“I knew it would be difficult. He misses his mother and comes from somewhere other than Michigan, where it is winter most of the year. But we knew he had a better opportunity to pursue his dreams.” Tito Horford remembered the time when he was young Al Horford had to leave everything familiar behind to pursue his basketball dreams. Two decades later, Horford is now a proud NBA champion after teaming with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to win the championship in the 2023-24 season and has become a national hero.

Al Horford’s influence has significantly increased basketball viewership in his home country. Therefore, it is not surprising that current Atlanta Razorbacks head coach John Calipari reportedly said: “If Al Horford runs for president in this country, he will win.” The 38-year-old NBA star often speaks about his family heritage and shows great pride in his roots. Now let’s delve deeper into his background and the journey that shaped him.

What is Al Horford’s ethnicity?

Horford was born in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic – a city nearly 1,500 miles (2,509 kilometers) from the place with which he is most associated today. That’s what makes him Dominicans by nationalityalthough be The ethnicity is Bahamian. His paternal grandparents reportedly immigrated to the Dominican Republic at an unknown point in their lives. His father, Tito Horford, was also born in the Dominican Republic.

Growing up in the town of San Pedro de Macorís, Tito Horford’s hometown has reportedly produced many sports enthusiasts over the years. However, most of them focused on just one thing: baseball. In an interview with the Washington Post, Al’s father revealed that he too initially pursued the bat and ball game. However, he switched fields when he realized his height could give him an advantage in basketball. Fate took him to the United States, where he enrolled at the University of Miami and earned the nickname “Tito Horford: the accidental tourist” from the Washington Post. He was ultimately selected with the 39th pick in the 1988 NBA Draft.

Tito stayed in the NBA for five years. He even played against Michael Jordan in three different games during his time with the Milwaukee Bucks. Tito’s career laid the foundation for an ambition that Al Horford would one day adopt as his own.

Tim Horford divorced his wife and Al’s mother, Arelis Reynoso, in 1989. After moving to the USA, he married again. Nevertheless, he continued to be an important part of his son’s life. His father’s influence, combined with the knowledge he gained from his mother’s articles as a sports journalist, is said to have helped Al develop a love for basketball.

When he was just six years old, Al told his mother that he wanted to join an academy. After a few training sessions, Teresa Durán – a celebrated former player on the Dominican women’s Olympic team – had nothing but praise for him. Durán reportedly said to Arelis: “I believe your son will be a fantastic basketball player. I have taught for many years, but Al is special. Not only is he learning the concepts, but he also has a natural talent for the sport.”

Al grew up in his birthplace until he was 14 years old. However, his parents decided that the young basketball enthusiast should move in with his father and move to Michigan. Arelis had difficulty with the English language and revealed how difficult her son would be. “It was really so difficult for us. He called and said, ‘Mommy, can you please come to the United States?'” Eventually Al’s mother also moved to the USA.

After high school, Al Horford accepted an athletic scholarship and attended the University of Florida for three years. In addition to averaging 10.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists, the player also played a role in securing the NCAA championship title for the Gators in his sophomore and junior years. Deciding not to stay another year, Al declared for the 2007 NBA Draft and was ultimately selected by the Atlanta Hawks. The rest, as they say, is history.

Although Al Horford called Boston home for six years, at two different intervals, his roots are still close to his heart. In return, people received his love for the Dominican Republic so well that he became something of a national hero.

“I’m proud” – Al Horford proudly represents the Dominican Republic

Al Horford has represented the NBA for over 17 years. However, he has returned to his home country to represent the national team on several occasions. Under his leadership, the Dominican Republic men’s national basketball team secured the bronze medal at the 2008 EuroBasket Games in Mexico and gold at the 2012 Games in Puerto Rico. He also played a large role in winning the bronze medal for the national team at Argentina’s 2011 FIBA ​​AmeriCup.

Tito Horford was the NBA’s first Dominican-born player, but it is his son Al who has become a celebrated figure in modern times. “The moment he enters the airport, people crowd around him. People are screaming on the street, you can see paparazzi. Baseball is always number 1 in the Dominican Republic, but people looove the NBA. They got the packages, they watch the games and he’s the main guy they see.” Tito once said.

After the Boston Celtics won the 2024 NBA Championship, Al was able to stand on the same pedestal as his father. Ultimately, he became the first player from the Dominican Republic to win an NBA title. The power forward/center reportedly wore the national flag in his waistband, honoring his birthplace “I am proud to represent all Dominicans, not just over there but in the world, because I know they live in different places in Europe and here in the United States.” Months after his victory, Al was (surprisingly) honored with the Dominican Republic’s highest honor: the Order of Merit of Duarte, Sánchez and Mella with the rank of Knight.

Al Horford left his homeland physically, but never mentally, at the age of 14. His respect for his birthplace reminds him of how important his roots are to him.