"Cut from My Middle School Team" to NBA Veteran: Torrey Craig’s Unfiltered
Phoenix, AZ – In a revealing conversation with WARMUPS, NBA forward Torrey Craig opens up about pivotal moments—from crushing setbacks and community uplift to life beyond the court. Across 45 minutes, Craig reflects on themes like perseverance, gratitude, and giving back.
Strength in vulnerability set the tone early. Torrey shared how being cut from his middle school basketball team taught him resilience. He told WARMUPS, “I got cut… and that festered in me to prove I belonged.” That early blow fueled his relentless pursuit to evolve—and it clearly paid off.
Craig credited his mindset as much as his physical talent. Embracing the “law of attraction,” he believes visualizing goals—today’s interview included—was key to ascending from overlooked player to NBA mainstay. “It wasn’t just ball skills; it was belief,” he said during the chat.
From the NBA G-League to Australia’s NBL and finally the NBA, Torrey highlighted how each turn shaped him. He mentioned being one of the first NBL-to-NBA success stories, praising that progression. “That place prepared me,” he reflected, acknowledging the NBL’s role in honing his game.
True to form, Torrey spoke about his deep ties to community building—especially the recent court renovations in Great Falls, SC. He framed it as full-circle: “I was that kid on cracked pavement… now I build courts so the next kid gets a shot.” Though succinct, the moment was profoundly moving.
The interview also touched on Torrey’s off-court evolution: real estate ventures, youth mentorship, and financial literacy efforts. He underscored the importance of preparing for life after basketball—mentorship, business planning, and giving back.
Torrey closed with a challenge to aspiring athletes: “Stay in your own lane, grind daily, and never feel sorry for where you started.” The simplicity of the message resonated, bringing clarity to listeners.
This WARMUPS interview reveals a man defined not just by athleticism but by resilience, intentionality, and community impact. Craig’s journey—marked by early rejection, mindset breakthroughs, professional leaps, and heartfelt philanthropy—offers a powerful playbook for anyone aiming to overcome, grow, and uplift others along the way.
