Hero of the end of the game between Indiana and Golden State Thursday night, Keifer Sykes is not a rookie like the others, in a season like no other in the NBA.
Leaving Green Bay University in 2015 without being drafted, Keifer Sykes (1m80, 76kg) then embarked on an obstacle course to reach the Big League. Accustomed to the Summer Leagues in Las Vegas to show off, the little leader from the red light districts of Chicago had to pack more often than not.
Between South Korea, the Turkish second division, Italy, China then again Italy and Turkey before Greece and finally Australia, he more or less toured the world divided between the quest for more or less lucrative contracts and sufficient exposure to achieve its ultimate goal: the NBA.
Signed for a “two-way contract” by the Pacers last August after a Summer League where he averaged 16 points, 8 assists and 4 rebounds, Keifer Sykes seized his chance during the holiday season, then especially at the beginning of January. With 10 points and 5 assists in a narrow loss to Cleveland, then 22 points, 6 assists in another setback at Madison Square Garden, he did it again back in Indiana for the reception of Brooklyn: 18 points, 5 assists (but a new defeat).
“In my career, I very often heard that I would never be able to play in the NBA. And, honestly, in my mind, I wasn’t sure I’d make it either. But now that it’s real, I don’t even know what I’m supposed to feel. It’s an incredible feeling. All the sacrifices I made, people don’t even know about half of them… All the agents I had to fire because they wanted me to stay overseas to make money for them. My own trainers who wanted to steer me towards Europe when I told them no. I continued to follow my plan and it came true. “
A big shot specialist
His contract guaranteed on December 27, Keifer Sykes can finally breathe a little bit. After six years of roaming and working hard to reach the highest level of world basketball, including a last season with 14 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds in Australia last season, with Adelaide, he seized his chance.
” 100%. I know there is a lot of politics, even for players who play abroad. You can clearly get lost along the way,” he explained on Basket news. “But that’s what made my journey more interesting too because I didn’t land in Europe. It was neither a start nor an end in itself. I played in South Korea, China and I was in the G-League too. My CV is full but above all it takes luck. It’s all about timing and who you know. You really have to bet on yourself. I accepted a lot of low wages and contracts that many would not have accepted. I met a lot of agents and coaches who told me that I would never sign an NBA contract. And some still say it today…”
The 17-year-old father of a boy who will turn 12 next summer, Keifer Sykes has had to prove, time and time again, that his short stature isn’t an insurmountable problem. Forged by his experiences in Europe and in the Euroleague with Milan and Panathinaikos, he has grown in maturity and toughness. He also learned to take in big shots.
Like last summer, when he stood out in “The Basketball Tournament” which he won with Boeheim’s Army (Syracuse alumni including Tyrese Rice), on his decisive shot to win the million dollars at stake for the big winner!
Like last night at the Oracle Arena so…
Her clutch baskets in San Francisco
The trailer for Chi-Town, the documentary that follows him in high school
