It was as if a super hero entered the double doors Thursday night.
Reggie Bullock, the former UNC guard and Kinston High School basketball standout, could have been anywhere on NBA Draft night, but he decided to come home.
“A lot of people in this city have supported me throughout high school and throughout college,” said Bullock, who hosted his NBA Draft party at the Woodmen Community Center. “I thought it was only right to have it here and hear them say my name with me.”
Nearly 50 people, including Bullock’s former coaches, his relatives and friends and other community members convened for him Thursday night as he was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers with the 25th pick in the first round. They decorated a banquet room and set up the big screens to watch the draft with Bullock, waiting for NBA Commissioner David Stern to call his name.
“It’s exciting,” said Danielle Brown, Bullock’s mother. “I knew he had something (special) when he got to Carolina.”
Bullock, 22, skipped his final season with the Tar Heels for the draft in April. He said the moment he declared was when he realized he was ready for the next level.
“You can tell at an early age that he was that kind of guy that, with growth and hard work, would have this opportunity one day,” said Wells Gulledge, the former Kinston High basketball coach who coached Bullock his four years at the school. “He very well could have been in New York tonight, but he wants to be here with his friends and family. I think that tells you a lot about his character and what kind of person he is.”
Tables of supporters applauded him upon Bullock’s arrival, when he hugged and greeted members of the crowd. Even young UNC fans approached him for pictures.
“It’s good for Kinston,” said Kinston High student Thomas Vermillion, 15. “I’m ready to see where he goes.”
Bullock’s former AAU basketball coach, Darryl Wise, said how early he was selected in the draft wasn’t as important as the message he sent by coming home.
“This moment means, regardless of what round Reggie gets picks in, a lot because it shows if young men if they stay humble and hungry, like Reggie, they can achieve their goal,” he said.
Bullock said going to the NBA will be positive for the Kinston.
“I just felt right about (declaring for the draft),” he said. “It’ll impact the city a lot.”
Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 and Jessika.Morgan@Kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.