Sebastian Telfair’s journey to the NBA took an unexpected turn, and in a recent interview on ‘Vlad TV,’ he shed light on a pivotal moment that influenced his decision to skip college and head straight to the professional league.
“No, not really. I have no plans to really go to college. my senior year Robin Isaiah got killed in my building. It definitely, definitely, I’m not going to say sped my decision up, but it made my decision make sense to other people.”
“I remember Rick Pitino came to my house and we had a meeting. If you stand in front of the best player in the country, right? They got him, whatever, right? And they ask, the family asks, is he going to start? And the smart answer is not saying put a question mark behind that. Like don’t.”
“That’s, like, so stupid. I see so many people do that. I’m like, why not say, yes, your son is going to start. I’m going to give him the basketball. He’s going to make us win a championship. I remember my brother Dan, he was like, oh, he’s going to start. And Rick Latino was like, oh, we’re going to.”
Initially committed to playing college basketball at the University of Louisville, Telfair’s mindset was already leaning towards making the jump to the NBA. However, a tragic incident occurred during his senior year that seemed to solidify his resolve. A man named Robin Isaiah was killed in Telfair’s building, adding a layer of complexity to his decision-making process.
Telfair clarified that the incident didn’t necessarily expedite his decision to bypass college, but it provided a sense of validation to those around him. He expressed that, even before the tragedy, he had firmly set his sights on the NBA, conveying his intentions to his mother.
The turning point in Telfair’s college decision involved a meeting with renowned coach Rick Pitino, who was recruiting him for the University of Louisville. Telfair recounted the meeting and highlighted a moment where his brother confidently stated that he would start. However, Pitino responded ambiguously, refusing to make a clear commitment about Telfair’s potential role.
Frustrated by the lack of certainty and perhaps feeling the disconnect between his aspirations and the college basketball path, Telfair made up his mind. He vividly remembered Pitino leaving his house, and in a decisive moment, he closed the door quickly and expressed to his mother that he was determined to pursue the NBA, regardless of where he might be drafted.
Sebastian Telfair was eventually drafted in the first round of the 2004 NBA Draft as the 13th overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers. His professional career spanned over a decade, with Telfair playing for multiple teams during his time in the league.
After his stint with the Trail Blazers, Telfair embarked on a journey that included stops with the Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors, and Oklahoma City Thunder. His NBA journey showcased his resilience and adaptability as he navigated various team dynamics and roles.
Throughout his career, Telfair primarily served as a backup point guard, contributing both as a playmaker and scorer off the bench. His statistical averages over the years reflect a steady and reliable performer, with career averages of approximately 7.4 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.6 rebounds per game.
While Telfair’s numbers might not stand out as eye-popping, his best statistical season came during the 2007-2008 campaign with the Minnesota Timberwolves. In that season, he posted career-high averages of 9.8 points and 5.9 assists per game, showcasing his ability to impact the game as a facilitator and scorer.
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