GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — In 2023, a former West Michigan High School hooper played for the Grand Rapids Gold. Wayland Union High School alum Lacey James suited up for West Michigan's G League team for a couple of games.
In 2024, another former basketball star from Grand Rapids joined the team.
On Thursday night, Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School alum Duke Mondy played for the Gold. It was his second game playing with the team and the first at Van Andel Arena.
Many loved ones showed up to see the 33-year-old hoop in his hometown for the first time since his high school days.
"Oh it was love, man," Mondy said. "I can't really explain the feeling and the emotions I have but I was really excited and I like the support that the city came out and brought to me. It was fun, man. I can't lie it was fun. It was a good time. I brought the city out. The city came out to support me. I appreciate and love the city for that."
Mondy put up four points and even was money on his first shot of the night in the 105-86 loss to the Cleveland Charge.
The former Oakland Golden Grizzly has actually been with the team since the beginning of the 2023-24 season. He is a player developer intern with the Gold. The organization asked him to suit up due to the lack of players on the roster.
Mondy has not played in the G-League since 2019 and loved every second of his return.
"Never give up on what you got and what you want to do," Mondy said. "Just keep striving. You'll never know what happens."
The pro ball player aspires to be a coach someday.
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