DeMar DeRozan, a seasoned NBA veteran, recently shared his frightening experiences growing up and playing basketball in Compton, California, shedding light on the serious gang threats he faced during his high school years. Discussing DeMar DeRozan’s high school gang threats, he revealed how these dangers forced police escorts during some games, making basketball feel like a battle for survival.
Known as the birthplace of gangsta rap and home to stars like Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar, Compton also has a history of violence and crime, which shaped DeRozan’s youth. As a high school athlete for Compton High, DeRozan’s passion for basketball was fueled by his determination to escape the harsh realities surrounding him.
Facing Life-Threatening Situations on the Court
DeRozan described the intense pressure of competing in hostile environments where gang rivalries were a constant threat. He said the usual loud NBA crowds pale in comparison to the atmosphere he encountered during high school games in Compton. The stakes felt extremely high as he navigated these dangerous situations.
I don’t wanna keep living the way I’m living, going back to Compton,
DeRozan said.
I was so fearful of continuing that part of my life that it drove me to give everything I had every time I went to go hoop. Some people have that confidence when they go out there; mine was the fear of not wanting to fall back into the environment I was in.
—DeMar DeRozan, NBA Player
This fear was not unfounded. DeRozan recounted how every opposing school presented a new challenge because of the presence of local gangs. Sometimes, when his team arrived at games, they faced threats or even physical attacks just for stepping off the bus.
Every high school we used to go to, we had to deal with whatever gang was at that high school,
he said.
So we gettin’ off the bus, we could be gettin’ banged on by another hood from that school. There’s been times I played at certain schools, and the whole row be gang members, and they get to yellin’ like, ‘You make the next shot, you ain’t makin’ it out of here.’
—DeMar DeRozan, NBA Player
Police Escorts and Early Departures Became Necessary for Safety
DeRozan explained that these threats often escalated to the point where local law enforcement had to step in to protect his team. There were occasions when police escorts were essential to get the players out safely after games in hostile areas. To avoid confrontations or violence, his team occasionally left the arena before the game officially ended.
Despite these dangers, DeRozan’s commitment to basketball never wavered. His drive to avoid falling back into Compton’s violent environment pushed him to excel on the court. After high school, he continued his career at USC before advancing to the NBA, where he has been selected for six All-Star games and played for teams in Toronto, San Antonio, Chicago, and most recently, the Sacramento Kings.
The Lasting Impact of a Tough Upbringing on DeRozan’s Career
DeRozan’s experiences growing up amidst gang threats in Compton have left a permanent mark on him, influencing his resilience and mental toughness. The challenges he faced as a young player dealing with real-life dangers explain the calm and composed demeanor he displays during NBA games.
These early trials not only shaped his basketball journey but also serve as a reminder of the obstacles many athletes overcome outside the spotlight. DeRozan’s story highlights the impact of environment on youth and the power of sports to provide an escape and motivation for a better future.