In 2019 Chuma Okeke was dominating during March Madness when the unthinkable happened and he found himself lying on the basketball court in agony.  His mom was watching in the stands and hurried down to be by her son’s side. Wondering if his career was over before it had begun, Chuma began the long road back from an ACL injury and was rewarded for his hard work when he was drafted that same year by the Orlando Magic. Welcome our newest Court-Side Mom, Renee, who talks to us about what life has been like being on this journey with her son..  

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Chuma began playing basketball at the young age of two, started playing organized basketball at age 4 and has never stopped.  Renee takes us through his high school and college experiences, the injury and the decision to declare, draft night and what it’s been like for her to be so involved in the choices he’s made along the way as his mom and his manager. Amidst the pandemic, he signed his rookie contract with the Magic and Renee shares her hopes for the future as her son starts his NBA career.

One of the things that makes our show unique is the opportunity to learn who our sports heroes really are and in today’s episode Renee gives us insight on the real Chuma Okeke - a humble, funny and exciting up and coming NBA star!