From Undrafted to Hall of Famer: The Inspiring Story of Ben Wallace - 'The Chosen One'

AND1 Entertainment premieres 'The Chosen One,' a mini documentary on the story of Ben Wallace and his inspiring journey - from his HBCU experience at Virginia Union to his shot at the league, as told by the legend himself.
This year will mark the 20th anniversary of Wallace’s championship victory with the Detroit Pistons in 2004. AND1 recognizes there is no better time to celebrate the first and only undrafted Hall of Famer that donned their shoes during his storied career in the NBA.
While Wallace was known for sporting the AND1 Chosen One sneakers on the court, Ben also embodies AND1’s values: raw talent, dedication, and an unmatched work ethic. This powerful combination led the undrafted player to beat the odds by becoming an NBA champion and four-time Defensive Player of the Year.
The celebration comes on the heels of AND1’s milestone 30th Anniversary last year. AND1 is excited to continue its legacy of honoring the people and communities that built the brand, fostering the love of the game, and ushering in new, raw talent.

[@Hamiltonworld810]

As a Michigan native, it was a pleasure growing up in the era of Ben Wallace one of the best centers the Pistons ever had!!!

[@russca67]

FACTS!!!

[@shammyshammy407]

THEE best Pistons center!! 🤙🏽

[@Brocuzgodlocdunfamdogson]

The day he left was painful. Not just because he went to the Bulls…it was also the same day Steve Yzerman retired. As a Detroit sports fan, that day sucked. The end of two eras, neither team has been the same since.

[@DELICIOUSSSBOSTONCELEBRITY]

❤❤❤

[@justinduff4496]

Miggy, Lidstrom, Big Ben, and Megatron. We may not have much recent success, But what a Mount Rushmore of athletes to see preform for this City

[@turkeyman631]

It's not everyday that a player can bring fans in because of his defense... Man was a special player.

[@rjjaxx9135]

Beast!!

[@joannlaney1237]

One of the greatest Detroit piston to ever play the game on the court. He was humble & didn't back down to no one. He's a true started from the bottom to the top a champion & HOF'er. Detroit was the bad boys of basketball & one of the most hated teams. They fought with every team. Lol 😂 A true fan for life. Love this short documentary. Please share more.

[@glee7086]

Facts

[@JoroEdde]

Back when Basketball was enjoyable to watch.. I miss my childhood

[@Billyshatner88]

Best thing about the about Big Ben Wallace is hes just a regular good dude never had that ego like he was better then anyone else never flaunting his success just living a avg everyday life like any other working man hes probably 1 of the most relatable nba stars ive ever had the pleasure to run into

[@Gospel169]

From undrafted to the Hall of Fame.. wow! what a success story.. Never count yourself out 🙏🏾

[@georgiosgrigoriadis6200]

The Going to work Pistons were one of my favourite NBA teams of all time. Teamwork, defense, chemistry, brotherhood.

[@danferris5158]

I sing that at work all the time. Lol # Going to work, 😆

[@AnnoDomini97]

Big Ben was a Beast!! Old school tough in the paint baller.

[@turkeyman631]

I think thats part of the reason I just dont resonate with the game these days. It's too much shooting from the outside and not as tough as it used to be. I think thats why a lot of these Europeans are doing so well. Just way more physical than a lot of the guys these days.

[@uriahhudson7117]

Ben Wallace was a football player playing basketball! greatest defensive player in my generation! He was barely 6'9 battling giants like Shaq and Ben would make Shaq look like a Bench Warmer big out on the court! When Ben Wallace got to Detroit I don't think anybody ever dunked on him other than maybe Tracy McGrady!

[@BellyBoy86]

Inspiring! Ben is a true hustle player. He hustled his way to the championship and the HOF.

[@JonAlienAbides]

This man dedicated his game to defense and the boards like no other. He was the epitome of a team player and will forever be the face of 2004 championship squad. The going to work Pistons played team defense better than any NBA team I have ever witnessed. Thank you for your service Big Ben.

[@robertpanetta7912]

Never knew that much about Ben Wallace . I do now. This man embodies the idea of what you can conceive you can achieve. He always had the talent but needed a break . He got that from Unseld. I loved what he said . He would not be out worked . This is the power of the mind pushing you to new heights. I will never forget him and tell his story when I am talking to people that are down on their luck

[@michaelshort2514]

More guys his size should pattern themselves after big Ben. He is a winner. Never complained, plays hard every night. Didn't try to shoot. Rebounding monster, set picks, block shots. Stuff that wins games. I'm 53. Always appreciated Ben Wallace game. Everyone can't be lebron, Jordan...

[@annagrace1159]

Humble giant. No weakness. Hard working. Cares less about fame or notariaties in the limelight. Just let the work experiences tell the true stories of a man's wins 🏆 and loses ❤

[@isitrachelorj3953]

Not enough players are humble, unselfish and disciplined enough to play as Ben played.

[@PinealDreamin]

Damn that was so good. Ben Wallace will forever be one of my favorite players. Legend.

[@CraigsCuts]

I’ll never forget … from VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY BBB BEN BBBBBBBBBWWWWWWALLLLLLACCCCCCEEEEE!!!!! Fear the fro forever ❤️ 🏀

[@LoScrila84]

Salute to this Guy! A beast!

[@kitwanatyhimba5247]

Beautifully inspirational story ♥️🤍✨❗️

[@youtuberabbithole6002]

Ben Wallace is a legend and represented Detroit with class. What a remarkable human being 🙌🏼

[@BEEZE825]

Why you whites keep saying class? He is a man!

[@PopTrunx]

Ben with the big gold belt 🫡

[@youngharryo7035]

Hes in my top 5 of centers

[@J-Bo-hr9zp]

He was a pf though

[@bjgreenthumb4988]

As a big guy always looked up to him

[@robotclark]

The 2004 Pistons were one of the great teams, they played together as a one unit, and beat a collection of Hall of Fame players, and as a LAL fan, broke my heart: Respect.

[@jeffreyheerspink3152]

Ben: thank you for being GREAT!!! You were the heart and soul of the Pistons, and I loved every minute of it!!!

[@angelacouncil1092]

My brother Ben Wallace ,you graced the game of bball with humble ness that Bamastyle, Tremendousl Journey to the HALL ,you where defensively different ,beast defensive masterclasses ❤.

[@mikecalkins6467]

NOBODY SINCE BIG BEN HAS REPRESENTED DETROITS' "GOING TO WORK" MENTALITY.

[@annagrace1159]

💯

[@brandonjohnson8966]

Calvin Johnson Nicklas Lidstrom

[@alexstahl6361]

B b b b b b BIG BEN WALLACE - Dong Dong Dong…. Him and Chauncey Billups were my hero’s in 6th grade! Go Pistons and bring back And 1 mixtape tour :)

[@user-jd3cq5xh3o]

Chauncey was an animal in that era, sliding up on legends and rocking them to sleep

[@AccentBwoy]

Dnt forget rasheed Wallace n rip Hamilton too

[@tavonburns3905]

Deeeeetroiiiiiiittt!!! BASKETBALL

[@Kpt.Krunch]

Growing up. When I said Big Ben, this is who tf I was talking about

[@figo007tv]

Pause

[@popireal3628]

@@figo007tvstop

[@SC_310]

@@figo007tv you can come out the closet any time

[@Virgoindigo]

The one and only!

[@lequedicatsamarge4228]

One of the most inspiring athletes I know. I had two posters on my wall, one was KB8 and the other one was him. As a center myself I always aspired to hustle the way Wallace did and just loved the energy.

[@Bylug706]

I became a music and sports fan around my 12-13 (2003)birthday. 50 was my favorite rapper and the Pistons was NBA team and the Falcons was my NFL teams.

[@frankmontano3592]

Ben Wallace one of my favorite NBA players, I love Ben’s attitude on the court, besides his phenomenal skills as a center.

[@MH-bv3hc]

Man I remember being in 8th grade when Detroit won the championship. One of my all time favorite teams to watch and big Ben was my favorite piston

[@AGsosa]

thanks big ben for helping us win that chip🏆we still act like it was yesterday here in detroit😂💯we will never see another ben wallace

[@tschristynslays]

on behalf of all Detroit, thank you. i was in prison the whole run so i only got to see 4-5 games but each and every game we was able to watch Ben was clutch. again, thank you.

[@harvdagreat8144]

Ben was a beast a legendary player ❤️❤️💯💯🔥🔥🔥

[@Carlogambino12381]

As a lifelong pistons fan this man was a beast and a great human being

[@JasonPutschker-xw9uf]

Man I'm 36, and 1 was the king in the 90s! Those were the days of putting in the work and making something for yourself with zero social media. Hand held camcorder, hard work, dubbin to VHS and making copies upon copies for college submissions. I would love to see some of the greats college submission tapes for acceptance for the ones that had to.

[@jaymurray5515]

Born n raised in Detroit Ben Wallace is the one n only Pistons jersey I've ever owned wish I still had it. Congratulations BIG BEN AND THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WORK YOU PUT IN TO MAKING OUR TEAM GREAT THE RIGHT WAY DEEETRRRROOIIT 🏀!!!!! 💪🏾💜

[@Ryy_Ryy]

Being from Detroit, went to 2 of the 2004 home finals games. I was like 13-14 years old. This era of the pistons was everything i loved about basketball. Hard. Tough. Defense FIRST. and playing as a unit even with the bench. Ben was the player I wanted to be. Absolute DOG. I love when the sports team embrace toughness and defense. That's real grit to me. Holding a Kobe and Shaq led Lakers team to like 60 points in a finals game is way more impressive than a team putting up 140 pts in todays game IMO. Ben and Chauncey are two of my favorite players of all time.

[@fleesti_fit]

Wish they showed some highlights at the end but great piece 🙌🏼

[@ornentertainment4755]

Salute to you Big Ben Fear The Fro to the opposing team👊🏾💪🏾!! Definitely was a pleasure watching you win back to back championships with our Detroit Pistons and playing with other teams before hanging up the jersey🫡💯!! Enjoy your Legacy Fam!!

[@acostanostra90satx]

Yes sir you left a LEGACY, remember him playin San Antonio Spurs Be be be be Ben Wallcae , that announcer was dope 🤙

[@davidwebb87]

great player and human being.

[@tookay4ever]

Back when I began playing basketball I was rather heavier and I always used his box out method to get a lot of boards for my team even though I was 6’1” 340 lbs 🤣 college I dropped 75 lbs and grew an inch so it was a bit easier but I was held back due to academic stuff. Chose to go the school route rather than playing ball and I regret it totally lol I still got a wicked lay up but that’s about all I got left

[@Steve_McNair_--]

The only man to literally block shaqs shot and put shaq on the floor with one hand

[@BEEZE825]

Yao did it

[@db3467]

A fan used to hang Ben Wallaces jersey outside his window of his house.. Ill never forget that driving by there for years seeing that jersey of Big Ben.

[@SuperMike677]

This man right here put the Pistons on his back with his hard work and defense! Nothing flashy with Ben, all hard-nosed and dirty work. He epitomized Detroit all the way! Forever a Detroit Legend!

[@pmccoy8924]

I know a guy who was on his JUCO team in Ohio. Said he was just as dominant then and would constantly want him to fed that ball. As Michigan native it was a blessing to be able to watch him.

[@ripbrutus]

Born and raised in Michigan that 04 squad was one of my favorite teams to watch the defense was a beast!

[@anbs1682]

Ben was one of my favorite players in the league MJ, Dr. J, AI, The Greek Freak, Kobe, and Big Ben.

[@blackwolfmane4532]

I admire guys who are successful without scoring the ball,and end up being a legend salute to Ben

[@Dongissilver]

Serious business❗️I wish I could see Ben and Rashid running a fast-break❗️🤝👋🤣

[@sairgesaldivar2771]

Your the best basketball player ever 😊😊

[@Torgo1969]

I only occasionally follow the NBA but I remember Wallace as a defensive standout and unsung hero back in the day.

[@danferris5158]

He was/is HIM. 313 for life ❤ Thank you for the amazing memories 🙏

[@WakeTheFUpBro]

this MAN is a true person, true soul...

[@ColinCaptures]

This was amazing. Ben deserves all the praise. Real one

[@broderickarmbrister7674]

Amazing video and message.

[@darrenmurphy7410]

Incredible talent & drive. Defensive stalwort & rebounding machine. It was an absolute honor to be able to see him wear that beautiful red/white/black, Bulls jersey. Thank you for your service Big Ben.

[@allhailxerxes3309]

Dallas Mavs fan, Respect to Ben Wallace 💯🔥

[@user-qr4gm2wq7q]

The chosen one ❤

[@jfoster1433]

Thank you for the years Ben in Detroit! Bringing that blue collar Bad Boy mentality back!!!💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@HamzaSayyid]

He will forever be a Detroit Legend!!

[@skell122]

I remember wearing ben wallace shoes while he was with the pistons a real beast on defense

[@tylerjohnson5944]

If someone who is one player that was nothing and made himself something cold 🥶 heartedly its him from LA fan but from FL

[@nirvanaguitar]

My absolute favorite basketball player.

[@dionellwalker9762]

From Barco Stevens Hall on the campus of Virginia Union to the Palace to the Hall of Fame, Congrats Big Ben

[@Natescoop8800]

Thats so awesome sheed got everyone a strap for winning the ship❤

[@johnnycashh7148]

Always enjoyed Ben's style, strength and ball attitude!!

[@johnfrawley5706]

hard work pays off

[@adrianojames8388]

Where is the game FOOTAGE of Big Ben ?? Don't care about the shoes , this guy was the "Aircraft Carrier of Centers " back in the day!!!

[@yourwhateverhomegirl]

U know the nba was not about to release the ok to use there footage. 😂

[@snoozelp1]

​@@yourwhateverhomegirl that part lol

[@AccentBwoy]

@@yourwhateverhomegirl why

[@Illigrown]

@@AccentBwoygood question to ask the NBA. They took the rights away from Chris Smoove too and all he did was quick summary highlight videos. I haven’t been able to keep up with the league since they pulled that shit. NBA wants to limit their audience/reach apparently 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@josephbrown8482]

Ben was a Beast. Much Much Respect.

[@isitrachelorj3953]

A lot of more talented players, not many have Ben's heart, desire and discipline!

[@Roland_Bishop662]

The afro made him seem taller than he already was

[@TimiO47]

those And1 shoes WALLACE had I always wanted them! with the blue tips

[@kendrasmith8087]

He is so humble.

[@user-vw5cf5iw7t]

And1 should make documentaries

[@Anthonyj-rj3yg]

Miss the And1 tours

[@wisefull]

Big Ben still is huge. he changed the game just like Rodman changed it too. difficult to imagine that player with no shot could dominate the game for a couple of seasons

[@jake61072]

Best nba defenseman ever

[@jumondnorman2359]

He’s a goat for sure

[@gulfwarvet5710]

Thank you for blessing us Big Ben!

[@jrocc_kmh]

Bring them and 1 shoes back straight 🔥

[@xtendox]

My favorite hooper of all time. I moved around a lot at a young age between different households, different states, different families, but when I got to Detroit something about Big Ben made me obsessed with the Pistons. I dressed like him, grew my hair out like him, always picked number 3 like him, and always took pride as a defender in every sport.

[@Damone2020]

He was that good. He kept my Lakers from winning a championship and for us going a four-peat

[@AdolfoMoreno-qz4kd]

"embrace the struggle"

[@Robinhim2002]

I am, like many, a Jordan's Bulls guy, but that Detroit team is one of my favorite teams and I rooted for them ..Billups, RIP, Wallace X2 and the Prince!

[@garrettwilliams2144]

Congratulations Ben you deserve it

[@chrisdemboski8111]

Ben Wallace is a beast. The only issue I see with him is that, he says “you know” a lot. Just playing. Love ya BiG Ben.

[@Brocuzgodlocdunfamdogson]

The day he left Detroit for Chicago was the same day Steve Yzerman retired. As a Detroit sports fan, I didn’t even want to get out of bed that day.

[@Gathead36]

BIG BEN!!!!!!!

[@EddieMalone-uu8on]

Ben and that Afro was always one of my favorites

[@IsmailAbdulMusic]

I met big Ben Wallace while walking in Great Lakes Crossing Mall in Pontiac/Auburn Hills, Michigan. He was with a lady (i think it was his wife). Real cool guy and he said he would stream some of my music

[@MikeNmurdoc]

We need to talk about what it was like being in the Palace when that Big Ben bell would ring! Quite literally some of the most hype moments of my childhood

[@bounceback9092]

When the Fro was out we knew it was on. Big Ben true Bad Boy for life Motor City baby 🫡

[@romeotate9169]

One of my all time Favorite Big Ben was a Beast 💪🏾💯💪🏾💯

[@anthonytripp2251]

He was a total work horse, old school Rock of Gibraltar like Maurice Lucas.

[@slimdudedude7086]

He was in VA..that Maybach he had was crazy two tone early 2000s some his ppl was still here

[@LindaGordon-vp2sz]

You deserve the praise Ben you're from my home Town lowndes county

[@ayewhaddupdoe]

My favorite Piston of all time. Just the way that man carried himself was championship material from the jump. Hard working, no ego, didn't let nobody mess with his teammates, etc. Truly a top 10 big all time for me. I know some folks could list 10 guys they think was better, but big ben was such a great defender for his size and would have double the boards of the best guy on the opponents team most the time. The craziest part to me though is that he might not even get minutes in todays game because of how much the game changed.