Because of the notoriety afforded LaVar Ball, a deeply involved parent who built a brand on brashness and has since had two of his three sons reach the NBA, Kelly Oubre Sr. is choosing his words carefully.
A single father with an athletically gifted son, Kelly Oubre Jr., the senior Oubre years ago visualized starting his own business, one built off his guidance of his son, a potential star who was acquired by the Warriors a few days before Thanksgiving.
“We all know of the Ball family, and I commend Mr. Ball,” Oubre Sr. says. “I'm not Mr. Ball. And I never tried to be, because I realize that I have one Kelly and I love my son with all my heart.
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“So, I didn't want to give the impression, because it's just not my personality, that I was trying to seek the limelight or seek attention, especially if it was at his expense.”
LaVar Ball blasted onto the scene with considerable bombast, generating headlines and airtime with outrageous statements. An example is his claim that his son eldest son Lonzo, then a freshman at UCLA, was better than two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry.
Before any of his sons reached the NBA, LaVar Ball was pitching the greatness of his own business, Big Baller Brand, “inspired by” his sons. BBB was, however, plagued with technical and delivery issues and at one point completely shut down.
The BBB website returned recently, offering athletic apparel, even though Lonzo publicly criticized the quality of the shoes and usually wears Nike.
Golden State Warriors
His younger brother, Charlotte Hornets rookie LaMelo Ball, signed a contract with Puma.
Oubre Sr. did not start his business, Beast Developmental, until after his son was taken in the first round (No. 15) in the 2015 NBA draft. There is no apparel for sale. The business is focused on grooming young athletes and their families for the possibility of professional success.
“And the reason I never launched it (Beast Development) earlier because I never wanted to shine in Kelly’s light,” Oubre Sr. says.
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Oubre Sr. received sole custody of his only child when his son was 3 years old. They’ve gone through considerable struggle and done it together. They’ve endured occasional conflicts that come with a child growing into a man.
But Oubre Jr. now credits his father for his career in the NBA.
“Don’t get me wrong,” Oubre Sr. says. “And, please, don't think I'm knocking Mr. Ball and his methods. But as a dad, you know, where is the blueprint here? There is none.”
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