For many new college students, the first summer break away from school is a relief. A majority use the time to travel, knock out some summer classes or go back home and spend the much needed time off with family and old friends. However, Cypress Lake graduate De'Aaron Fox's summer has not been like the other kids'.
Instead of relaxing with friends for a few months, Fox has been busy with work. Although it may sound like a drag, don't get it twisted, Fox has an amazing job, a dream job for many. On June 22, Fox and his family traveled up to Brooklyn, New York for De'Aaron's first day on his new job. With the fifth pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings selected the now-former Kentucky point guard, De'Aaron Fox.
The New Orleans native was overcome with emotion as his dream had finally become a reality. Fox had spent his summer working out for various teams and making appearances on shows such as SportsCenter in order to help kick start his eventual NBA career.
The Houston raised hooper spent just one season at Kentucky under Head Coach John Calipari. According to Calipari's Twitter, Fox "came [to Kentucky] focused from day one, and to see his improvement from the beginning of the season to the end was special." As his freshman season at UK went on, it seemed as if Fox surprised more and more fans as he stepped up his game each and every week.
When it was all said and done, the Cypress Lakes graduate averaged 16.7 points, 4.6 assists and four rebounds per game. Kentucky reached the Elite Eight before losing to the eventual champion North Carolina Tar Heels. His Kentucky career high 38 points against Lonzo Ball and the UCLA Bruins in the Sweet 16 saw his draft stock sky rocket and eventually land him inside the top five.
Fox is a walking, breathing example of the phrase "hard work pays off". It seems as if success follows Fox wherever he goes. His impact on a basketball team is incredible, just how incredible? In 2015-16, Fox led his high school team, Cypress Lakes, to the 6A state quarterfinals. In 2016-17, without Fox, the Spartans finished 6-23, second to last in District 17-6A. Given, it is hard to replace 31.3 points per game, his impact is undoubtedly huge.
However, what's most impressive about Fox is not his basketball skills, despite being an incredible talent, it's how relatable and genuine he is. In a draft full of larger than life personalities such as Lonzo Ball, no player is more humble than Fox. His maturity jumped out from the second he stepped onto the scene. Fans are able to relate to Fox and his caring nature makes him a lovable figure.
Fox is as genuine as they come. He, like most 19-year olds, loves video games. Away from the court, Fox likes to unwind, relax, and game. In an interview with The Undefeated, Fox outlined his love for video games and unveiled his future plans to connect with fans online through gaming.
Despite Fox's dad, Aaron, speaking about his rivalry with Lonzo Ball, Fox has remained relatively silent on the subject. Fox has remained humble throughout his career thus far and has never forgotten where he came from and who helped him get there. In a recent interview on SportsCenter, Fox touched on the fact that his mother has always worked hard to help provide for his family and that she is still currently employed at Walmart. However, that will all change soon enough. Fox claimed that once he was drafted, his mother would never have to work another day in her life. Compare his approach to that of Lonzo and LaVar Ball, how can you not root for the Cy Lakes graduate? I know I will be.
