I recently interviewed Kevin McDuffie, former NBA and professional basketball player. We discussed his journey from childhood to his career as a professional basketball player as well as strategies he used to stay strong, healthy, and competitive.
Kevin grew up in a single mother household with 5 other siblings in Baltimore City. Growing up poor, Kevin realized basketball could be his ticket out of Baltimore and would allow him to do something with his life and for his family. Kevin also saw other players from the Baltimore area such as Muggsy Bouges, Sam Cassell, and Reggie Lewis play basketball in college and make it to the NBA and he used them as motivation to work harder. Kevin McDuffie played high school basketball at Lake Clifton High School where he got ranked as the #1 Power Forward in the country and decided to commit to Northeastern University, where he played until the 1989-90 season. In 1989-90, Kevin played one year with the Boston Celtics and then another year with the Milwaukee Bucks before signing a 10-day contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. After the NBA, Kevin played professional basketball in Europe for 18 years. Kevin played in several countries all over Europe in countries such as Italy, Spain, Greece, Germany, Holland, Belgium, and France. In the Netherlands, Kevin put up stats of 28.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 3.0 steals while winning the all-star game most valuable player (MVP) and leading his team to the championship finals.
After retirement, Kevin started his own basketball camp in Howard County, MD which he runs in the spring and summer, although it has been shut this past year due to COVID-19. Kevin also trains younger basketball players and coaches at Lake Clifton High School where his youngest son currently plays.
As a pro, Kevin always enjoyed taking the time to speak with fans and kids. Growing up as a fan, Kevin understood what it meant for a player to take the time to make a fan’s day. As a trainer and coach, Kevin enjoys motivating younger players, teaching them what it takes to get to the next level, and helping them understand that hard work is the key to success not only in basketball, but in life.
One of the most challenging parts of being a professional basketball player for Kevin was the daily grind and continuous hard work. Being one of the smaller power forwards in the NBA and overseas, Kevin had to work even harder to beat out other power forwards and centers trying to take his spot. Fortunately, with a 46 inch vertical leap, Kevin was quicker and stronger and more athletic than the taller 6’11” and 7’ players opposing him.
Kevin was a Power Forward in high school, college and in the NBA; however, in some overseas leagues he was asked to play the small forward or even shooting guard position. For most players, this would have been a struggle and would take time to adjust to their new positions. Conversely, for Kevin this transition was seamless due to his constant effort to improve his game; he was ready to play any position that was asked of him.
In his junior year at Northeastern, Kevin tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament(ACL) and Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL). Coaches and doctors told him that he would never be able to play basketball at a college level again, let alone at a professional level. These words only motivated Kevin to work harder and prove them wrong; and he did, 6 months after surgery, Kevin was back playing at 100%, which was considered a miracle. Kevin was able to recover from injuries quickly because he always took care of his body. He ate a healthy diet and he didn’t smoke or drink. He constantly stayed in the weight room trying to get stronger to gain an advantage over other players and build muscle around his joints to help absorb damage and shock. Kevin also read a lot and took classes on the anatomy of the human body so he could learn how to prevent injury and get stronger, faster and quicker more efficiently and effectively.
Kevin stresses that young players must listen to and respect their parents. He says parents want the best for their kids and are their childrens’ biggest cheerleader. Also, many parents have been where children want to go and can help guide and direct their children to ensure their child's success. Kevin also believes that young athletes should be humble and respectful.
I really enjoyed my interview with Kevin. I was motivated by the level of discipline and fortitude he had as a basketball player. He was able to overcome the challenges he faced and pursue his dreams. Also, his advice to listen to my parents and be respectful of others resonated with me. I intend to follow that advice and remain respectful of my parents and of others.
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