Headliners FULL-COURT ACCESS

Nicolas’ brother Zaza goes behind the scenes at Phoenix Suns' new training facility.

Mybrother Zachary (Zaza) Bubeck is taking over my column this month because he got the awesome chance to watch a Phoenix Suns basketball practice. So, here he is, meet Zaza!

Hi, my name is Zaza and I love all sports. I’m obsessed with the Phoenix Suns, so when they invited me to their practice I was like: “This is going to be the best day of my life!” And it was.

The Suns have a new and neat training facility off Camelback Road. It’s a big gymnasium with a whole exercise area. When I walked into practice, the NBA players were running drills - right before my eyes! I could even spot Booker in the distance, along with my other idols: Chris Paul, Ish Wainright, Deandre Ayton, and more. I also saw Coach Monty Williams.

There are four sets of basketball courts, and the players closest to me were practicing three-point shots - passing and shooting - just the way I do on my team! And guess what? Every time players walked by, they gave me a fist bump! It was seriously the coolest thing.

After a few fist bumps, one of my dreams came true: getting to interview some players (and now they’re my best buds!!). Here’s some of my Q&A with Josh Okogie.

Me: When you were a kid, who was your favorite athlete?

Josh Okogie: Carmelo

Anthony

Me: What do you eat on game day?

Josh Okogie: Breakfast is pancakes, eggs, and turkey bacon. Before the game, I usually eat rice, salmon, and veggies. After games, I load up on pasta.

Me: What were some of your childhood hobbies?

Josh Okogie: I loved jumping on the trampoline and doing all sorts of sports. I also played instruments – the tuba, trumpet, and drums.

Me: What’s the key to going pro?

Josh Okogie: Pro sports are full of ups and downs. The key to success is never giving up and trying your best.

Me: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Josh Okogie: I wanted to be a lawyer, basketball player, and engineer. Only one of those worked out, and that’s perfectly fine with me.

Me: What are your favorite things to do in Arizona?

Josh Okogie: I enjoy going to Top Golf and hanging outside. Arizona has beautiful mountains.

To top off my Suns practice experience, I requested a one-on-one game of Horse. Duane Washington Jr. challenged me to Pig instead, and it was a stiff competition. While he beat me by one letter, it was still the game of a lifetime and the happiest memory I’ll have forever.

Nicholas Bubeck is a monthly Epic columnist and CEO of creationsbynicholas.com. Follow him @creationsbynicholas on Instagram, and his family @mamaandmyboys