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Wizards’ Kyshawn George Reflects on Recent Victory and Future Aspirations
TORONTO – As the beats of Sexyy Red’s “Get It Sexyy” echoed through the Scotiabank Arena, Kyshawn George energetically moved around the visitors’ locker room. Despite only contributing five points, six rebounds, and three assists in his recent game, the young forward celebrated alongside his Washington Wizards team after narrowly defeating the Toronto Raptors 118-117. This victory marked a significant moment for the Wizards, as it was only their 13th win of the season and the third time they had achieved back-to-back wins.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, George emphasized the importance of consistency in the NBA. “Our record doesn’t show it, but we’re focused on building habits,” he stated while settling in front of his locker. “It’s crucial to create behaviors that will contribute to our future success.”
George, who was initially selected 24th overall by the New York Knicks in the recent NBA Draft, found his way to Washington through a trade involving the 26th and 51st picks. He officially joined the Wizards shortly after.
The Road to the NBA
At just 21 years old, George is one of five rookies on the Wizards’ roster as the team embraces a rebuilding phase. Heading into his game in Toronto, he was averaging 8.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists over nearly 27 minutes per game, having started 26 of his 56 games this season. He expressed gratitude for the mentorship he has received from head coach Brian Keefe, highlighting how vital discipline and consistent training are in professional basketball.
“You have to maintain your routine every single day, regardless of the game’s outcome — be it a win or a loss, a standout performance, or a quiet night,” George explained. “The key is to return the next day and keep putting in the work.”
A Personal Connection to Toronto
Saturday’s game had a personal significance for George, serving as a sort of homecoming. Although born in Aigle, Switzerland, his roots trace back to Montreal, where his father, Deon George, grew up before pursuing a professional basketball career in Switzerland. Kyshawn grew up in Europe, attending high school in France and later playing a season for the Miami Hurricanes.
His relatives, mainly residing in the Montreal area, celebrated with him during his visit, offering support from the stands. George expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and noted, “Having a great crowd made it even better. It’s wonderful to see the basketball culture thriving in Canada.”
Future Aspirations
With ambitions to connect more deeply with Canadian basketball, George revealed that although he has represented Switzerland at the under-16 level, he aspires to one day play for the Canadian national team. “That’s definitely a hope of mine,” he remarked.
As the Wizards prepare for their next encounter against the Raptors on Monday, George is enthusiastic about continuing to develop both personally and as part of his team’s rebuilding journey.
Source
globalnews.ca