Damian Lillard, the newest Point Guard for the Portland Trailblazers, joined Brian Berger to talk about his upbringing in Oakland, his family, and his introduction into basketball.

Brian talked to Damian about his family, his faith, and his childhood. Damian explains that he grew up in a tough area of Oakland and couldn’t go to the local park by himself, so he used a variety of things from a tree in his grandmother’s backyard and milk crates.  By using all of these other things instead of a basketball hoop with a backboard Damian’s shot was much better than most when he was young. Brian asks Damian about his family and how his parents raised him. Damian explains that he’s just like his dad; quiet, honest, and loyal. In addition, he talks about being one of the youngest in his family and that he had to be mature at a young age because of him hanging out with his older cousins. Damian then talks about his faith which he shows on his left arm with a tattoo of his favorite psalm.

They continue on what his college coach Randy Rahe said about his personality and that he was an old soul, and he’s a team guy. Damian explains that comes from his upbringing and that he works hard everyday to get better. In addition, Brian then inquires Damian about his dinner with Blazers’ Owner Paul Allen and GM Neil Olshey. Damian explains that the dinner was mostly about knowing more about him as a person and not about basketball.

You can follow Damian on twitter @Dame_Lillard and listen to the entire interview below.