3 minute read
Deion “Shaq” Calhoun
Josh Powell
Advertisement
Q. Thanks for interviewing with us tell everyone who you are and where you’re from?
A. My name is Josh Powell, 2x NBA Champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, Co-Captain forBIG3’s Killer 3s and co-creator of CheMinistry, a relationship platform. I’m also an entrepreneur, philanthropist and my all-time favorite, a Father.
Q. How was your experience with the Lakers?
A. My basketball career with the Los Angeles Lakers was nothing shy of amazing, man! I experienced tremendous growth both as a man and a player as I was a part of an organization that demanded a higher standard of greatness all around. I was inspired to elevate my game and learn from some of the best to do it. I mean when you have a coach like Phil Jackson and a superior staff, and then the icing on the cake, the caliber of players on the roster, you couldn’t help but be great and strive to be better every single day. The team was stacked… from Derek fisher to Kobe Bryant, from Pau Gasol to Lamar Odom... it was an extraordinary team.
Q. Let’s talk about the “Big 3’s Killer 3’s” what’s the meaning behind that and how was it being the co-captain?
A. I’m currently the co-captain for BIG3’s Killer 3s (3-on-3 pro basketball league founded by Ice Cube featuring All-Stars, Hall of Famers and World Champions.) I’ve truly enjoyed the league and competition and it’s great catching up with past teammates and player opponents as we’ve all retired from the NBA.
Q. What made you retire from the NBA?
A. I made the difficult decision to retire from basketball because I wanted to spend more time with my children. I didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to nurture and build relationships with them. During the course of my career and especially toward the end, I spent most of my time building with them from an iPhone and I knew I had to make a change.
Q. Can you give some advice to someone who would want to play basketball?
A. My advice to anyone who wants to play professional basketball is consistency… stay the course. Don’t compare yourself or your journey to anyone because that’s the quickest way to be deterred. Focus on your journey and remain steadfast to achieving your goal.
Q. With social distancing being the normal; what’s the next big step for you?
A. I find true joy in serving the community in various capacities depending on the need. I have a genuine passion to give back to those who are less fortunate or suffer need.
Q. Tell us one of your biggest accomplishments being in the NBA?
A. One of my biggest accomplishments was making it into the NBA. This is the pinnacle of success for a lot of guys and few actually make it this far. Knowing that I put in the work and achieved my goals is priceless. I can pass on the hard work and dedication to my children because I actually made it. Winning two championships is definitely a huge accomplishment but I think that’s everyone’s goal once you actually make it into the NBA, but none of it would be possible if I didn’t get there first.
Q. If you could describe this year of basketball what would it be?
A. The NBA season during the pandemic was some of the best basketball I’ve seen this year. I think because of the pandemic and social distancing rules in place, the players only had one focus and that was basketball. Everyone was competing with a level of intensity at an all-time high. It was great to watch.
Q. Are you working on any new projects for 2021?
A. I’m currently working on several new projects that I’m very proud of. One in particular, I’m the co-creator of CheMinistry, a relationship platform and we’re working on a few different things that we’ll be sharing with everyone real soon. I also want to share my T- Shirt line “T-Shirt Shawdy” where you find words of affirmation for both men and women.
Q. Where can the readers follow you?
A. FOLLOW Me on : Twitter @JP21Reasons Instagram @Josh21Powell FOLLOW CheMinistry @ CheMinistryLive FOLLOW T-Shirt Shawdy @ Tshirtshawdy
