Dennis Rodman can lock up the best on any given day. His prowess as a defensive forward led him to win 5 championships and other accolades. But who knew that a ‘Bad Boy’ was a “mama’s boy”? He was on a radio show and was asked about his non-traditional route to the NBA. Fans might remember that Rodman entered the NBA at the age of 25 and was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1986.

He said, “I’m a mama’s boy because I hang around with my sisters every day. I never had a male figure.” The former player talked about how his sisters were ace players during their high school years. Debra and Kim Rodman would go on to become All-Americans at Louisiana Tech and Stephen F Austin, respectively. Debra would go on to win two titles with her college team, the Lady Techsters.

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During his formative years, Rodman wasn’t even considered to be very good. He said that he could barely score a layup. He was made fun of and was usually cut or benched from the high school squad. The former player started as a janitor, but it wasn’t until he got a ridiculous growth spurt that he got selected by the NBA.

An accidental growth spurt led to Dennis Rodman being one of the best defenders ever in the NBA

Rodman grew from being 5’11 at 18 to 6’7. This increased his chances of playing dramatically. He started playing for North Central North Texas College and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Rodman became a three-time NAIA All-American and led the rebounding stats twice.

He averaged 25.7 points and 15.7 rebounds in his three seasons there and had a field goal percentage of 0.637. In the NAIA semifinals in 1986, he scored 46 points and 32 rebounds. This helped him to get into the Portsmouth Invitational which was a pre-draft camp for NBA hopefuls. Rodman won the MVP award and was scouted by the Detroit Pistons who drafted him in 1986.

He was selected 27th overall during the second round. Rodman joined the likes of Isiah Thomas, Bill Laimbeer, Joe Dumars, and others. He became known as the player who could lock up any opposing player. He had learned the art of rebounding to a tee.

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What do you think about Rodman’s unconventional journey? Comment below.