Why I Chose Number 2 at Duke: A Story of Family, Legacy, and Loss

As I stood at the front of the room, the weight of the moment hit me. A new chapter was unfolding before my eyes, and yet, it felt as though I was standing on the precipice of something much bigger. My decision to wear number 2 at Duke University wasn’t just a simple choice of a jersey number—it was a decision steeped in family, legacy, and personal loss. When I looked at the number 32, which was available to me as I entered Duke, there was a sense of honor. It represented greatness, achievement, and a storied tradition that would make any player feel proud. But it was number 2 that called to me, a number that carried with it a deeper, more personal meaning.

It’s easy to see a jersey number as just a number, something a coach assigns, or a symbol to represent an athlete on the court. But for me, number 2 isn’t just a number—it’s a story. It’s a tribute. It’s a piece of my past and a connection to everything that has shaped me into who I am today. I didn’t make the decision lightly, and in the end, number 2 became much more than a mere choice. It became an anchor to a legacy that I wanted to honor and carry forward.

Family: The First Seed of My Decision

When you’re a kid, the world feels enormous, but also strangely small, and everything revolves around your family. For me, my family wasn’t just my support system—they were my foundation. My parents instilled in me the belief that everything I do should be for the ones who came before me and the ones who will follow. Growing up, I always admired the athletes who carried their family’s name with pride, who honored their history and the work that came before them. I wanted to do the same, but with a twist—I wanted to carve my own path while also ensuring that the legacy of those who helped shape me was never forgotten.

The decision to wear number 2 at Duke was deeply rooted in the influence of my family. My father, who played college basketball at a small but competitive school, wore number 2 during his playing days. It wasn’t the most famous or flashy number on the court, but to him, it was a representation of his work ethic, his dedication, and his love for the game. He wasn’t a star player by traditional standards, but he was the kind of player who earned every minute on the court. His number 2 wasn’t flashy, but it was consistent, hard-working, and reliable. It became a part of who he was and everything he taught me.

As a child, I remember watching my dad in our backyard, teaching me how to shoot, pass, and dribble. He would always remind me that the game wasn’t just about talent—it was about perseverance and commitment to becoming the best version of yourself, both on and off the court. The more I learned about basketball, the more I understood how deeply this philosophy resonated with him. I wanted to carry forward that same spirit of hard work and dedication, and I felt that number 2 was the perfect way to do it.

Legacy: The Power of Numbers

When I first heard about the possibility of wearing number 32 at Duke, it felt like an honor. Number 32 at Duke is one of those numbers that transcends the game of basketball. It represents greatness—it represents the rich history of a program that has seen so many incredible players wear it and make their mark on the world. It’s a number that has been worn by legends, and stepping into that number would have been an incredible opportunity. But when I reflected on it more, I realized that number 32 wasn’t my story to tell. It wasn’t my legacy.

Instead, number 2 felt like the perfect fit for me. It wasn’t about replicating someone else’s success or trying to step into shoes that weren’t my own. It was about honoring my own journey, my family’s journey, and the values that have shaped me. I didn’t need a number with a historic pedigree to feel worthy. I already had the support of my family, the guidance of my coaches, and the love of my community. What number 2 represented to me was an opportunity to create my own legacy—one that I could build with every step I took on the court.

I often think about how the greats of the past, from Michael Jordan to Kobe Bryant, forged their own paths. They wore numbers that became iconic, but it wasn’t just about the number itself—it was about what they did with it. I knew that if I wore number 2, I would have the chance to leave my mark, to inspire the next generation of players who might find inspiration in my journey. But number 2 wasn’t just a vehicle for my own aspirations. It was also a tribute to my father’s quiet strength and my family’s unspoken legacy. By wearing number 2, I wasn’t just carrying my own dreams; I was carrying theirs as well.

Loss: Honoring a Memory

The decision to wear number 2 wasn’t made solely out of respect for my family or a desire to honor a legacy—it was also a way for me to carry the memory of someone I lost too soon. My older brother, who passed away several years ago, was my first basketball mentor. He wasn’t just a role model to me—he was my best friend, my confidant, and the person who truly understood what it meant to be part of a team. He wore number 2 when he played basketball, and in many ways, it was his number, even more than my father’s. My brother’s untimely passing left a void in my life that I still feel every day. But it also left me with a powerful reminder: life is fragile, and nothing is guaranteed. We must cherish the moments we have and honor those we love in the ways we can.

When I thought about number 2, I wasn’t just thinking about the traditions of my family. I was thinking about my brother, and about how he had always been there to push me to be better. He believed in me before I even knew what that meant. And as I grew older and became more involved in basketball, his influence was always there—whether through the games we used to play in the driveway or the countless hours he spent helping me refine my skills.

Wearing number 2 felt like a way to keep my brother’s memory alive on the court. It was a subtle, yet powerful way to carry him with me every time I stepped onto the hardwood. Every time I laced up my shoes and put on my jersey, I would know that I wasn’t just playing for myself. I was playing for him, too.

The Meaning Behind the Number

Choosing number 2 at Duke wasn’t just a matter of choosing a jersey—it was about choosing a path, a legacy, and a story that meant more to me than anything else. It was about honoring the values that my family instilled in me, the lessons my father taught me, and the memory of my brother who shaped me in ways words can never fully express. It was about carrying forward a legacy that would make them proud, while simultaneously carving out my own journey as an athlete and as a person.

In a sense, number 2 is a reminder that basketball is more than just a game. It’s a symbol of who I am, where I’ve come from, and where I’m going. It’s about hard work, perseverance, and the love of the game. It’s about honoring those who came before me and carrying their lessons with me every step of the way.

So when I put on that number 2 jersey at Duke, I’m not just wearing a number—I’m wearing a story. It’s a story of family, of legacy, and of loss. And it’s a story that will continue to unfold with each game I play, each practice I attend, and each moment I cherish on this incredible journey.