Jayson Tatum on Gatorade's player of the year Gradey Dick
The Boston Celtics forward spoke to Yahoo Sports' Krysten Peek about the 2022 Gatorade National Player of the Year.
Video Transcript
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KRYSTEN PEEK: All right, you're here with Gatorade, surprising Kansas commit Gradey Dick with the Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year award. What's your scouting report on his game? Because I know he can jump out of the gym.
JAYSON TATUM: I think, more so, it's surprising him with the Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year award. It really kind of took me back, because I've been in the league five years, but I was just in high school seven years ago. So I'm like, I'm not that much older. So I vividly remember when I won that award. And just to see his teammates there and getting surprised like I did, and having his family, and seeing him hold that trophy, that's cool for me to see now that I'm on the other side, presenting the award.
We talked about Kansas a little bit, and what he's preparing for at the next level, and things like that. So I have no doubt he's going to be successful. Obviously, he's worked this hard to get to this point. And the sky's the limit for him.
KRYSTEN PEEK: You won it as a high school player. Now you're the one surprising these guys, just like what you just said. What does it mean for you to be a part of this Gatorade family?
JAYSON TATUM: It means the world to me. When I was in high school, as a freshman and sophomore, I dreamed about winning National Player of the Year-- Gatorade National Player of the Year, and being part of the Gatorade family, and seeing my face on Gatorade bottles. And now that it's a reality. And there's no better feeling than having a dream and achieving it.
So I'm very grateful and thankful to be a part of the Gatorade family and be a part of moments like this, because I know it's something he'll always remember and be able to share with his family, because I know it's something I'll always remember. I still have my Gatorade-- my National Player of the Year trophy with me. So it's just a honor. It really is.