Quotes from Masai Ujiri

Every man, they say, 'oh my wife is my boss.' So why can't they be bosses at work?

I've spent a lot of time in the United States and Canada and I am grateful for the opportunities that I've been given by people, and the game of basketball, and the NBA.

That's why we play sports, is to compete for championships.

Sport can change the world.

I was probably the best cherry picker in the history of African basketball. I got so many dunks, it was crazy.

We all have weaknesses.

I carry the continent of Africa on my shoulders proudly.

He is so true to himself, and so good to other people. Even during tough conversations, I have never worried about him. Because I know Dwane Casey is going to come back tomorrow to try to be better, and I feel the same way. I try to be better, and so I try to be like him that way.

Kids in Africa start kicking a ball when they are six or seven years old, if not younger. It's like baseball, basketball and football in America. If you're talented, people will find you. That's what happened with soccer. The number of academies has grown rapidly, and people are really into it.

This is a team sport, a team game.

I'm nervous about everything I do with Africa. You almost want it to go good all the time, and you don't want to disappoint.

We have to inspire people and give them a sense of hope. We need to bring people along, not ridicule and tear them down.

If you have a great culture and you're progressing the right way to win I think players will always want to come.

Be very proud of your name and where you come from. It's so important. Say it loud and clear for everybody to hear.

Africa has proven to produce some of the greatest athletes in the world, and it's a joy to be able to help grow that talent and create a space for African youth to learn.

I focus on very few things in life - my work, my family, my friends. Those things are important to me and I pay good attention to them, and everything else just comes and goes.

Manute Bol was one of the guys who taught me to be bold. To be fierce. To speak intelligently, and speak like you belong.

You go for the best talent available, wherever it is. You fish it out. That's how I've scouted all my career. Doesn't matter where it is - international, domestic, college, anywhere.

God doesn't put anyone someplace permanently. I am a living testimony to that.

When I started Giants of Africa, I envisioned providing African youth access to the game and empowering them to achieve their greatest potential.

Most kids in Africa don't start playing basketball until they are 13 or 14 years old. This puts them at a disadvantage because they lack the instincts and must work harder to develop the skills and habits formed at an early age.

It's my responsibility to put a team on the floor that will win, and that attracts players.

You have to be unique in your own ways and the ways that you play to find a way to win. You can't always go with the trend that's going on. Sometimes you have to create the trend yourself and be confident in it.

Winning influences, it helps, it gets the kids. Winning makes an impact.