OG Anunoby has hardly had a moment’s rest since hoisting the Larry O’Brien with the New York Knicks earlier this month.
Naturally, there have been media appearances, morning television interviews and open-top parades all around New York City, but he has rarely looked happier than when he was out on the grass at the Citi Field in Queens on Sunday.
Anunoby threw the first pitch ahead of the New York Mets’ game against the Philadelphia Phillies, and was not trying to hide his Mets fandom. Before the game, he took part in a press conference alongside former Mets star Jose Reyes, and explained why he became a fan in the first place.
OG Anunoby on New York Mets, Jose Reyes and MLB 2K8
Despite recently becoming a two-time NBA Champion, Anunoby looked almost starstruck sat next to Reyes. And it wasn’t long before we realised why.
Asked about the origins of his Mets love affair, the 6’7″ wing explained that it all stems from playing videogames as a kid.
He told SNY Mets: “Really just when I was a kid, when I first started playing baseball, one of the first videogames I got was MLB 2K8, and Jose was on the cover.
“And I used to always do franchise mode with him, steal a bunch of bases, get a bunch of hits, win the World Series. And from there, he was my favourite player.”
Perhaps in an alternate reality, OG would be batting for the Mets himself. Though, judging by his first pitch, basketball was the right choice.
His presence on the field would not be enough to spur his team to victory, with the Mets coming out 5-4 losers despite holding an early advantage.
At 28, Anunoby is in the prime of his career. His heroics against the San Antonio Spurs — particularly that magical tip-in during Game 4 — have made him a cult hero in New York.
Usually a man of few words, he has not appeared to struggle with the spotlight MSG attracts. While the Knicks will certainly do some reshuffling this summer as they take aim at another ring, it feels safe to assume the 3-and-D specialist will be staying put.
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