seen anyone, ever, work harder in my whole life. I would show up early to our arena to get things set up for practice. I’m thinking, “Oh, I’m going to be the first guy in the arena just to get things set up,” and I walk out to bring the balls out and he’s already got one or two with him shooting in the dark in the arena. All by himself.
Leonard is a three-time All-Star, two-time Defensive Player of the Year and Finals MVP. In his first season with the Raptors, he led the team to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.
You don't become one of the top basketball players in the world without working hard. It's clear as day Leonard is obsessed with getting better. The Raptors are fortunate to have Kawhi, and they are certainly hoping he re-signs with them this summer in free agency.