UNDERSTAND THE GRIND
HARD WORK. DEDICATION. COMMITMENT.
UTG isn’t just a tagline, a mantra, or a motto. It’s a lifestyle approach & attitude that has allowed me to be in the position I am today. It’s a string of 3 powerful words that serve as a constant reminder to never give up. It’s going to be hard, yes. There are going to be times of strife and struggle. Nobody is promised anything – you have to work for it. I worked for it. I spent 4 years at UCLA & slid all the way to the end of the 2nd round in the NBA draft. But I kept working. I stayed ready. I stayed professional.
There are going to be barriers, challenges, and naysayers along the way - but you need to maintain focus. Outside opinions are irrelevant. Hard work breeds success.
JUST REMEMBER: KEEP MOVING AND ALWAYS, UNDERSTAND THE GRIND.
NORMAN POWELL, SF - Portland Trail Blazers
Norman Powell has solidified himself as a trusted option on every team he has played for throughout his illustrious career. After achieving high levels of success playing basketball in high school, Norm had a 4-year run at UCLA in which he led the Bruins to the Sweet 16 in 2014 and was the team’s leading scorer in 2015. He was then drafted in the 2nd round of the 2015 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks; the Bucks traded Powell on draft night to the Toronto Raptors, and he took full advantage of this opportunity.
Norm proved more than capable of handling the pressure and workload in his 2016/2017 NBA Season, and earned a starting position in the Raptors' Eastern Conference playoff push. He improved every year after entering the NBA, even getting a nod for NBA Rookie of the Month in April of 2016, and helped Toronto to their first 50-win season in franchise history. Prior to the start of the 2017/18 NBA season, Norm signed a 4-year, $42M extension. His tenure with the Raptors culminated in an NBA Championship during the 2019 season, the peak of success.
Now a member of the Portland Trailblazers, he's poised to help his new team reach their full potential with his championship experience, and his ability to Understand the Grind.