Biography: The Process by Frank Rosenski

“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen” - Michael Jordan.  

Here, Jordan talks about how some people want, dream, wish, and pray that they will one day achieve their dreams. This is usually the group of people who do not make it. It is only when these dreamers take matters into their own hands, and strive to be the best they can be; then they will achieve their dreams. Everyone has dreams, whether they want to be the next Michael Jordan, or the next President of The United States. Without dreams life would be boring and meaningless. The lack of dreams would cause us to become one dimensional, and have no depth as humans. Thus it can be inferred that dreams are essential to human life, and anyone is capable of achieving their dreams. A prime example of achieving dreams would be the story of Joel “The Process” Embiid.

Childhood

Joel Embiid was born on March 16, 1994 in Yaoundé Cameroon. He was the son of Thomas Embiid and Christie Embiid. He had two siblings named Arthur and Muriel Embiid. Living in Cameroon, the main sports played were soccer and volleyball. Joel excelled both academically and athletically while in school. He was a star midfielder for his school’s soccer club, and was a star player for his volleyball team. Being in Cameroon, basketball was not televised frequently, and there was little to none basketball played. At this time of the year, the NBA finals were going on, and they decided to show a clip of Kobe Bryant. Joel watched this clip and instantly became intrigued with the game of basketball. He decided to pick up one of his volleyballs and shoot it at the rim of the hoop at his high school. From then on, Joel felt a connection between the sport and himself. Pursuing his career in volleyball, Joel played very little basketball. He played after Volleyball practices with his friends, but never considered basketball as a serious sport for himself. (2)

The Camp

Then in the summer of 2011, Luc Mbah A Moute, a professional basketball player from Cameroon, held a camp there. This camp was called the NBA without borders camp. It is designed to allow players from other countries to show their skills, and possibly reach the National Basketball Association. Joel did not really have an interest in signing up for this camp, but his volleyball coach though otherwise. Subsequently, his coach signed Joel up without his permission. Joel felt very uncomfortable and somewhat awkward at the camp. He was skinny, tall, and had very little basketball knowledge. This did not stop Luc Mbah a Moute from noticing his potential. (3)

Physical Prowess

Embiid was an absurd six foot nine, sixteen year old. Not only was he extremely tall, but he was very coordinated and aggressive. Volleyball had taught him to be aggressive and go after the ball. Likewise, the soccer practices had taught him how to have very nimble footwork. These attributes allowed Joel to become a standout at the camp. After the final day, Luc Mbah A Moute tapped on one of Joel’s shoulders, as he was one of the top players in the camp. He was then invited to the NBA without borders camp. Even though Joel was very inexperienced, he held his own at this basketball camp. (2)

Change of Heart

Following the camp, Joel decided to pursue a career in basketball, he repeatedly asked his father for his blessing to allow Joel to play basketball. Each of the times Embiid’s father responded with a no, because he wanted Joel to pursue a volleyball career. Finally one day Joel’s father gave in and gave his son his blessing to play basketball. Joel got the opportunity to play at Montverde Academy in Florida. Which is the same high school that Luc Mbah A Moute went to. Joel had to leave his family, friends, home, and many other things behind in order to pursue his dreams of playing in the NBA. (1)

Practice Makes Perfect

In his first practice on his high school team, Joel was laughed at and made fun of by his teammates. His coach Kevin Boyle told Joel to go out and get a drink. While Joel was gone, he told the others “Laugh all you want, because in five years you are going to be asking him for a loan, he is going to be worth 50 million dollars”. This showed how Joel had tremendous heart, will, and talent. Joel continued to improve on his game all throughout high school. He worked as hard as he could, and as often as he could. The hard work paid off, as Joel was seen as one of the top high school prospects. (2)

College: Unfinished Business

He decided to attend Kansas University. Here Joel went on to have an amazing basketball year. He led his team to a deep run into the march madness. Just when  all his work was beginning to pay off, Joel broke a bone in his foot and was unable to play. Joel was unable to compete for a national championship, and Kansas would end up losing to the Stanford Cardinals. He dropped slightly in the NBA draft, and was selected by the 76ers with the third overall pick. (1)

A Whole New Ballgame

Joel was once again hit with a crushing blow. His younger brother, who was 13, had been killed in a car accident. Joel was heartbroken. He would never be able to do anything with his younger brother ever again. This incident could have caused many to give up and go into a deep state of depression. But Joel pushed through and played for his younger brother. He was once agin injured and unable to play. Joel continued to get hurt and was unable to play for a total of three years.  Currently, Joel never gave up on his dreams of playing basketball, and he now plays for his younger brother. (2)

M.V.P.

From throwing a volleyball at a battered hoop, to sinking the game winning free throws, Joel Embiid has improved his game. Despite starting basketball at the age of sixteen, Joel has proved to himself, and everyone else, that he is one of the best to ever play basketball. He has now been to two all star games, was selected for the 2016-2017 All Rookie First Team, 2017-2018 All Defensive Second Team, and the 2017-2018 All NBA Second Team. Not to mention, he is one of the candidates for this year’s MVP. (3)

Why Are Dreams Important?

There are many questions in life that have a deeper meaning, and can not be answered with a surface level response. These questions are classified as essential questions. Essential question require one to put their life in perspective, and really think in order to answer. There are a myriad of essential questions, but one stands out in particular. The question of “why are dreams important?’ really stands out. Dreams are an essential aspect of life. Without them, we as the human race would not have any desire, or goals. We would be one dimensional, and boring. As for Joel Embiid, his dream of playing in the National Basketball Association came true. Joel is living proof that dreams do come true. Hopefully his story can inspire others to chase their dreams, no matter how impossible they seem.

1. Skipper, Clay. “Joel Embiid on His Dark Days, Astronaut Dreams, and MVP Plans.” GQ, GQ, 25 Oct. 2018, www.gq.com/story/joel-embiid-digital-cover.
2. Powell, Shaun. “Hoops Journey of Philadelphia 76ers Phenom Joel Embiid a Storybook-like 'Process'.” Indiana Pacers, NBA.com/Bulls, 18 Oct. 2017, www.nba.com/article/2017/10/17/joel-embiid-goes-volleyball-star-budding-presence-philadelphia-76ers.
3. “Bigger Than Basketball.” UA Newsroom, about.underarmour.com/news/2018/10/bigger-than-basketball-joel-embiid.