An Interview with Earl Boykins, a point guard for the Denver Nuggets.
Age: 28
Claim to Fame: At five feet, five inches tall, Boykins is the shortest player in the NBA. Even so, he is among
the top scorers on his team.
Question: When did you first develop a love of basketball?
Answer: I have loved the game since I was just 2 or 3 years old. Back then, it was just fun to be playing. Now,
I love the competition.
Q: Your father pushed you hard in sports when you were a kid. What did he teach you?
A: Two Things; just because you are better at basketball doesn't mean that you are a better person. The second
thing is to always play to win.
Q: Did anyone tell you that you were short?
A: I never had any trouble until I got to the NBA.
Q: What are the pros and cons of being the shortest player in the NBA?
A: You have to be mentally strong, because you are always overcoming other people's prejudices. But being the
shortest player gives me the ability to relate to average people, because I am their height.
Q: What would you say to short kids who want to play basketball?
A: Always work hard and believe in yourself.
Q: Any final words?
A: Education is more important than sports.
-Thank you Shawn W., age 12, Denver, Colorado for encouraging me to do this interview. Thanks!!!
