Willie Cauley-Stein is a unique basketball player with incredible talent, but if he really had his way, he'd most likely be lining up behind center at the super bowl this coming Sunday. Yep... hard to believe, but Willie's first love involved the gridiron, not the hard court. And in this incredible interview, you'll find there's a whole lot more to him than just basketball, as he delves into his passions off the court, as well as his humble beginnings growing up in a small Kansas town, playing under coach Calipari at Kentucky, and how his life has changed since the birth of his daughter. All that and more is waiting on this episode of The Long Shot. ​

RUNDOWN

Willie and Davis share their backstory of how it all started as high school teammates

On making the transition from a small town (Spearville) to Kansas City as a high school senior

Duncan asks Willie to give his description of the high school Davis Reid

What was the vision behind making the move to KC

Was the NBA even a thought at that point

WCS the football star. Davis paints the picture.

On coach Calipari coming to Willie's football games in HS

The experience of playing at Kentucky for three years

How Kentucky got him ready for the NBA

On dealing with the acceleration of fame at Kentucky

Has it been challenging to tap into his personal interests and passions during Covid

How having a child has changed his perspective 

On the challenge of this unique season and how both the Mavs and Heat are dealing with rough patches 

On the importance of trust and camaraderie within a team

Willie discusses the pivotal moments of his life that acted as a springboard for his success

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices