Thanks to D’Moi, BVI is now Lakers territory
Although they were supporters of other NBA teams, many Virgin Islanders have declared that they have proudly switched their allegiance to the Los Angeles Lakers — the top basketball team that recently recruited D’Moi Hodge.
Hodge, who recently started playing NBA games for his new team, returned home to a hero’s welcome on Saturday July 22, where he participated in a motorcade with his family, residents and a number of government and sporting officials.
Since D’Moi’s historic entry into the NBA — the biggest basketball league in the world — a number of residents have stated that the Lakers now hold a special place in their hearts as they find themselves rooting for the team while cheering on D’Moi during games.
At the welcome ceremony held in Cane Garden Bay, Premier Dr Natatio Wheatley said he has switched his allegiance a few times but stated that he is now a Lakers fan because of D’Moi.
“I definitely wasn’t a Lakers fan because the Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs would battle in the playoffs and it hurt my soul when the Spurs lost. But I can tell you right now, the moment D’Moi got that two-way contract with the Lakers, I became a Lakers fan,” the Premier said as the audience laughed. “Only now, I’m telling you. Right now it’s all about the purple and gold.”
D’Moi receives cash awards
In addition to being showered with praises, love and well-wishes, D’Moi received a few cash awards, including a grant of $20,000 from the government. Premier Wheatley announced that the grant is part of the government’s new VI Bassadors Program. He also received a $5,000 award from the National Bank of Virgin Islands, which has sponsored D’Moi on many previous occasions
The Premier added that a basketball court next to the community centre in Cane Garden Bay will be named in honour of D’Moi.
When speaking to the audience that came out to celebrate him, D’Moi encouraged aspiring youngsters to focus on good values and attitudes as they strive to become well-known athletes. He said though talent will get you noticed, “it’s the little stuff” that matters once you achieve your dreams at the highest level.
“The NBA teams don’t mind if you can score 30 points, they really look at the little things you do to get where you are. Find the little thing you can do well and excel in that. Teams don’t look at you like someone who is going to score 50 points,” D’moi explained.
He continued: “They’ll say ‘we need somebody who will come in and do the dirty work — who’s going to be a good teammate, laugh, smile and encourage everybody.’ It’s the little things that make you excel in the world and I feel like everybody doesn’t know that.”
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Congratulations – someone we can be proud of. I imagine it took hard work and dedication to be able to play professionally at that level.
On a second note – upon seeing the picture I note the background and wonder if First Bank will ever get that ATM machine back working? Stark contrast to this young man’s success and dedication versus the indifference and ineptitude of our banks here!
While I am proud of the young man, we need to understand that he is playing for the Lakers minor league team, not the LA Lakers, he may one day get called up but he’s currently playing in the G-league.
Please understand the difference.
He is still a step away from the (lights)
@B
Which team are you playing for? Major or Minor.
Let people enjoy things, and celebrate their own.
What step are you in?
A Jealous you are JEALOUS. We know where he is playing which is far more than you will make it. Stop the negative comments and go back in your shell.
No we not. Congrats to the young man though.
Congrats to him and all the best. I am conflicted though I want to root for him I just hate that weak pansy Leflop James. Dude flops if a mosquito flys by……
THANKS GOE SITTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT , BECAUSE ITS NOT EVERYONE KNOW THAT , I AM ONE WHO THOUGHT HE WAS IN THE BIG LEAGUE , BUT YOU EXPLAINED IT PROPERLY AMSI DON’T MIND THOSE IDIOTS WHO OBVIOUSLY DIDN’T GET THE MESSAGE OR JUST PLAIN IGNORANT ( WE HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS A LOT OF IGNORAMUSES ON THE LOOSE THESE DAYS ) ANYWAY LETS WISH HIM ALL THE BEST , AND HOPEFULLY HE GETS UP THERE AND EXPRESS HIS SKILLS TO THE WORLD AND THAT WILL PUT HIS NAME AND COUNTRY ON THE HISTORY BOOKS IN A POSITIVE LIGHT
Was never and still not a lebron fan.
2 way contract means he plays for the La lakers to!
This is awesome but these positive stories do not get much comments from the BVI haters who only blog alot of foolishness when something negative happens to the BVI or its people.