Russell Westbrook: The inspiring story of NBA superstar Russell Westbrook

By David Bowes

RUSSELL WESTBROOK
 

This book covers the topic of Russell Westbrook and will serve as a biography-to-date of the young NBA superstar! Inside, you will learn about Westbrook’s childhood, his high school and college careers, as well as his time so far in the NBA.

As you will soon discover

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ingram Publishing
• Release date: Dec 24, 2019
• ISBN: 9781761031588

Book preview

Introduction

Thank you for taking the time to pick up this book on Russell Westbrook!

This book covers the topic of Russell Westbrook and will serve as a biography-to-date of the young NBA superstar! In the following chapters you will learn about Westbrook’s childhood, his high school and college careers, as well as his time so far in the NBA.

As you will soon discover, not only has Russell Westbrook achieved incredible things on the basketball court, he has also had a large impact off of the court through his business ventures, and his Why Not? Foundation.

Still early in his career, Russell Westbrook has already achieved a lot. At the completion of this book you will have a good understanding of the life of Russell Westbrook, as well as what might be next for the basketball star!

Once again, thanks for choosing this book, I hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 1: Westbrook’s Life Before the NBA

Professional NBA player Russell Westbrook was born in Long Beach, California on November 12, 1988. His parents are Russell Westbrook Sr. and Shannon Horton. He also has a younger brother named Raynard. Both Russell and Raynard played football during their high school years, but Russell chose to pursue his dream of becoming a professional basketball player.

The Westbrook family lived in an old apartment in Hawthorne, Los Angeles. His mother Shannon would always look for affordable clothes for her sons. His father Russ Sr. had some scrapes with the law when he was younger, so he made sure that his two sons would not do the same. Together, Russ Sr. and Shannon made sure that their sons knew what was right and wrong to keep them away from trouble. Russell Jr. admitted that he spent a lot of time indoors to keep his parents from worrying. He also chose to do the right things because his brother looked up to him as a role model.

Early Life

Westbrook grew up in a family that loved sports. He learned to play basketball under the guidance of his father who was a playground star. He and his brother Raynard used to practice the drills that their father specially devised for them.

Although his parents supported his interest in basketball, they encouraged Russell to focus on academics, too. He was an honor student during his primary grade years.

One sad moment in his young life was the sudden death of his best friend Khelcey Barrs III. They both dreamed of going to UCLA and playing basketball together. Unfortunately, Barr died during a May 2004 pickup game because of an undiagnosed enlarged heart. Nobody knew that he had a heart problem.  Since then, Westbrook has taken to wearing a wristband and sneakers with the initials KB3. It’s Russell’s way of remembering and honorin his best buddy.

High School Career

Westbrook was attending Washington High when his father transferred him to Leuzinger High School in Lawndale, California. Russ Sr. knew that if there was one person who could help his son’s dream come true, it was Leuzinger basketball head coach Reggie Morris. He was in his junior year of high school when he joined the varsity team. He was appointed as the