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 in the Toronto Raptors star-studded rotation. After proving more than capable of handling the pressure and workload in the 2016/2017 NBA Season, Powell earned 5 starts in the Raptor’s Eastern Conference playoff push. Norman has improved every year since entering the NBA, earning NBA Rookie of the Month in April of 2016, and helping Toronto to their first 50 - win season in franchise history. Prior to the start of the 2017/18 NBA season, Norman signed a 4-year, $42M extension with the Raptors.
Now a member of the Portland Trailblazers, he's poised to help the team reach their full potential with his championship experience.
After 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, Norman Powell was drafted in the 2nd round (46th overall) of the 2015 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks traded Powell on draft night to the Toronto Raptors, and Powell has taken full advantage of his opportunity. Now a solid rotation player on a consistent playoff contender, Norman is widely considered the top steal of the 2015 NBA Draft.