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Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George recently shared a hilarious story about how he believes “holy water” played a role in him making it to the NBA. In an interview on his podcast “Podcast P with Paul George”, the 11-time All-Star confessed to using an unconventional method to boost his chances of fulfilling his basketball dreams.
The Holy Water Incident
As a teenager, George saw an infomercial that advertised free samples of “holy water” delivered to your doorstep. The advertisement claimed that sprinkling this water could bring the blessings of the Holy Ghost.
Intrigued, George decided to give it a try, recalling: “I don’t think moms or pops know that story of me ordering holy water. I was probably like 15-16 years old and this particular infomercial was people having the holy ghost based off of this holy water that you can order. So I’m watching this, and I’m like, ‘Alright, it’s worth a try.'”
George called the number and received a sample of the holy water a few weeks later. He then prayed and sprinkled the water on himself, asking to become the best basketball player he could be and fulfill his NBA dream.
The Aftermath and George’s Growth
After the holy water incident, George experienced a sudden growth spurt and improvement in his game. He had a breakout senior year in high school, averaging 23.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 3.1 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. This led to him being selected 10th overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2010 NBA Draft.
While George acknowledges that the holy water was likely not the sole reason for his success, he believes it played a role in helping him achieve his goals. His father, Paul George Sr., jokingly suggested that the infomercial was the reason his son made it to the NBA.
Embracing the Journey
Despite the unconventional method, George’s story serves as a reminder of the lengths young athletes will go to in pursuit of their dreams. The 34-year-old has since established himself as one of the best players of his generation, making 11 All-Star teams and winning an Olympic gold medal.
As he enters the next chapter of his career with the Philadelphia 76ers, George remains focused on winning an elusive NBA championship. His willingness to try unorthodox methods like using “holy water” as a teenager highlights his determination and belief in the power of positive thinking.
