Belizean in the NBA – a special preview
He was the most valuable player on Belize’s miraculous Caricom championship basketball team. And today–against all odds–Milton Palacio is a rookie point guard in the most prestigious and formidable league in the world: the NBA. Tonight at seven-thirty, Channel Five will present a half hour special report on Palacio in which we talk to his family, friends, coaches and teammates as well as catch him in action on the court. Here is a preview of what you’ll see.
Milton Palacio
“I think the biggest thrill is now I am here with the big guys. It’s wild. It’s fun. Sometimes I sit in my room and just think about it and I can’t believe it.”
Game announcer
“Back up to Palacio, drives the lane, up with the finger roll, it’s good. Time to sing and he killed it in a hurry.”
Clifford Palacio Sr., Milton’s Father
“It took me some time to realize that Milton has achieved or has acquired a part of the American Dream. Up to now, I’m still asking myself is it really true?”
Milton Palacio
“I always said in high school that I wanted to go up against Jason Kidd. And there I am going up against him, John Stockton, or Stephon. So I just try to blank it out. I’m just playing against the other teams point guard, because if I look at it like I’m playing a big name, I’m in for it.
It’s very overwhelming to know that these guys have established themselves as the greatest point guards. They can go out and score 20-25 points per night. And your job is to stop them. Or at least slow them down. It’s tough.
When you gain their respect a little bit you notice it. And they’ll let you know. They’ll say good job, or I’m going to bust you all night.”
“A Belizean in the NBA: the Milton Palacio story” was reported by James Adderly, produced, shot and edited by Brent Toombs and sponsored by American Airlines. It shows tonight at 7:30 and will be repeated Sunday morning at 11:00.
