How to grow from underdog to basketball and social media icon | The Professor | TEDxDenHelder

[@Zeonick1]

He came to break our ankles, but in the end, he broke our hearts

[@kshardcallendar1433]

Nick Brandon best comment ever

[@loxu6ka]

aahahahahahha YES!

[@chaddysalright8493]

Nick Brandon W

[@RobMonTV]

God do I love the comment section.

[@아싸입니당]

Lol

[@M_Sonata]

Grayson is one of the most genuine, inspiring, and intelligent people you can meet.

[@KenSalaga]

LOL GENUINE his youtube videos are the opposite of that. If you like someone who makes money off of faked videos, be my guest

[@mattwright7689]

Love his testimony. Keep it up Grayson.

[@brooklyn71484]

Kenny Salaga faked??

[@fauzanridwan9729]

@@KenSalaga you think he faked the prison video? U mad or u tight bruh?

[@cecedonna8566]

He managed to make something he loved his job. sounds smart to me.

[@melvillefletcher4332]

I'm extremely impressed by his public speaking skills. I watch a lot of TED & TEDx talks, and a presentation that both tells a personal story and ends in a profound message is not a common occurrence. Who would've thought, someone who plays "street" ball would surpass highly intellectual people in their own game. "I would encourage everybody to try to seek their passion, because I think often that's where you can find your purpose". The fact that he uses the words Try, Often and Can just shows how sincere he is even while delivering a sentimental speech about the love of his life - basketball. What a legend!

[@manonguyen9016]

agreed... i think he's gotten better the older he gets too. been watching him from the beginning when he was selected in the Portland open run.

[@Fr0gSplashh]

I've worked on a TEDx event before. There are coaches for the speakers who are here to make sure they use the right words and speak eloquently. It's part of why TED talks are more popular than other talks. Before they get on stage, these people went through rewrites, various changes and rehearsals. It's good work from everyone involved.

[@robertchavez8759]

well said

[@This_tub]

Puplic speaking skill is part of superior genes similar to physical athleticsm. People are just lucky and were borned with it. No need to beat yourself up because you dont have it. Most people are not NBA players, most people are not good at public speaking

[@This_tub]

Well hes been touring the world speaking at 4000 events, you can say he had some practice. So meh.....im not too impress with his public speaking

[@jtmnavy]

man i grew up watching the professor,, awesome to see him successful on youtube

[@trollop4866]

In KZbin, this man successful in life period, seems like a great dude outside of basketball too.

[@slyfer5321]

Oh didn't expect I'd see the navy guy here! 👋

[@danshazam8511]

Nobody cares what you grew up watching

[@slyfer5321]

@@danshazam8511 Nobody cares about your comment either, nor your existence.

[@buccsavage]

Same

[@jerryelliff]

I appreciate how he’s never been intimidated by anything or any circumstances. He gives his testimony for Christ with no concern for how it’s received by those in charge. He’s a class act.

[@bibekgurung88]

His presentation is as smooth as his moves....

[@KamoteCueBBB]

Damn. Professor now really a professor.

[@asiankobe]

underrated comment

[@Doin_the_Absolute_Most]

I had NO IDEA Escalade was Mark Jackson's brother!

[@ianclements5905]

SAME!

[@StepBackThre3]

me too

[@Adventuregrapher]

I was shocked to hear that too :D

[@romanrinconable]

Right?

[@50tigres79]

i had no idea mark jackson was a pastor!

[@Gwin62989]

I was so inspired by this Ted talk that when I got up and fell, I looked down and hadn’t even realized both my ankles were broken...beautiful.

[@cicirunner]

That was so interesting that I couldn't believe when it was over. I never knew his whole backstory.

[@tommyhil7331]

The professor deserves every bit of His success. He's been putting in hard work for almost 2 decades

[@ChristopherGreenwell]

Professor... you inspired me to get back into basketball at age 50. I'm coaching my son's YMCA team for now, but building up my skills to what they used to be. Since I can't call myself the "Professor", be on the lookout for the "Teacher's Aide" or "TA" for short. Give me a shout out when you are in Santa Monica.

[@GDMHificationranpitc]

Hahaha the janitor

[@GDMHificationranpitc]

Strengthen those knees my guy

[@ibojofamily8472]

age 50 is when those knees get to you in basketball

[@okifeelthat]

Christopher Greenwell lol!!!

[@TrustNone35]

Same here Christopher--49 and knees are tender but I have slowly been working myself into shape. Playing against my son is a dream come true!

[@bidbuytomasito]

Professor is an incredible hooper and outstanding human being.

[@biancamarcellous5007]

Thanks for all the memories Professor. I grew up on those mix tapes myself, I am 32. Basketball was a huge part of my life, and always will be. Your impact is well known by real hoopers everywhere. Peace, respect

[@TheTruthSeeker235]

He became more famous now than if he was an NBA players. I've been following the professor since he the first season of AND1. This is evidence that with hard work anything is possible

[@stevesteve9621]

Seek passion find purpose. NOTED

[@RodneyDevoss]

I might break my ankles just watching this

[@jasonrodriguez2446]

lol

[@DutchNewbJr]

freezer can confirm, i just broke them while watching.

[@claudio6032]

I Love Awesome comments like this. 😂😂😂

[@owl9385]

my ankle hurts as well

[@DaDualityofMan]

I ended up just like Alex Smith after watching this.

[@Frilleon]

Give the man a glass of water!!!

[@jesimoyes4218]

He's definitely got some dry mouth from all that adderall he took earlier

[@billionaire5526]

Jesi Moyes nah he’s always talked like that

[@kpag3030]

Frilleon word! He sounded so nervous and had that nervous dry mouth going on. Well done though

[@fall_asleep]

Welcome to Ted talks babyyyy

[@dougg1075]

He has to cram all this info into 15 minutes.

[@mattfreeman2752]

I had so much respect for the professor to begin with. But after watching this video my respect for him just grew to a different level. Thank you for inspiring us man. God be with you.

[@jamalginsburg7277]

A great example of never giving up on your aspirations... If you keep going, a break will come your way. Always be prepared to take advantage of it!

[@chargerguy1]

Inspiring story. Such a disciplined guy to practice, practice, practice to get where he is at. Humble guy. Loved this!

[@Joilaman]

I have been waiting to see this for a long time Thank you for sharing your story and bring a inspiration to people all over the world. 🌍 The biggest lesson we can learn form this is that hard work pays off and that it's important to have humility and stay humble

[@moniquewrites9046]

So happy for this dude. Ultimate hooper. He’s in his early 30’s and just now in his prime.

[@DoDaUrkel]

From watching him on And1 to Spider-Man basketball... AND now on Ted Talks! Respect on so many levels.

[@omarmir8426]

Had the pleasure of meeting Grayson at the GWS during the And1 days. Was the most chill dude on the entire team.

[@yos5177]

ahamdulilla brother Halal>> haram

[@sowaaaa_]

@@yos5177 thats right

[@williamb6300]

At 13, my friend and I went to an And 1 game back in 2004 alone. We were trying to get autographs and it was taking forever and only got a few. We left, decided we were missing out so we tried to go back but they wouldn't let us, so we snuck back in when they weren't looking at the last second because we saw them leaving. We saw the professor and Escalade getting in the elevator and yelled for them. They basically told security that it was cool, signed our basketballs and got us another 4 autographs! 💯

[@shortysd3ad]

dude professor literally a professor, standing up and doing a live presentation and speech with barely to no mistakes, that's amazing.

[@tamubasketball]

One of the best ted talks I’ve watched. Highly inspiring. Thank you professor

[@leowu5058]

You may look down on him at first glance, but the more you know him, the more you appreciate his basketball skills and humbleness, a true inspiration

[@justinofboulder]

Not a even a sports fan, but really enjoy this guys passion and have great respect for anyone willing to put in the "extra effort"!

[@yanniskarageorgiou3573]

Check put his channel do some tutorials, you'll become a fan

[@rbrown210]

Been battling haters his whole life and still coming up on top. Keep it up brother!

[@thinkerjob9383]

Professor is an inspiration for all of us. God bless him🙏🏻

[@manoklual1117]

This just shows how aiming for big dreams can get you way further than you thought even if you didn’t reach your dreams

[@j.pocket]

Go Professor! Well executed presentation, brō. RIP Escalade. All Love.

[@manonguyen9016]

I continue to be impressed with Grayson. His ball handling gets better and better and his maturity and the way he articulates his journey is authentic.

[@lexterdavid7443]

He single handedly brought streetball into worldwide fame. Well deserved for the Professor!!

[@veksone77]

Single handedly!? Wow!!! you must think he invented And1. You do know they were touring before anyone ever heard of Professor, right???

[@TheNickyVera]

uh nooo lol I would say skip to my lou (raefer alston) and AND1 did

[@tylersoexclusive713]

He may be the biggest influence on AND1’s rise to fame but Hot sauce and Escalade are not far behind

[@BlueHundred1]

Single handedly? Sheesh what are you talking about. So many streetballers contributed and Professor was just one of the greats.

[@lexterdavid7443]

Yep i should have put that in mind.. What i really wanted to say was he used SOCIAL MEDIA very well, platforms like youtube, instagram and facebook to garner more fans for the streetball and exposed it around the WORLD.

[@prodbyDxv]

TedX and the professor, two of my favourite things combined.

[@Keepit-rh4tx]

I grew up watching the Professor and remembered how I looked up to him. I’m happy to see how much he’s grown and how he’s sharing his story and experiences in the game.

[@zhiweihan5301]

Hearing no is not the end of the road. Inspired!

[@brandonbeckwith4]

New York has their share of street ball legends. In the Pacific Northwest, we have The Professor. Thank you for everything Grayson 💚

[@TheHistoryguy10]

Good one professor! I love the fact that you're a Christian and not afraid to say it. Blessings!

[@u2bgeye679]

Christians are not persecuted in today's society. 70+ % of Americans are Christian. Why would he be afraid. Stop with this narrative.

[@MrCHI2cool]

@@u2bgeye679 Seriously. This victim mentality is cancerous.

[@TheHistoryguy10]

+U2b Geye American culture has become more and more anti-Christian with each passing decade, if you haven't noticed. In the early part of the 20th century Christianity began to be stripped away from public life and this trend continues. The movement has shifted toward removing free speech and putting Christians in the closet. American culture is not quite at "you better know your place or you will be killed" persecution as it is in the Middle East or China or North Korea, but it's coming. A secular culture cannot stand a worldview which holds the answers to all of life. Remember the Romans?

[@gamersguide9647]

Love each other, dont hate but respect others opinion and religion treat them like what you want to be treated

[@akandwanahoraymond7581]

@@u2bgeye679 what he means is that professor is not afraid to proclaim his beliefs. Many are not bold enough to do so. It's got nothing to do with victim mentality

[@BeachChairz]

One of the most talented, genuine people you'll ever see. I been following him since the AND1 days, I knew he was destined for big things and yet he's so humble and grounded. I hope he continues to do big things.

[@Adam_Wilde]

Loved it, brother. Thanks for sharing your heart with the world.

[@Abdullah_Chill]

I remember watching the And1 tape fresh at the time all those years back. Dude got better each game. You could tell slowly slowly he earnt the respect from everyone the longer they played together. It's nice to see him doing what he loves.

[@MrKydaman]

Great story and a great talent! Well done Grayson, The Professor is known on any basketball court anywhere on the planet!

[@yellayettithemythical7045]

Bro when they showed him hitting that Jumper to win the game and the contract it took me right back to the day I was watching it on TV going insane in my mom's living room.. I just got goosebumps man. Can't lie I'm really happy for this man he came a long way.

[@DannyRivastv]

Good job professor 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@stevenbrockett1511]

Grayson's career started with a great dad who influenced him every step of the way. All of the Professor's video's inspire me to be better a single father. Plus I'm from Oregon. Keep representing Oregon Grayson! Most love and respect to you brother!

[@notredameknight05]

Start a petition to get this man to get a NBA contract to at least play one day!!!

[@nirajfernando5790]

This Ted talk is the PERFECT EXAMPLE of an inspiring story. Props to The Professor cuz he killed that freaking speech.

[@yohankoo8363]

Dayumm The professor made it to TED! U da man!

[@christopherorta7736]

Long live the Professor. I grew up watching him and he was one of my favorite street ballers to watch. He bacame one of my idols. I use to study his moves to improve my street game. He's always been down to earth and a humble person. Well done and I'm happy for his success. He's a living legend!

[@danielrickettsmusic]

Watched your moves for about a year. So Inspiring but also to see you are genuine and have kept the faith! If you’re ever in KC, I’d like my shot at whipping up on you in some one on one. I’m 43 but still got a first step. I think your vids inspired me to actually get better at my age. I’m a better player now than ever (except my vert) thanks for the inspiration!

[@msmorelia50]

I'm amazed how composed this young man is

[@catesjeremy23]

This is awesome man. Glad to see you tell your story. Glory to God! @theprofessor

[@hellomyfriends9740]

Professor I've always loved your passion for the bball. It shows when you never gave up. I'm a fan of you and the generation you were inspired by. Thank you for the great VHS tapes I wish I never lost.

[@cizia69]

Very eloquent, lean and efficient.

[@ESunshine24]

This is one of few, maybe the only Ted Talk that I watched Without taking my eyes off. Everything from his underdog story to finding Christ then saying “ you find your purpose in your passion” was amazing! He’s real one.

[@darrenwolf3721]

Wow the professor inspired me with this video for sure. And the fact he gave his life to Christ is awesome as well! God Bless him 🙌🙏

[@elmalloc]

as long as he didn't vote for Trump because of it

[@Elliethehooper]

Humility preceded honor. He is humble.

[@AD34022]

Love professor. Watched him when I was like 12 and was so inspired ever since then

[@conradbarrett6]

Fuckin definition of a hard worker.. kept fighting for his goals, and he achieved them..respect My brothet

[@SteveAgbaneje]

I dont comment on youtube videos but this is inspiring. I remember watching and1 tapes on vhs and i remember him getting picked in the 1st season.... happu 4 u bro

[@mott0mottO]

couldn't happen to a better guy. such humbleness.

[@thabopitsoo]

That’s awesome man. I’m really encouraged I hope we meet someday.

[@yj-gj8gz]

I think so too

[@cbpuzzle]

He makes me believe that with enough passion and hard work, any dream is possible.

[@XBlakeFreemanX]

I got tears watching this. I’m not a baller but an entertainer. His message is universal to whatever you’re doing in life.

[@thomasoconnor4487]

Those 3 a day's were the turning point. He made a Commitment. He was determined. Thank you Grayson!

[@lovetownsend]

“Hearing No isnt the end of the road”

[@yeissonfloresrocha2244]

The best history of basketball ever !!! Thanks for being so strong coach Proffesor!!

[@Nikillem]

Amazing. Thanks Professor

[@francoisleccia9624]

Thank you Grayson aka "professor" for sharing your life experience, you are a true inspiration

[@mrbigg151]

Such a great, touching story. Mad respect

[@dawgyo]

Wow, that 15 minutes went by. He did really good and i enjoyed learning about his background story and how he became the star he is today.

[@MAR-kg9xi]

He became a Christian..accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior...God bless you bro!

[@papayamusicofficial7941]

Sound Logic every time someone believes differently than others, fun, is made out of them. Why does it matter to you? Is it affecting your light bill or the food you eat? I wouldn’t think so bro. You’ll be ok, I promise.

[@ookie218]

Amen! Hallelujah!

[@loxu6ka]

and the he continued to kill people on the court lol

[@sniperflashgaming3868]

@Sound Logic yup

[@wolfpakave5084]

Sound Logic Smh to you due. _smh_

[@kenl7405]

Beautiful story. I went and saw Grayson live in Portland during his second year on the And1 Tour and love his story. Growing up in Portland, it was amazing to see a local succeed on the biggest basketball platform. And1 was arguably more popular than even the NBA at the time (mid-2000s) and he was the perfect player/personality to bring the popularity to the next level. Much love and respect for sharing your stories!

[@juanaperez9028]

RIP ESCALADE

[@kojoeyirenkyi1629]

One of the coolest dudes I've ever met. Such a beast. So humble.

[@Nvrpro888]

"Professor Live!"

[@DutchNewbJr]

Gary James love that intro

[@jakelavis3694]

he doesn’t just have basketball skills! this man is so humble either way!❤

[@2ktripp870]

That opportunity with AND1 he got is amazing and out of this world. So lucky and blessed!

[@MrSnap-is9db]

Why is this guy not arrested yet he murders ankles

[@albertoagilar1807]

+Aoto' Rae snap!

[@legodisthebesteversomelege3514]

@Aoto' Rae race doesn't have to do with everything. Chill

[@theBlackhanded]

@Aoto' Rae not sure if you took his comment serious or you are continuing to meme

[@juanesrubiano9134]

good humble man the world needs more people like this

[@nadjacelestino3376]

MY INSPIRATION!!!! PROFESSOR!!!!!!! HUGS FROM BRAZIL STREETBALL PLAYERS 🏀🇧🇷

[@pokry5]

Professor still making moves man. Love this guy, genuine dude shows that hard work pays off.

[@MyWasteOfTime]

Glad you found your path man!

[@SFbayArea94121]

Grayson is a great and humble person, I’ve been a fan ever since those days when his journey first began. Really wish he could have made the NBA and accrued the real money I believe he is worth. Best of luck Professor

[@AfG_313]

Dang my mans made it to Ted talks that’s dope. I member him growing up being a youngster wanting to b exactly like him and jay williams lol

[@empathyhippie]

Such an inspiration! Ive been watching this wonderful man hoop for the longest and and this video sprung tears of joy from my eyes! Much live and respect to the Global hooper Grayson! Follow your dreams!

[@gamegenie11]

Mad respect Grayson

[@alexiusvigor5166]

What an amazing TedTalk by one genuine, intelligent, eloquent, and most importantly amazing individual!

[@dimizoe777]

4"11 85 pound in highschool

[@danilosonczi]

My son is 6 and loves basketball 🏀! He wants to be like the profesor. One day he may end up in NBA. Blessings to you profesor. You inspired my son. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@thelabgeek1592]

I love everything about this.

[@raghurajaram8817]

one of the most well spoken individuals you will ever meet on a basketball court. have been following you since 1999/2000.....youve come such a long way and make our generation of hoopers so proud. keep doin u and find urself a tall chick so the next professor can get his phD and enter the NBA professor lol

[@Latino_Burrito]

Honestly, i would've loved to see him in the NBA

[@goodgrief1163]

He couldn't hack it.

[@gregorymorris8343]

Awesome to see him find his way through life -BOYS TO MEN. KEEP GOING STRONG!!

[@rigira]

Why would they get a guy with multiple accounts of manslaughter for a Ted Talk? Edit: he didn’t actually murder anyone, my guy is as clean as his reverse

[@janmylemans2678]

?? What?

[@method1692]

@@janmylemans2678 One word. Ankles.

[@robertgregory166]

The best Ted talks are about people who made worst decisions and made something

[@ikrEli]

@@method1692 ok now i get it

[@djbernadotte9768]

Rob Chaosity I don’t think you get it

[@Rexy725]

He is one of the most humble guys to meet.

[@DatBoi_YT]

Incredible story bro. 💯

[@tommycrowley8668]

Yo didn’t expect to see u here lol

[@elijahpastorelli6216]

Joe Knows !!

[@trethevillain]

What a humble guy. Glad to see him doing well I grew up on AND 1.