Meyers Leonard hits Portland's airwaves

July 2, 2012, 6:52 pm

Sometimes the way a game is played suggests a way to live our lives. New Trail Blazer, Meyers Leonard, joined John Canzano on the Bald Faced Truth to talk about family and being drafted. Leonard talked about thriving in the face of adversity and using social media to reach fans. Leonard discussed the circumstances surrounding his modest Midwestern upbringing, the untimely death of his father and the opportunity it offered to develop the character necessary to succeed at the professional level. Leonard continued by offering his emotions surrounding his brother’s deployment and subsequent return from Iraq.  “It was an honest show of emotions”, Leonard responded when questioned about a surprise return and introduction, by his brother, at a Michigan vs. Illinois game.  As turmoil has defined Leonard’s interpersonal circumstances, basketball has always provided the sanctuary necessary to maintain his sanity.
     
Walking across the stage, to shake David Sterns hand on draft day, offered Leonard an opportunity to begin demonstrating the strength he has developed through enduring the strife that has defined his life, and begin a new chapter. Remembering to shape the bill of his hat, Leonard recalls the experience as overwhelming. Leonard is excited to come to Portland, drawing parallels between his home town of Robinson and his soon to be digs in the rose city,  “it seems like people reach out in Portland like they do in Robinson”. Leonard is optimistic as he believes much of his game will transfer to the professional level, and where it doesn’t he intends to really on his work ethic to bridge the difference.