Tracy McGrady Sheds Light on the Birth of the Ones Basketball League With the Help of His Son: “To Give Them a Platform”

T-Mac is back! 7× NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady was known to be an innovator on the basketball court, and now he’s bringing that same innovative spirit off the court with his brainchild, the Ones Basketball League (OBL). After a successful pilot season, fans eagerly await its next installment. The 45-year-old recently shared a heartfelt video where he discussed the inspiration behind OBL, revealing how his 19-year-old son played a pivotal role in its conception.

McGrady described how his son, deeply engrossed in a YouTube video showing a spirited 4-on-4 street basketball game, unknowingly ignited T-Mac’s vision. Inspired by the raw energy and passion of the players and the crowd, McGrady had a revelation. “There’s a whole underground world of amazing basketball talent out there,” he remarked, envisioning a platform that could elevate these players.

Furthermore, T-Mac expressed his mission for OBL, emphasizing its role in highlighting exceptional 1-on-1 players outside the NBA’s mainstream. “I created OBL to give these players a platform to showcase their skills,” he affirmed, underscoring his commitment to providing recognition and opportunity to athletes who might otherwise go unnoticed.

In its debut season, OBL spanned seven cities, hosting regional tournaments that culminated in thrilling knockout competitions. Enthusiasts from each region witnessed firsthand the intensity and passion of their local basketball stars, crowning the best as the “Ruler of the Court.”

The OBL embodies McGrady’s vision of revitalizing grassroots basketball, offering a stage where players can shine and communities can rally behind their champions.

Tracy McGrady’s Vision for the Ones Basketball League Gains Momentum

In a recent interview with Forbes, Tracy McGrady exuded enthusiasm as he reflected on OBL’s inaugural season, which surpassed all expectations. “OBL has performed even better than we had anticipated,” T-Mac shared, highlighting the league’s early success in showcasing untapped talent. Emphasizing OBL’s role in providing a platform for these overlooked players to shine, “There’s always been incredible talent outside the NBA,” McGrady noted.

Moreover, McGrady emphasized the personal significance of OBL’s mission. Unlike himself, who bypassed college to make his mark in the NBA with the Toronto Raptors, McGrady sees OBL as a platform where new, undiscovered talents can carve out their legacies. “What I’m building with OBL is a platform for these players to create a legacy for themselves,” he affirmed passionately.

However, Tracy McGrady is not only focused on the present success of OBL but also on the future of basketball. As conversations around 1-on-1 basketball have gained momentum, especially among the younger generation—a trend T-Mac is eager to explore further. “I have two sons who play the game, and there’s a lot of buzz around 1-on-1 basketball,” McGrady mentioned, hinting at the potential for this format to shape the future of the sport.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.