About two years before Tony Delk completed his basketball playing days at the highest level possible, he contemplated what direction his life would take him next.
“I wanted to stay dedicated to the craft I pursued,” Delk said. “Also, I wasn’t going to be afraid to take a risk, because you have to believe in yourself.”
Delk, an entrepreneur, speaker and philanthropist, and native of Haywood County, returned to where it all began Monday, to promote a book he wrote – “Shooter” The Story Behind The Double Zeros – which deals with life on and off the basketball court.
Delk, who held a book signing at FirstBank on Channing Way and the Old Country Store, didn’t hesitate when he was asked his favorite part of the book.
“Talking about Brownsville,” said Delk, who was also presented with the Key to the City of Jackson by Jackson vice mayor and City Councilman Ernest Brooks II. “It’s where I started playing basketball against my brothers, and I was able to apply what they taught me.”
He was able to parlay what he learned into a 12-year career in the National Basketball Association after helping direct the University of Kentucky to the school’s sixth NCAA basketball title in 1996.
Delk, who makes his home in the Atlanta area, was selected in the first round of the 1996 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets – 16th pick overall – was named the Southeastern Conference’s Player of the Year during his senior season at Kentucky.
A 1992 graduate of Haywood County High School in Brownsville, Delk was named the TSSAA’s Class 3A Mr. Basketball, and was selected as a Parade and McDonald’s All-American.
Delk, who wore the No. 00 in high school, college and throughout his NBA career, said the book “Shooter” The Story Behind The Double Zeros is available at TLDelkenterprises.com.
NOTE: Tony Delk will also have a book signing from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Old Country Store, Monday.
(PHOTO: Tony Delk, left, is presented the Key to the City of Jackson, by Jackson vice mayor and city councilman Ernest Brooks II)
David Thomas, Twitter – @DavidThomasWNWS
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