Frank, according to DeMar DeRozan, was an excellent father because he never missed a basketball practice or contest. In order to guarantee the continued presence of “The Big Dog” at every game and practice, the Chicago Bulls guard tattooed a memorable photograph of his father on his left shoulder.
“Every time I go outside and play, it serves as a constant reminder that you might see him.” “I owe everything to him; without him, I wouldn’t be doing this,” DeRozan told The Undefeated last week, a few days before his Sunday night performance in his homeland of Los Angeles against the Clippers, where he scored 35 points.
On February 19, Frank DeRozan passed away after lengthy battles with multiple maladies. According to the San Antonio Express-News, one of the ailments was a kidney condition. The Concordia Sentinel reports that the father of the four-time NBA All-Star was the first African American to participate in varsity athletics at Vidalia High School in Vidalia, Louisiana.
DeRozan disclosed that his father formerly worked as a videographer for the southern Los Angeles County municipality of Compton. Known by his family and friends as “The Big Dog,” he was renowned for his incessant effort and consistent provision for his household. DeRozan stated that as an NBA player and father of three young daughters, his father’s teachings continue to bear some relevance in his life.
“He sacrificed everything I ever observed him do in order to provide for his family,” DeRozan, 32, remarked. “As children, we did not possess much. Nevertheless, he consistently ensured that we had food and shelter when the need arose. He served as a guardian of the household. Me alone in that room was everything to me…
“He provided me with guidance on how to behave as a man.” Maintain your discipline. Constantly refrain from complaining. You desire to avoid having anyone feel remorseful for you. Understand that you can achieve your goals in life if you desire them. I gained the utmost self-assurance and conviction from him. Regardless of how dire the situation may appear or appear, a positive aspect can always be found with persistent effort. “It is impossible to ever give up.”
From 2009 to 2018, Frank DeRozan was a frequent attendee at Toronto Raptors games when his son was a standout for the franchise. In recent years, however, it was DeRozan, who was a member of the San Antonio Spurs and the Toronto Raptors, who frequently traveled to Los Angeles to see his ailing father. On non-playing days, it was not uncommon for DeRozan to discretely board a private aircraft in order to spend time with his father; he once traveled from Boston to Los Angeles.
DeRozan missed two games for the Spurs in January in order to pay a visit to his father in Los Angeles, California, shortly before his demise. Upon reflection, those journeys are now invaluable.
DeRozan stated, “Even if it were only for a day, I would go just to sit with him.” “Be that inspiration… for him to continue pushing and kicking.” He was put through a lot. Thus, there were numerous activities in which I attended and participated on the day of the contest. It was never a major concern of mine. It was unknown to others, but I seized every opportunity to spend time with him and be in his company because anything could happen; I’m happy I did that.”
Being DeRozan’s former teammate with the Raptors, general manager Marc Eversley of the Chicago Bulls stated that his son’s relationship with his father “meant everything to DeMar.”
“DeMar’s development as a person was significantly influenced by Frank DeRozan,” Eversley told The Undefeated. “He puts his family first.” He is extremely devoted. He exhibits an extreme degree of competitiveness. Nothing matters to him more than winning in the proper fashion. It is apparent in your daily life.”
Face portraits in particular have earned tattoo artist Steve Wiebe a reputation for meticulous craftsmanship. In addition to NBA players such as Damian Lillard, Kevin Durant, and DeRozan, the Canadian’s clientele also includes rappers Future and Nipsey Hussle, celebrities, and professional athletes. After the rapper’s death in 2019, Wiebe also tattooed a face portrait of Hussle onto his companion, the actress Lauren London.
Wiebe stated that he tattooed on both of DeRozan’s limbs for more than ten sessions in the past few years. In June, DeRozan approached him about getting a tattoo on his left shoulder depicting his late father. In addition, he desired “RIP Big Dog” to be tattooed on his left triceps. DeRozan combed through numerous photographs before locating a cherished “old-school” photograph of his father.
“I simply happened upon it while sorting through his photo album after his passing. And it was precisely that one with the old school Afro that caught my attention; it was an exemplary portrayal of him. “I certainly desired that,” DeRozan declared.
Wiebe stated that he has designed over five tattoos for DeRozan, two of which depict the Joker and Malcolm X, respectively. The tattoo of the patriarch required roughly four hours to complete. It took a few weeks to complete the “RIP Big Dog” tattoo.
“We almost always discuss DeMar’s ideas in person,” Wiebe explained. Consequently, my intentions often remain uncertain until I arrive at the destination. However, upon my arrival, he informed me that he was in possession of a portrait of his father and expressed a desire to possess it.
Wiebe stated that although DeRozan rarely displays emotion, it was clear that the tattoo of his father held great significance for him once it was finished. Additionally, it is evident when the shooting guard dons his Chicago Bulls jersey.
“Watching the artwork was akin to beinghold the film Toy Story for the very first time in terms of its impeccable craftsmanship and intricate details.” It was incredible. “It means the world to my family as well, because everyone is aware of his significance to them and to me in particular,” DeRozan continued.
Eversley and the Chicago Bulls are optimistic that DeRozan’s veteran leadership and scoring prowess will be the missing element that restores the illustrious franchise to its former status as an Eastern Conference authority. Eversley’s presence in Los Angeles during free agency, encouraged by DeRozan’s counsel Aaron Goodwin during the offseason, was crucial in his estimation, according to DeRozan. Days later, on August 11, DeRozan and the Chicago Bulls reached a sign-and-trade agreement for a contract worth $85 million over three years. At the moment, DeRozan holds the tenth position among the all-time highest scorers in NBA history.
Eversley asserts that DeRozan is driven to demonstrate to the NBA community that he remains among the league’s elite athletes.
Eversley stated, “He perceived Chicago as a venue where he could reestablish to the nation’s elite what he is capable of accomplishing.” “He appears to be enjoying himself, and winning has undoubtedly contributed to that.” We were successful in persuading him to reinvent himself and prevail. This summer, he was presented with a selection of options, and we are honored that he opted for our services.”
In Chicago, DeRozan formed an organization that included Olympic gold medalist and All-Star guard Zach LaVine, his former colleague from the University of Southern California Nikola Vucevic, and rookie guards Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso. Since 2017, the Bulls have failed to qualify for the postseason, and it has been a decade since they reached the Eastern Conference finals. DeRozan ranks sixth in the NBA with 26.1 points per game on the season ahead of Monday’s matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers.
DeRozan claims to be at ease in the Bulls’ environment, which he characterizes as egoless, youthful, dynamic, optimistic, and complimentary.
“No one is self-centered.” “Everyone wants to play, and it’s evident that we all want to have a good time,” DeRozan said.
An poignant homecoming for DeRozan, his family and loved ones were able to witness the tattoo in person during this week’s Bulls game in Los Angeles.
After Sunday’s game, DeRozan told reporters, “He attended every game.” “One of those games tonight made me wish he were present.”
Although the tattoo honoring DeRozan’s father will serve as a perpetual reminder, DeRozan maintains that he has not yet grieved adequately.
“I continue to feel as though I have not personally coped with it yet. It was difficult to keep everyone around me awake, but my mother, children, and the entire family took it particularly difficult. Moreover, throughout my childhood, my father consistently guided me towards becoming the man after him. I just sort of assumed that burden. “I will confront the situation at some juncture in whatever manner is necessary, even if it means isolating myself in the room and sobbing whenever the day arrives,” DeRozan explained.
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