David Benavidez

Me and Damien Lillard, we're friends from a long time ago.

I met him because he's a massive boxing fan.

When I moved out to Oregon, if I'm a little embarrassed to say, I first seen him at the gym.

He was training at my friend's gym, Sam Aaron.

He's my strength and conditioning trainer.

He was over there.

I didn't know who he was.

I mean, I don't watch basketball.

But what I really respected about Damian Lillard is, you know, he gave me the respect and the attention, like he was really into what I was talking to, you know, without even knowing me, you know, he gave me the respect and he was already Damian Lillard, you know what I mean?

This was like 2019.

So he was already at the height of his career.

So for him giving me the respect and listening to me like that, and he just made me feel good about myself, you know?

After I left, I'm like, who is that guy?

Damien Lillard.

And I looked him up.

I'm like, oh, this guy is big.

He's one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

So that just spoke volumes about him and his character.

And ever since then, I see him here and there.

And he comes.