"I Used To Play Basketball With An Orange!" - The Untold Story of an NBA Underdog Who Beat All Odds

Jul 15, 2025

01:23:10

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Episode notes

In this powerful episode, former NBA player Alex Acker opens up about his incredible journey from growing up in Compton with almost nothing—literally playing basketball with an orange—to reaching the NBA and beyond. He shares raw stories of his upbringing, the hunger that fueled him, and how his faith and family kept him grounded through life’s toughest moments.

Alex talks about:

What it really takes to make it to the NBA—and why talent alone isn’t enough

Getting discovered at a random Pepperdine pickup game

Practicing with legends like Reggie Miller, Chauncey Billups, and Kevin Garnett

How European basketball challenged and matured him

His honest take on pressure, confidence, and self-belief

Why most pro athletes go broke—and how he’s helping change that with his company Amongst Elite Capital

If you’ve ever chased a dream, doubted yourself, or wondered what separates the 1% who make it from those who don’t—this episode will hit you hard.

Connect with Alex:

Twitter: x.com/ackright

Instagram: instagram.com/ackright/

Connect with Nik: