The young man was so eager to become a sports journalist that before his senior year in high school, he contacted the Piston Powered website, a fan page for los Pistons. Although he grew up in Florida, he was a huge fan of the Detroit franchise from the time they won the ring with Chauncey Billups in front.
At first they did not authorize him to do so, but when he turned 17 he asked again. He would write a blog for no pay, and while he was still playing at a low level he signed up for the Central Florida University to be a sports journalist.
They are going to write a movie about his life. It’s the american dream
Four years have passed and Preston is one of the sensations of the ‘March Madness’ now enrolled in the Ohio University and he’s about to go from being an NBA blogger to an NBA player. The scouts have him booked and aim for second round of draft.
The 1.93 point guard averages 16.6 points per game and, with 7.2 assists, is among the best college passers in the United States. Some say it reminds them of Jason Kidd. Others compare it to LaMelo Ball for his fanciful game and his wild hair.
But it was impossible to foresee such a career, which until recently was anonymous and has been growing based on coincidences. Like when one summer he decided to go to a tournament in Georgia, and you almost forgot your gaming shoes.
There he attracted attention, but he did more when uploaded a video with its highlights to the Internet. A former Ohio University coach was astonished.
His arrival even caused a team rule to be changed: from then on, you could jump the ball. It is usually a common way to lose possession, but with Preston you had to make an exception, as he always made the right decision.
The point guard also stood out early for his great pick and roll reading. As a child he spent hours watching Chris Paul and LeBron James videos about it.
Journalists and scouts, pending him
At the University he enrolled in sports management. Your wish is become an NBA scout in future. During these days, the two professions he wants to practice will be watching him: journalists and scouts.
To close the circle, already The only thing missing is that the Pistons chose him in the draft.
“I have trouble looking back. I still have so much more to do. I’m not done yet … We didn’t come here just to play a single game. We come to make some noise”, assures Preston about their aspirations in the March Madness, in which they have already defeated Virginia and they will face Creighton in the second round.
In case his story wasn’t eye-catching enough, the base lost his mother to cancer when he was 16. Basketball was the lifeline to hold on to. Now everything he gets he dedicates to her.
“They are going to write a movie about his life. It’s the American dream.”, assures his coach, Jeff Boals. He may even end up writing it himself.