Devin Booker, often referred to as “el hombre con herencia hispana” by Phoenix Suns Spanish radio announcer Arturo Ochoa, is one of the best basketball players in the world. A four-time NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist, Devin is on pace to become the all-time leading scorer in Suns franchise history next year. Beyond his play on the court, Devin has developed a one-of-a-kind connection with the state of Arizona, particularly its Hispanic community.  

His late maternal grandfather, with whom Devin held a close bond, was born in Los Nogales, Nuevo Leon, Mexico before moving to Michigan where Devin would later grow up in Grand Rapids.  After attending high school in Moss Point, Mississippi and playing at the University of Kentucky for a year, Devin was selected by the Suns in the 2015 NBA Draft at just 18 years old. Over the last nine years since moving to the Valley, Devin has embraced his Chicano heritage and endeared himself to his new home. 

To show his appreciation for the local community, Devin launched the Devin Booker Starting Five initiative in 2019, pledging $2.5 million to be donated over a five-year span to local nonprofit organizations who support Arizona children and families in need. Several of the organizations to receive grants through the initiative directly tie to Arizona’s Hispanic community. 

In addition to his philanthropy, Devin has had a massive cultural impact, using his platform to pay tribute to his heritage and resonating with Hispanic basketball fans. This past year, Devin worked closely with the Suns organization on the team’s “El Valle” campaign, celebrating the team’s Mexican-American fanbase.