A turbulent childhood, the dream of playing in the NBA and the journey to make it happen; his connection to Judaism and love for Jerusalem; ambition, relentless hard work, meeting Michael Jordan and finding inspiration in Bob Marley. Basketball star Amar’e Stoudemire explains how he made it all the way to NBA Hall Of Fame
InterContinental Hotel in Tel Aviv. The imposing presence of the 34-year-old, 6-foot-10-inch (2.08-meter) athlete is impossible to miss—even away from the basketball court and without the red uniform of Hapoel Jerusalem, which he joined in the summer of 2016 after 14 years in the NBA.
Americans seated at a nearby table steal admiring glances, smile in his direction and offer warm words. They can barely contain their excitement—and understandably so.
Behind Stoudemire lies an extraordinary basketball career. During 14 seasons in the world’s premier basketball league—including eight with the Phoenix Suns, where he established himself as a superstar—he was selected to six NBA All-Star Games, represented the United States and earned a reputation as one of the most spectacular dunkers in American basketball history.
“I had a very successful basketball career,” he says simply.
Where did your love of basketball come from?
“From home. My father took me to the first basketball game I ever saw. It was a game involving my cousin, who was a great baseball, basketball and football player. I watched him play and loved it. My brother also played basketball, so I had an opportunity to learn from my family.
“I only started playing organized basketball at 14. Four years later I was drafted by the Phoenix Suns. I graduated from high school and went straight to the NBA.”
Which member of your family had the greatest influence on you?
“My father was an inspiration to me when I was growing up. My grandfather also had a major influence on my life. He was a general in the military and a very sharp man.”
When did you realize you were destined to become a professional player?
“When I was a little kid, my dream was to become an NBA player. I knew I was capable of doing it because I was always a good player. I trained endlessly, and my dream came true.”
Who were your role models?
“For years, I watched interviews with great basketball players like Michael Jordan and influential artists like Bob Marley. Those people were role models for me—strong people with positive messages.”
Who did you admire as a child?
“Michael Jordan. I met him in high school, and a year later I played against him in the NBA. I was a rookie, and he was playing for Washington.
“I asked him what it took to become a great player, and he said, ‘It looks like you already have it.’ That was a very special moment in my career.”
THE FIRST IN NBA HISTORY
Stoudemire was a sports-loving child from a very young age. Baseball, football and, of course, basketball were all part of his world.
“I was always tall, athletic and fast. I had a fun childhood.”
But alongside those happy memories was a far more difficult reality. His father died when Amar’e was 12. His mother was frequently incarcerated, and the instability surrounding his childhood led him to attend six different schools.
When asked whether growing up in a stable, financially secure home might have made his road to the top easier, Stoudemire responds like a professional who sees little value in dwelling on what might have been.
“That was the path God chose for me to walk, and that was the path on which I succeeded. I stayed focused. It was important for me to stay in school, and I managed to build a successful career for myself.”
Do you remember a particular moment when you realized you had made it?
“By my first year of high school, I knew I was very good. I was better than a lot of other players, although until I played against them I didn’t realize exactly how good I was.
“I understood that if I worked hard enough and remained consistent, I could make it directly from high school to the NBA without going to college—and I was right.
“I had no fear. I was ready to accept every challenge. I was determined, I dedicated everything to that goal, and I always prayed about it.”
What was your relationship with your NBA coaches like?
“My first coach was Frank Johnson with the Phoenix Suns. He was a man with a big heart. I would go to his house for dinner, spend time with his family, and we became close friends.”
Stoudemire played for some of the NBA’s leading teams and won a bronze medal with Team USA at the Athens Olympic Games, as well as gold at the FIBA Americas Championship. Yet one achievement remains particularly meaningful to him.
“For me, the greatest achievement was winning Rookie of the Year in 2003. No player who came directly from high school had ever won that award in NBA history. I was the first to do it.”
Are you a good loser?
“I’m not a good loser. I have a tremendous passion for winning.”
What advice would you give a young player taking his first steps on the court?
“Stay in school and get an education. That’s the most important thing.
“A good basketball player has to work extremely hard every single day to become the best at what he does. Talent is important too, but talent can be developed, just like a skill.
“I’ve seen incredibly talented players who never made it to the NBA because they didn’t have the desire to work hard.”
What separates a good player from a great one?
“Good players are comfortable being good. A great player is never satisfied with himself.”
During his career, Stoudemire faced LeBron James repeatedly, both in All-Star Games and on other occasions. His assessment of James is filled with admiration.
“I played against him many times, and it was great. He’s definitely one of the best players I’ve ever seen, one of the smartest players I’ve ever played against and one of the greatest athletes the world has ever known.
“He has a passion for winning again and again. He desires to accomplish things other people don’t even think about. He’s more focused and dedicated than most people.”
Who are the NBA’s biggest stars today?
“LeBron is undoubtedly the greatest player in the league. Steph Curry is an incredible offensive player. Kevin Durant is going to be a star in the league for many years. Russell Westbrook is putting up incredible triple-double numbers.
“So the NBA is in good hands, with great stars who will lead the league in the right direction.”
And what do you think about the Israeli basketball league?
“The Israeli league is improving. It’s a well-organized league, the players here are very competitive, and foreign players really enjoy playing here.”
PLAY, PRAY, LOVE
In 2010, when Stoudemire visited Israel for the first time, he began exploring his heritage and came to understand that his roots connected him to an ancient Israelite family tradition. After returning to the United States, that discovery continued to resonate with him and gradually became a significant part of his identity.
“When Hapoel Jerusalem was up for sale, I met Ori Allon, and we talked about him becoming an owner of the team. Through our friendship, I had the opportunity to become one of the owners as well.
“We talked about the fact that buying Hapoel Jerusalem wasn’t going to be a money-maker. Ori told me, ‘If you love Israel and you love Jerusalem, maybe this is something you should consider.’
“I said, ‘Absolutely. I’m in.’
“It was God’s will that I was able to become an NBA player and then, toward the end of my career, bring my abilities here and play for Hapoel Jerusalem.”
After only a year of living in Israel, Stoudemire already described Jerusalem as home.
“I have a very deep connection to Jerusalem. This city is deep in my heart.
“It’s not common for foreigners to come to Israel and make it their home. My religious background connects me to this place. I studied the holidays and the traditions of Moses, which allows me to integrate here very naturally.
“I feel like everyone else, and that makes me feel at home.”
How do you explain your connection to Judaism?
“I define myself as Jewish and Christian. My roots are Jewish, I observe the commandments of the Jewish religion, and at the same time I have a connection to my Christian past.
“I fast on Yom Kippur, make sure to have Shabbat dinner with my family, and study Hebrew.”
If you could change something in Israel, what would it be?
“I would really like to improve sports opportunities for children. Competitive sports from a young age are very valuable.
“Baseball, basketball and even American football could provide a great opportunity for children to become familiar with these sports. There’s tremendous potential here.”
You’ve been described as the most significant player in the Israeli league and the biggest NBA star ever to play here. Do you agree?
“I don’t know everyone who played in Israel before me. I came here because I have a tremendous passion for Israel. I wanted to play for Jerusalem.
“Now that I’m here, I understand that it’s a really big deal—that people in Israel enjoy having me here and seeing me play for Jerusalem.”
Where do you find inspiration?
“My inspiration comes from within—to become better, to be a positive light for children, so they can look at me and say, ‘I can do what he does. I can be like him.’
“I want to have a positive impact on the community, and I can set an example.”
What qualities helped you succeed beyond talent and physical ability?
“I’m not perfect. I make mistakes. I try to learn from my mistakes and improve.
“I think learning helps you understand the path, and prayer is very important. That’s what helps me. It keeps me humble.
“My cornerstone is the Torah, and I remain focused on Scripture. It keeps my moral focus in the right place.”
What are your hobbies?
“I collect art, I’m a cigar aficionado, I play golf with friends, go to movies and other activities with my family, and teach basketball.”
What makes you happy?
“My family brings me happiness and joy every day. In basketball, winning makes me happy.”
What makes you sad?
“Losing.”
What do you wish for yourself?
“To become a better partner to my wife, Alexis, and a better father to my children. I have four children—two boys and two girls, ages four, nine, ten and eleven. I’m very close to them, and they’re in my heart every time I play.”
AMAR’E STOUDEMIRE: FROM THE NBA TO JERUSALEM
Career Milestones
2002–2010: Began his NBA career with the Phoenix Suns.
2010–2015: Played for the New York Knicks.
Summer 2013: Joined Ori Allon’s ownership group, which acquired 90 percent of Hapoel Jerusalem. Stoudemire held a five-percent stake in the club.
2015: Played for the Dallas Mavericks.
2015–2016: Played for the Miami Heat.
Summer 2016: Announced his retirement from the NBA.
August 2016: Joined Hapoel Jerusalem as a player and transferred his ownership stake in the club to Ori Allon.
August 15, 2026: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2026, cementing his legacy among basketball’s all-time greats.
