How I Turned Basketball Into a 6-Figure Business | Hezi Almighty DSH #1040

Summary

Digital Social Hour: How I Turned Basketball Into a 6-Figure Business | Hezi Almighty DSH #1040

Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Camaro Carter (Hezi Almighty DSH)
Release Date: December 31, 2024

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Introduction

In this engaging episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly sits down with Camaro Carter, widely known as Hezi Almighty DSH, to explore his journey of transforming his passion for basketball into a lucrative six-figure business. Their conversation delves into Camaro's athletic career, his rise in the social media realm, training routines, and insights into the evolving landscape of basketball.

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Early Athletic Career and Professional Aspirations

Camaro begins by reflecting on his basketball journey, highlighting his highest professional achievement: playing in the Big3 league, which he describes as his closest brush with the NBA.

Camaro Carter [01:27]: "Big3 is probably my highest level as far as professional goals. And that's probably as close as somebody like I'll get to the NBA."

He acknowledges the enduring talent of older NBA players, citing Gerald Green and Jason Richardson's impressive athleticism despite being in their 30s and 40s.

Camaro Carter [01:35]: "Guys like Gerald Green and Jason Richardson still got 40 inch verticals. Easy."

Transition to Social Media and Building a Brand

Sean and Camaro reminisce about their past basketball encounters, including friendly matches at the Bald Dog celebrity game.

Sean Kelly [01:04]: "I balled with you a few times. I don't know if you remember me."

Camaro shares his initial foray into social media, detailing how his viral moments began not as intentional content but as spontaneous showcases of his skills.

Camaro Carter [07:01]: "I actually went viral a few times before I was actually the Hesi guy. I used to make music, or I still make music in my free time, but my music name or rap name is Camaro Carter."

His breakthrough came when a video of him dunking gained significant traction across various platforms, eventually leading to his persona as Hezi Almighty DSH.

Camaro Carter [07:45]: "And then it made its way to Instagram and then maybe the next year is when I was at Venice and kind of they coined the Hesi God name for me."

Training, Recovery, and Maintaining Relevance

Sean inquires about Camaro's rigorous training regimen, to which Camaro responds with his commitment to daily workouts and active recovery practices, including stretching and using the sauna.

Camaro Carter [08:17]: "I pretty much do something every day, bro. Like, work out. Whether it's like, shoot for an hour, I do something every day."

He emphasizes the importance of consistent effort in honing his craft, which he believes is crucial for seizing opportunities when they arise.

Camaro Carter [09:24]: "It's kind of hard to love something when you got to still provide for yourself outside of that love. But when that love is providing the money for you, it makes it easy to love it so much."

Overcoming Challenges and College Athletics

Camaro recounts his college athletic experience, where he played both football and basketball. Despite facing setbacks, such as a foot injury that cost him significant playing time, he persevered and continued to excel in local leagues.

Camaro Carter [10:34]: "I'm just one of those people who know as long as people are hating, you're relevant, like you're being talked about, even if you're being talked about where they like, oh, all he does is travel."

His commitment to teamwork and selflessness on the court, balancing scoring with assists, is highlighted as a foundational aspect of his game.

Camaro Carter [13:27]: "I average 8 assists in my career. And so that's why now I kind of like to showcase my scoring ability because that was something that I wasn't able to showcase in college because I just had to do it."

Interaction with Kyrie Irving and Learning from the Best

One of the most memorable parts of the conversation revolves around Camaro's interaction with NBA star Kyrie Irving. Camaro expresses admiration for Kyrie's skills and intelligence on the court, while also addressing misconceptions about their on-court rivalry.

Camaro Carter [22:00]: "I learned a lot from him, bro. His patience is barred. None like how he can just, like, you know, make his move and you'll be right there and he'll just wait you out and just rise over the top and shoot it without you, like, even being there."

He clarifies a social media post where he showcased his ability to compete with Kyrie, emphasizing mutual respect and the playful nature of their competitive exchanges.

Camaro Carter [21:57]: "I guess the Big Three gave me that opportunity to like, I guess show that I could do it on a higher level with top tier guys."

Perspectives on Basketball Rules and Modern Play

Camaro delves into his views on the evolving rules of basketball, particularly the controversial "travel" calls. He discusses how players, including NBA stars like LeBron James, influence and sometimes manipulate these rules to their advantage.

Camaro Carter [26:27]: "Once we all learn something, we kind of manipulate it. All right. Like even so much as. All right, let's go to cryptocurrency. All right. That was something new fresh."

He advocates for a more nuanced understanding of the game, suggesting that referees often drive rule changes based on player behaviors and public perception.

Camaro Carter [26:41]: "And I was going to post it alongside of the one LeBron did the other day where he actually traveled. That was a travel."

Building Community and Expanding Influence

Sean and Camaro discuss the global reach of basketball and the emergence of talented players from unexpected places. Camaro appreciates the diverse competition he's encountered across various cities, each bringing unique energy to the game.

Camaro Carter [35:35]: "New York's energy is just different. Or maybe I just receive a different energy in the New York basketball world."

He acknowledges the importance of staying relevant in the competitive world of social media and basketball, continuously innovating his skills and content.

Camaro Carter [35:09]: "I'm not going to say no city's better than other as far as competition, but I will rank cities based on the vibe that basketball brings."

Future Endeavors and Personal Projects

As the conversation wraps up, Camaro shares his entrepreneurial ventures beyond basketball. He mentions plans to launch a weed strain named "Heziog" and contemplates re-entering the music scene with a potential mixtape featuring his own raps interwoven with basketball themes.

Camaro Carter [43:14]: "What's next? Working on a weed strand called Heziog with my guy Quinn from Soft Serve."

He expresses enthusiasm about expanding his brand and maintaining his presence across multiple platforms to ensure continued success.

Camaro Carter [44:15]: "Continue to, I guess in my case, innovate moves, or in case of the world, innovate more travels."

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Notable Quotes

• Camaro Carter [01:27]: "Big3 is probably my highest level as far as professional goals. And that's probably as close as somebody like I'll get to the NBA."
• Camaro Carter [07:01]: "I actually went viral a few times before I was actually the Hesi guy."
• Camaro Carter [22:00]: "I learned a lot from him, bro. His patience is barred."
• Camaro Carter [26:27]: "Once we all learn something, we kind of manipulate it."
• Camaro Carter [35:35]: "New York's energy is just different."
• Camaro Carter [43:14]: "Working on a weed strand called Heziog with my guy Quinn from Soft Serve."

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Conclusion

Sean Kelly and Camaro Carter's conversation offers a comprehensive look into the multifaceted life of turning a personal passion into a profitable business. From athletic prowess and strategic use of social media to overcoming challenges and planning future ventures, Camaro's story serves as an inspiring blueprint for aspiring athletes and entrepreneurs alike. His dedication to continuous improvement, both on and off the court, underscores the importance of adaptability and personal branding in today's digital age.

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Connect with Camaro Carter:

• YouTube: Camaro Carter
• Instagram: @thehezyguy
• TikTok: Camaro Carter

Transcript

[Music Announcer]

Hey music fans, there are some great concerts headed this way. Don't miss out on all the shows in your favorite venues like Deftones at Madison Square Garden, Eagles at the Sphere, and Foster the people at the Ryman Auditorium. Tickets are going fast, so don't wait. Head to livenation.com to get your tickets. Now that's livenation.com.

[Camaro Carter]

As much as we spend time like working out, we spend more time like talking about life and books. Dang. That's why he's so intelligent. That's why he moves the way he move on the basketball court. I do want to apologize to him because I think he's upset at that. I posted like me having some good moves on him when we play one on one. Because you know, you post it on social media and the world goes crazy like.

[Host]

All right, guys. Hezzy, God in the building. Thanks for coming on, man.

[Camaro Carter]

Man. Appreciate you for having me.

[Host]

Absolutely. I balled with you a few times. I don't know if you remember me.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah, not for sure. From the Bald Dog celebrity game.

[Host]

I had to guard you a couple times. You got me good once.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. I think it was the Miami one. I think I got you.

[Host]

Yeah, you got me good, man. Don't post that one, please. Yeah, but you put a lot of people on highway.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah, not for sure. I just play a lot of basketball. So it's. It comes with the opportunity.

[Host]

Yeah. What was the highest level you played? What did you get to?

[Camaro Carter]

Big three is probably my highest level as far as professional goals. And that's probably as close as somebody like I'll get to the NBA.

[Host]

Yeah, well, those guys can still play, man.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. Nah, for sure. Like guys like Gerald Green and Jason Richardson still got 40 inch verticals.

[Host]

Oh, yeah.

[Camaro Carter]

Easy.

[Host]

Like, Jay Rich was playing in the lifetime league in Vegas right before he moved.

[Camaro Carter]

Oh yeah, yeah. He could still get you 30 for sure. For. For sure. Yeah.

[Host]

Cause just cause they're in their 30s and 40s now don't mean they could still hoop.

[Camaro Carter]

Nah. And then when you've been doing something for so long, it's like second nature. They don't really know how to do anything else. When you've been training for something your whole life, like you don't know what else to do. So but to continue to practice that craft. So you're gonna. Even though you're getting older and certain things slow down, you're gonna get better in certain areas because you work on it.

[Host]

Yup. You gotta develop a shot as you get older, right?

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. Nah, for sure.

[Host]

Did you have to add that to your game as you got older.

[Camaro Carter]

Um, I've always kind of been blessed with the ability to score. I guess my hindrance was my height and like, the way I look, I kind of look like a running back. And so, you know, you don't really look for that. But then when you see me score, it's like, hmm, I wonder if he can do it against this guy, this guy and this guy. I mean, I guess you don't know until it actually happens. So I guess the Big Three gave me that opportunity to like, I, I guess show that I could do it on a higher level with top tier guys.

[Host]

I mean, there's not many content creators that could do that. Honestly, I don't think.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah, I mean, I feel like, right situation. Yeah, Right opportunity. Some guys could succeed, but it's not as easy as guys try to make it out to be. It's not a thing where it's like, oh, I'm gonna go try out for the big Three next year. And you just think you gonna make it. Cause you won a couple games on YouTube.

[Host]

Did you have to try out?

[Camaro Carter]

I actually did. I went to the combine and I didn't even make the draft or get picked up my first year. But the second year they didn't actually have a combine, but my name was still in the pool. And so a guy left to go play in China. Isaiah Briscoe left to go play in China. Deion Glover, who's like an ex Georgia Tech legend. His son watches me on YouTube. He's like over player personnel and stuff like that. And so he just kind of like shot the idea of Stephen Jackson. And because me and him had had an interaction prior to that, he kind of knew who I was and.

[Host]

Nice. Stephen Jackson. That's Matt Barnes, co host.

[Camaro Carter]

That's my. It's like my uncle now.

[Host]

Oh, yeah, I love that, dude. You're in good hands.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. Nah, for sure. Even Matt Barnes shows me love just because of how Stephen Jackson loves me.

[Host]

So that's dope. Do you like the three on three format? More than five on five.

[Camaro Carter]

I'm a five on five guy, just because that's always what I've played like. So I've understood angles. And it's a lot easier to get four other players involved because you don't always have to touch the ball. You can come set the screen. So it's a lot more ways to get, you know, four other guys involved versus three on three. It's kind of like whoever has the mismatch take advantage of it because you're trying to win. Yeah.

[Host]

Three out of three, you're gonna.

[Camaro Carter]

It's a lot more space too. Yeah.

[Host]

Yeah. You're gassed in three on 33.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. Nah, for sure.

[Host]

When you see LeBron say one on one isn't real basketball, what do you think of that?

[Camaro Carter]

I agree. Because one on one, even if you playing it with three dribbles, you can go from the top of the key to the corner in three dribbles. When in actuality, in a real game, you wouldn't be able to dribble from the top of the key to the corner without someone else helping or stepping up. So it's like, it's not realistic, but it does showcase the ability to score the ball. Like if you're an extremely great scorer or one on one showcases your ability to score in a variety of ways.

[Host]

I feel that there's guys that are nasty at one on one, but in a five on five setting, they just 110%.

[Camaro Carter]

A lot of your favorite YouTube players are like that. Like really good one on one players. But then you see them in a five on five setting and it's like.

[Music Announcer]

Hey, music fans, there are some great concerts headed this way. Don't miss out on all the shows in your favorite venues, like Deftones at Madison Square Garden, Eagles at the Sphere, and Foster the people at the Ryman Auditorium. Tickets are going fast, so don't wait. Head to livenation.com to get your tickets. Now that's livenation.com.

[Camaro Carter]

Where'D that guy go? You know what I'm saying? So I take pride in being good at decent or above average. At 1 on 1, 3 on 3, 5 on 5. Because it just shows, I guess, your overall ability to play the game.

[Host]

Yeah. And I saw you training with Dev in the lab. You still working with him?

[Camaro Carter]

We don't train as often, but Dev's like a brother to me. We spend so much time together, like traveling and training. He's just like one of those guys I could call. And it's like I talked to him yesterday. So Dev's my guy. I learned a lot of stuff from him just with how to maneuver in the, I guess, social media world as a basketball player, so.

[Host]

Right. Cause you started blowing up overnight, right?

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah, I wouldn't say overnight because, you know, I've been playing basketball my whole life, so it was like a. Not an overnight success, but in a sense to the social media world. Yeah. Like once I got on the scene, it was kind of like rolling.

[Host]

What was that first video that Juan viral.

[Camaro Carter]

I actually went viral a few times before I was actually the Hesi guy. So I used to make music, or I still make music in my free time, but my music name or rap name is Camaro Carter. And so prior to becoming a Hesi guy, you know, I moved out here and I played in the superstar league. Rest in peace to the owner who owned that league, but bounced the ball and the defender kind of like ran under and I caught it and dunked it. And so I posted it. And that was when I had like 2000 followers. Overtime posted it. It like went crazy on Twitter and snap. And then it made its way to Instagram and then maybe the next year is when I was at Venice and kind of they coined the Hesi God name for me.

[Host]

Wow. So you were dunking back in those days?

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah, I can still dunk, but I.

[Host]

Don'T see it all.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah, yeah, it's no need for it. I'd rather save my. My knees for a time when I really have to dunk it.

[Host]

I mean, you're already using so much energy just getting by them.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. And even just playing so much, just playing every day and stuff. But I'm one of those people who like, feels the soreness when I don't work out versus just staying active every day. You don't really feel those little nicks and bricks.

[Host]

I feel that. So you're hooping every day, though?

[Camaro Carter]

I pretty much do something every day, bro. Like, work out. Whether it's like, shoot for an hour, I do something every day.

[Host]

Wow. That's respect, man. You're working on your craft still seven days a week. Holy crap. So no recovery time you don't take?

[Camaro Carter]

I take time to recover. But I mean, recovering doesn't mean not doing anything. You know what I'm saying? Recovery means, like, you know, I guess being light on those muscles and stretching those muscles, hitting the sauna, doing things like that. I hit the sauna every day. I stretch every day in the sauna.

[Host]

So yeah, I hit the sauna daily.

[Camaro Carter]

It's a necessity.

[Host]

Ever have any bad injuries?

[Camaro Carter]

Not since I started playing in the social media world. Okay.

[Host]

Taking good care of yourself?

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah.

[Host]

Respect. You like outdoor or indoor better right now?

[Camaro Carter]

I don't particularly care, bro. I'm just a Hooper, bro. I really just like to hoop. Like, if it's a nice event at an outdoor court, I'm going to pull up and put on the show. Same as well as in the gym.

[Host]

Like, dude, those outdoor courts, I just feel so sore after.

[Camaro Carter]

I mean, you can feel the difference, but I don't particularly care, bro. I really just love to play basketball, bro. I really just love hoop.

[Host]

Damn, I love that. It's cool to see your mindset with the game.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. And then it makes it easier to love it when you found a way to make some money off of it. It's kind of hard to love something when you got to still provide for yourself outside of that love. But when that love is providing the money for you, it makes it easy to love it so much.

[Host]

Yeah. That's probably why a lot of people give up sports, because only a certain amount of people can go pro.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. Not 110%, but I think that was my advantage as far as, like, the social media rim goes with basketball and making it to the big three. Just staying the course, bro. A lot of people just. I wouldn't say give up, but, you know, don't continue to hone their skills. Don't continue to work on it. Go to work. Be like, oh, yeah, I'm tired. I'm not going to the gym today. And, you know, that could be the difference from when that phone call come and you, like, get the opportunity. Now you. I was confident when I got the call for the Big Three, because I know I had been working on my game, so the confidence was there. All I had to do was have the opportunity. And when it presented itself, my confidence showed.

[Host]

Yeah. Cause you were working for years without getting paid.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah, not for sure. Even from college, like, you know what I'm saying?

[Host]

Before Nil, right?

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah, before Nil. And I kind of broke my foot as a senior because I played football and basketball. And so I was literally on a fractured foot playing throughout a whole football season, but didn't know it. And then basketball came, and I kind of, like, literally just like, tapped my foot against somebody else's foot on the screen and, like, it broke finally.

[Host]

Holy cow.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. And I missed, like, almost 20 games.

[Music Announcer]

Hey, music fans, there are some great concerts headed this way. Don't miss out on all the shows in your favorite venues, like Deftones at Madison Square Garden, Eagles at the Sphere, and Foster the people at the Ryman Auditorium. Tickets are going fast, so don't wait. Head to livenation.com to get your tickets. Now that's livenation.com.

[Camaro Carter]

It was 20 plus games in my senior year, but because then you couldn't get a medical red shirt if you played more than 33%. I played 33.7%, and they wouldn't. And they wouldn't give me a year Back. Damn, that kind of took a toll on me. But even after that, I continued to like work out playing the summer pro ams back in Charlotte, just still be a face of like, oh yeah, that guy can get a bucket. You know, like I've won summer league, summer league championships in Charlotte. I've won MVPs at money tournaments in Charlotte. So I've, even before I moved to California, like I was a pretty prevalent face in my city with the basketball.

[Host]

That's cool that you're saying that because I read your comments. You get some haters and they say like you're selfish and stuff, but at the end of the day you got some championships under your belt.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. Nah. What people don't know is I played college basketball for one of those coaches who called to play every time down. And so as a freshman, I was that high school kid who averaged 20 plus points, you know, like third or fourth in the state in scoring. So I came to college considering I had some Division 1 AA offers and small mid major offers. I went to a Division 2 school to play both sports. So I'm thinking like, oh yeah, I'm gonna go in there and do what I gotta do. But you know, when you playing for an older coach, you know, he holds like his seniors to a high level. They've been with him for four years, they understand what he wants to do. And at the end of the day it's about winning. And so I played Behind a guy, two guys who scored over 15,000 points in their career in college. One of them is Dennis Scott's, the three point shooter from the Orlando Magic, NBA analyst, now his son. So like I played with some really good guys, so my way of standing on the court was running his plays and making sure those guys got the ball. And it's better to do what you have to do to get minutes versus doing what you want to do and get no minutes. You know, like it sucks to be in college and you know, you walk around campus and everybody like, dang bro, you don't get no playing time versus playing 30 minutes and only scoring four points. But you seen me on the court, you know, not to mention I average 8 assists in my career. And so that's why now I kind of like, like to showcase my scoring ability because that was something that I wasn't able to showcase in college because I just had to do it.

[Host]

Yeah, you had a chip on your shoulder. Wow.

[Camaro Carter]

Then I played quarterback as far as football is concerned. So my coach kind of looked at me as like a Leader, facilitator. So he kind of wanted me to bring that onto the basketball court and I just did what I had to do to play. Love it.

[Host]

Were you better at football or basketball compared to everyone else?

[Camaro Carter]

Some people who know me from growing up and knowing, like, my story of how I became a quarterback would say I'm a better football player. But those who, like, truly have known me since I was like, you know, elementary school know, like, basketball was my first love.

[Host]

I feel that. Did you always want to go pro? Was that the goal growing up?

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah, the goal was always to play two sports. In college, I used to always say I wanted to play two sports for the University of North Carolina, but I played two sports just plus, not there.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Camaro Carter]

You know, so.

[Host]

Well, that's unheard of these days to do two sports. And those are two of the most physically demanding sports, I'd say.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. And to play point guard and quarterback, it's tough because you gotta know both offenses.

[Host]

You're in the game the whole time.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah.

[Host]

Damn. Yeah.

[Camaro Carter]

Touch the ball almost every single play.

[Host]

I don't know anyone that's pulled that off. Football and basketball.

[Camaro Carter]

Well, one of my influences growing up was Ronald Curry. He was actually a Tar Heels quarterback and point guard.

[Host]

Oh, wow.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. But he also became like a wide receiver in the NFL for the Raiders. Damn.

[Host]

These days I feel like the competition is so big that you. It's almost impossible to.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. Now you kind of got to choose, like, even kids like Jalen Suggs was like the top player in his state at quarterback. But like, it's like, all right, which route are you going to choose? Because there's no way you could play NBA. And in NFL, just for example, like, we're in week, what, six of the NFL. And the NBA just started yesterday or two days ago. So it's like there's no way you could physically do it. So with those two sports, you gotta kind of choose one fact. Whereas, you know, if you a football player and a baseball player or a basketball and a baseball player, it could kind of like work itself out.

[Host]

Yeah. I'm a Notre Dame fan. I remember when Pat Connaughton was thinking about going to the NBA and mlb. I thought he was going to pull off both, but he chose NBA.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. Nah, I would have loved to see, like, Russell Westbrook play baseball. He was a heck of a player.

[Host]

He played.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah, he played at NC State. Oh, wow.

[Host]

I didn't know that. Dude's an athlete, man. 50 inch vertical. Have you ever measured yours?

[Camaro Carter]

Well, not Russell Westbrook I'm sorry? Russell Wilson. Oh, Wilson. Okay. He played quarterback, and I think he pitched at NC State. Damn.

[Host]

Shout out to him. Have you. Have you measured your vert, though, before?

[Camaro Carter]

It's been so long.

[Host]

Yeah. What was your peak, though?

[Camaro Carter]

Probably like 35 or something like that.

[Host]

You can get up there. Yeah, I've never measured mine. It's harder when you're taller, though, I feel like.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah, not for sure. When you're shorter, the vertical is. You know what I'm saying? It's a lot taller because you, I guess, essentially jumping Nate Robinson. Right.

[Host]

50 inches. Who were your favorite players growing up? Watching.

[Camaro Carter]

Growing up watching or. I'll take you through the process. So, like, I was a huge Penny Hardaway fan, like, as a kid. Like, with the small penny doll. Yeah, I love Penny Hardaway. And of course, when you grow up, you know, in early 90s, you kind of. There's no choice but to be a Michael Jordan fan. Like, he was essentially the goat, but, like, I always like that guy who challenged the best player. And so Penny Hardaway was that for me. Like, him and Shaq were like that for me. And then, like, I kind of got to this middle school stage where everybody were Laker fans because Shaq and Kobe was together. And so I loved Chris Weber, but it was Jason Williams White Chocolate that made me, like, grow a liking for the Kings. But then when I realized, like, Chris Weber was the actual best player, like, he throws the nice dimes, too, as a 6, 10, big man, then I kind of did my, like, research. You know, when you love basketball, you kind of, like, watch those things. So I was a huge Fab 5 fan before they even dropped the documentary. From just doing my research on Chris Weber and realizing basketball players didn't wear black socks or black shoes until they decided to do it. Like, it was just like, I guess my love is for the innovators. You know what I'm saying? And so, like, I grew a strong liking for Chris Weber. True fact. I wore the patent leather Dada's as a middle school basketball player because it was Chris Weber's shoe. And I was just such a huge Chris Webber fan.

[Host]

Shout out to Chris Weber.

[Camaro Carter]

Nobody like Dada's. Like, come on. People don't even really remember that. That was. Yeah, like, it was like a no name brand. And I got him, like, that was like Kyrie now doing what he did with Anta. Like, Chris Webber did that. Now I warm.

[Host]

Yeah, yeah. Anything other than Nike.

[Camaro Carter]

And I, like, I really didn't like Kobe at That time because the Kings and the Lakers were always battling in the Western Conference finals. I always felt like the Kings got cheated. Oh, I mean, but then once, like the Kings kind of broke up, Jason Williams left, Mike Bibby came. I love that they became a better team when Mike Bibby came. But Jason Williams was that, like, swag that I liked about him. And so I got older and started like really watching Kobe and seeing how he just approached the game and like how he just really spent more time in the lab than everybody else. That's what made him better. Like how he took Michael Jordan's game and I guess made it a 2.0 to like, dang, Michael Jordan looks at Kobe like, hey, I couldn't even do that. And that's my move. Like, you know what I'm saying? So, like, I grew a strong liking for Kobe once I got to high school. And then, you know, once, you know, Kobe passed rip, I became a huge Kyrie fan. It helped that I got in the gym with him with Devin in the lab and just seeing the type of person he was, like genuine human being. As much as we spend time working out, we spend more time talking about life and books. And I'm not a reader, but just to hear like, dang, that's why he's so intelligent. That's why he moves the way he move on the basketball court. Just, I guess, intellectual person and he plays that type of way. And since I'm here on your platform, I do wanna apologize to him. Cause I think he's upset that I posted like me having some good moves on him when we played one on one. Nah, seriously, I had some good moves on him and I think he took offense to it because you posted on social media and the world goes crazy. Like, oh, you let regular everyday heze guy cook you. You know what I'm saying? But the only reason I posted it and I didn't even actually have the video, somebody basically dev put it on like, no in the lab plus. And so you had to pay for it to actually watch it. And so somebody paid for it, basically screen recorded it or whatever they did and did like a reaction video to it. And that guy sent me my highlights, like, you know what I'm saying? But I had been getting cooked online by saying, oh, Kyrie was cooking you. Da da da da this, that and the third, you know what I'm saying? And so like, you know, of course that's how I make my money. I'm a basketball player on social media, so I'm like, Hold on. That's not how it went. We were, like, cooking each other. And so nobody actually ever seen an NBA guy just cold rip Kyrie Irving's crossover. And I did it in the video and I, like, posted it. And I understand, like, he's one of the greatest ball handlers of all time, so it doesn't look good on his image that, you know, I plucked his pocket one out of 30 times that we were there, you know what I'm saying? So. But I just wanted to, in case this runs across him, I just wanted them.

[Host]

It might in my. What you learned from playing against him? Anything you. You took, bro.

[Camaro Carter]

I learned a lot from him, bro. His patience is barred. None like how he can just, like, you know, make his move and you'll be right there and he'll just wait you out and just rise over the top and shoot it without you, like, even being there. How he uses his offhands to, like, keep defenders from being in a place to, like, knock the ball down, like, and the finishing ability is just, bar none, like, how he plays the backboard. And I just got to see all of that firsthand. So it was cool. But it was dope that he liked the way that me and the other guys who worked out with him were playing, and he kind of stole some stuff from us. So it was dope to, like, hear him, like, asking questions about moves we were making. So that just lets you know what kind of person he is.

[Host]

That's cool, man.

[Camaro Carter]

Not too high and mighty to ask somebody he just met, like, hey, bro, how you do that? And of course, he gonna take what you gave him and put his own sauce on it. So nobody will ever know that, you know, it's something you did.

[Host]

But that's probably why he's successful. He's open minded.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. Open minded. Yeah. You have to be. You have to be.

[Host]

It's cool to see that side of him because the media painted him in such a way.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. Now without really understanding who he is, you know what I'm saying? And I guess that's partly, you know, his fault. I have that problem. Like, I'll show you what I want to show you. I'm a basketball player, so that's what I show you. You know, but sometimes the way I play basketball could come off as a jerk or an. And so that's not who I am as a person. I just know that character brings entertainment on the basketball court. And it's about winning. Entertaining. Yeah.

[Host]

So, yeah, I read your comments, man. You get some hate.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. But it doesn't bother me at times. I like, bro. What? I can't believe they mad about this. But it doesn't bother me because I'm one of those people who know as long as people are hating, you're relevant, like you're being talked about, even if you being talked about where they like, oh, all he does is travel. This, that, and the third, there's a conversation about you, there's another conversation about you. You know what I'm saying? And now you got a debate with. Amongst the whole world, bro. Do you think he traveled when he did the. And now you got somebody with an opinion of. Nah, I don't think it was a travel. I actually like the move. I'm. You know what I'm saying?

[Host]

There's whole pages on that.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah.

[Host]

Mdw basketball.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. Not for sure. He opened. I'm not even gonna lie. He helped open my eyes up. Like all of the Euro between the legs and all of the stop on one legs and pause. Like a lot of those videos that went viral for me, like it was him saying that it wasn't a travel and me just going to these leagues and runs that and just testing it out to see if people would call travel or you know. And a lot of time people be so confused that they just play on and say anything. Yeah.

[Host]

The one I always see you is a slow two step and I just.

[Camaro Carter]

Pause in the referee calls of travel. But do you know the referee went back to the league owner and was like, yeah, I missed that call.

[Host]

Really? Oh, so at least he owned up there.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah, at least. But yeah, he said at least I was wrong about that one.

[Host]

I think it's a new type of playing that they're not used to. So they just see it. They're like, what the hell?

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. And I was actually thinking about posting that clip alongside of the one LeBron did the other day where he actually traveled.

[Host]

Oh, I saw that.

[Camaro Carter]

That was a travel. Yeah. But I was going to post it alongside of it and say what LeBron tried to.

[Host]

I mean, these NBA players, they be traveling. Let's be honest.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. But with the way the rules set up is kind of based on the referee. Like when the referee considers the ball dead. Because knowing like once we all learn something, we kind of manipulate it. All right. Like even so much as. All right, let's go to cryptocurrency. All right. That was something new fresh. Everybody was hip to it. Everybody was trying to do it, but not really realizing there were millions of ways to manipulate it. And Take your money, his money, their money. But you know what I'm saying? And it's the same way with the rules of basketball. Like once I learned something or once I learned that you can manipulate it this way, now I can come up with a million ways to manipulate it. And it's not a travel or it's not illegal and you like it looks fishy though. You know what I'm saying?

[Host]

No facts. That's why these NBA players are so good.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. And that's why I say a lot of times, yeah, some NBA players get away with travels, but a lot of times it's based on when the referee considers the ball like dead or stopped. Yeah, it's the referees more than it's the players, you know what I'm saying?

[Host]

Yeah, they got to change the rules constantly. I remember if you jumped into someone while they were shooting, that was like foul at first.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. And it was like a shooting foul and now they call it on the floor. But a lot of times those rules are made in regards to certain players. Like, you know what I'm saying? Like if you watched the Clippers game last night, a lot of those fouls that weren't called in the fourth quarter for James Harden three years ago, they called him without a hesitation. But because so many people complained about him being at the line so much referees falling for him, grabbing the opponent's arm and then going up. Like now he don't even get to just do it when he really gets fouled because he manipulated the rules so much.

[Host]

I could see it from a business point of view because if you're at the free throw line, that's going to hurt viewers and make the game.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah, nah. 110%. So you want to see high level moves.

[Host]

Yeah. Are you just a fan of the game? Do you have a team? Do you have a player?

[Camaro Carter]

I don't have a team. I'm just a fan of the game. I like players, certain players. Like I've grown, I like into certain players now that I've, I guess become a face in basketball. I've grown like into players that I've met. So like, I'm a huge fan of Darrius Baseley. He's not actually in the NBA anymore, but he's one of those guys, like, it's like, man, it's really people out here, 6 foot 10 who can dribble the ball like me, move like me, do everything I can do. When he's 6 foot 10 these days.

[Host]

You have to, you gotta shoot, you gotta be able to dribble.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. Nah. So I've grown a lot of liking to, like, guys like that. But like I said, Kyrie's probably my favorite player as far as basketball player Now. I love Devin Booker. He's just like that second image of Kobe to me with, like, how he moves. Yeah. I'm growing a liking for Jayson Tatum, too, just because he. He gives that, like, Kobe movement feel.

[Host]

And Edwards, huh?

[Camaro Carter]

I love his attitude more than I like the way that he play. You know what I'm saying? I just love his confidence and how he carries. Like, he's the character I would be if I was in the NBA. Like, you know what I'm saying? Like. Like he's the YouTube. Like, if. If you could compare YouTube players to NBA players. Like, he's my personality. Like, you know what I'm saying?

[Host]

You got that confidence.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah, it's confidence, but it's like a confidence where I don't sound super arrogant. Cause I'm joking with you, but you know that I'm serious about what I'm saying. So it's like, I appreciate Anthony Airwood, and not that he doesn't have a smooth game and not extremely athletic, but I like his confidence and his attitude more than his style of play.

[Host]

Where does your confidence come from? Because I've seen you play against really good competition, and you still have the same confidence.

[Camaro Carter]

Honestly, bro, just knowing that I put the work in when, you know, you go work out every day. You know, you go shoot every day when, you know you've been playing since you were five. Like, damn, five.

[Host]

Your parents wanted you to play early.

[Camaro Carter]

I just grew a liking to it early, and they didn't, like, you know, keep it away from me. They let me. I played pretty much everything. I played baseball. I played baseball up until a senior in high school. I quit playing baseball because my fastball was too fast for anybody on my team to catch because my high school wasn't that good.

[Host]

Oh, wow.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah.

[Host]

You were throwing so fast, they couldn't even catch it.

[Camaro Carter]

I had 19 strikeouts in a game and lost. Wait. Because the catcher was dropping the ball.

[Host]

Oh, my God.

[Camaro Carter]

And so they were getting on base from the catcher dropping from the. From me striking him out on strike three. And the catcher dropping the ball. So you got to now throw him out at first if he runs. And they were mist throwing the. The out on first. And so they were getting on base from there.

[Host]

Holy crap. What was your batting percentage in high school?

[Camaro Carter]

I think I batted, like, somewhere close to, like, 360 but I was really good, like, and then I played in a. A conference with, like, a lot of schools who didn't have good baseball teams.

[Host]

So. Okay.

[Camaro Carter]

There were very few far between schools where, like, they had guys who could just strike me out because I played baseball from about just as long as I played basketball.

[Host]

Was this in Cali growing up?

[Camaro Carter]

No, I'm from Charlotte, North Carolina. So. Yeah.

[Host]

Wow. So baseball's not big over there.

[Camaro Carter]

It is big over there. Honestly, I just went to a. How do we say, urban or black high school? And so the surrounding schools were kind of, like, similar. So we were all really good at football, basketball, you know what I'm saying? Track. But, like, our soccer team sucked, Our baseball team sucked.

[Host]

So white people, sports.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. But when I was a freshman, like, our baseball team was really good. But then, like, you know, gentrification happens. New schools get built. People go to the new schools and, like, you know, who you got winning the World Series? Honestly don't care.

[Host]

You don't follow up.

[Camaro Carter]

We've been watching it, but it's like, I guess, go Dodgers, since I live in la, but I don't particularly care.

[Host]

Yeah, I don't care anymore. I used to love sports growing up, but I don't watch full games anymore, to be honest.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah, Nah, me either. I honestly won't really pay attention to a game unless we, like, gambling on it or something.

[Host]

Yeah, it's not the same. Like, as a kid, it just.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah, as a kid, it was like, man, I can't wait to go watch this game. But now it's just like, you could be waiting to watch an NBA game, and then now all four of the superstars not even playing facts. Yeah.

[Host]

Yeah. How do you feel about the load management stuff?

[Camaro Carter]

I understand it. So, you know, I'm not opposed to it because I'm a basketball player. So I do understand, like, going at it five nights in a row or four nights in a row, just what it does to your body. And then you expected to play at an even higher level after playing 82 games.

[Host]

So it's a lot of games. People don't realize that's taxing on your body.

[Camaro Carter]

A lot of games and a lot of flying and flying and playing basketball. That's as much as we try to make it mix. It really don't mix.

[Host]

Dude, when I fly, I get a cold every time. Like, my nose is running.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. Nah, I need a day at least, like, to. Nah. Like, if I. If I. All right, say there's a basketball event on a Saturday, I need to be there Friday. So, like, I could just like, acclimate. Yeah, Walk. Walk around, get the. Get the jet lag off me. Maybe even go to a run and like, stink it up so that I'll stink it up at the event, like. Yeah.

[Host]

So now your game's pretty physical. I'd say it's more like 90s, 2000s era, right?

[Camaro Carter]

Uh, yeah. I get to the basket so that I can really get what I want with the jump shot. Like, I really want to shoot jump shots, but, like, it's not so easy shooting jump shots with people all over you. So if you, you know, I guess you bully them and get to the basket a few times, a guy kind of bags up and prepares to, like, accept the contact. And then now you can just relax and take practice.

[Host]

Yeah, I feel like that's a rare thing these days. I feel like everyone just wants to.

[Camaro Carter]

Shoot it up, man. I may in some games, like, take a long jump shot, the first one, just to see what kind of day is going to be. But, like, if I don't make one out of those first three, I'm downhill, I feel.

[Host]

What's the most points you've had in the game?

[Camaro Carter]

113 in an ABA game.

[Host]

Holy crap.

[Camaro Carter]

But to my defense, I think it was like 106 real points. Like real basketball points. Because in the ABA, so, like, say if your team's on offense and I get a steal before you cross half court, however many points I score, you add one. So if I make a layup, it's three. Oh, wow. If I make a three, it's four. If you foul me on a three, I shoot four free throws. That's weird.

[Host]

Why would they.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah, they add a point. I guess they're rewarding you for getting a turnover in the backcourt.

[Host]

Oh, wow.

[Camaro Carter]

And I forgot. What did they call it? I forgot what they call a 3D rule is what they call it or whatever.

[Host]

Will Chamberlain out here.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah.

[Host]

100 point game, man.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah, but that's. I've done it twice. I did in the aba.

[Host]

Twice.

[Camaro Carter]

No, I did it in the ABA and then I did it in a adult league called the Elite five last year. Damn. Yeah, good, bro.

[Host]

What's the best city, competition wise. You think? Because you played everywhere.

[Camaro Carter]

I'm not going to say no city's better than other as far as competition, but I will rank cities based on the vibe that basketball brings. Like the energy that they bring when you in a basketball setting. And New York's energy is, bar none. Like, I've been to New York in like a small gym setting where, you know, somebody made a call and was like, bro, Hezzy's about to pull up to the gym. We about to start a run tonight at 10:00. And this was maybe, you know, 4:00 in the afternoon. And then they pack out a small gym and there's cats in there yelling, talking trash. You not doing that to me. Everybody got their phones out. And then I've also been like, at Rucker park, my flight got there late, showed up at halftime, stands full. And like, it was like crazy love and energy. Like soon as I got on the court, people was standing and clapping. It was just. The energy in New York is just different. Or maybe I just receive a different energy in the New York basketball world. But like, bar none, like, that's respect, man.

[Host]

Cuz you live in LA and you're saying New York?

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah, like I, I can't say particularly any city's competition is better because I've met cold basketball players in almost each city I've been in.

[Host]

Like, yeah, these days I'm sure.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah, it's just, it's a cold dude everywhere. It's a dude that challenged me everywhere.

[Host]

But are you a big trash talker?

[Camaro Carter]

Nah. What people don't know about me is like, when you hear me talking trash, it's because someone started talking trash to me first. And I just don't shut up once I start talking trash. So it's like, you know what I'm saying? I'll hit a three pointer and you'll say something as simple as, yeah, you won't get another one. That's your last one. You not doing that again. Oh, so now every time I score, I'm gonna be like, that's another one, that's another one. And then you gonna get annoyed because it's like, all right, I already know I can't stop you. You already got 20 points the end of the first quarter, going into the second quarter. All right, it's. It's evident. I can't stop you. Yeah, but now I'm pissed off because you won't shut up. And you shouldn't have started talking to me first. I'm just one of those.

[Host]

You won't let it go.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah, I won't let it go.

[Host]

Ever. Anyone try to fight you?

[Camaro Carter]

Of course. Hundreds of times.

[Host]

Damn. That many?

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah.

[Host]

Holy crap.

[Camaro Carter]

Is. It's actually annoying because that's not why I'm talking trash. I'm just. It makes for a good video one. I want to give you a Little taste of your own medicine. Because if the shoe was vice versa and you were cooking me, you'd be talking crazy trash to me like, Hezzy guy. Oh, I'm cooking, like, you'd be talking crazy trash to me. So, like, I'm just giving you the same energy you would have given me had the shoe been on the other foot.

[Host]

I feel that. I feel that. Are you posting on YouTube and stuff?

[Camaro Carter]

I do post on YouTube. I think I'm at like 226k.

[Host]

Nice. Yeah, it's really good. What's the error right now? Because I know with basketball content on YouTube now it's like making your own team, right?

[Camaro Carter]

That was the thing. But like, now it's the one on one. Like, the one on one thing is back again. Like, I guess not so much is with like, you know, the Jesters versus the. The Cash Nasties. But like, you know, your Nas's verse Nescos and your, like, there's like A. The one on one world has changed dramatically since when I started YouTube.

[Host]

Yeah. So Tracy McGrady's league is gonna do well then?

[Camaro Carter]

I think it is gonna do well. Cause it's a lot of guys who, like one wanna be in that world. It's a lot of people, like, I guess starting their one on one platforms. And then Frigga and Scottie started something next chapter that everybody has been trying to mimic. And they just have been doing an amazing job of like, I guess coming up with new ideas, staying different, staying relevant. Like, including everybody from cities you wouldn't even thought had Hoopers. Like, yeah. I found myself watching guys from Oklahoma, like, you know what I'm saying? Like, there's a guy named Burke who, like, from Oklahoma, literally, like, had a nice little rise from Baller's life. Like, been doing a little one on one tear. There's a guy named Nesco from.

[Host]

I've seen him. He's nasty.

[Camaro Carter]

He's from Delaware, though. Like, exactly. Like, who would have thought there's Hoopers in Delaware, like, you know what I'm saying? Like, somebody that cold from Delaware, like, you know what I'm saying? So that's why I say you can't really, like, say which city is like the best.

[Host]

Everyone's got loopers of their spot, you know what I mean?

[Camaro Carter]

You know what I'm saying?

[Host]

Austin Reeves. Canada's looking nice. I mean, they got.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. Nah. Even just watching Dalton connect in preseason game, it's just like, dang, bro. We knew you could play a little bit at Tennessee, but we didn't know, like, you could do that.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah.

[Host]

You liking college hoops more than pro, or.

[Camaro Carter]

Honestly, I don't particularly care. I see good basketball, I watch it. Certain people I pay attention to, I'm really intrigued with just because of what he's been through. It's like, all right, is he gonna let that, like, bother him? And then it helps that he's playing with Dior, who kind of, I wouldn't say been through something similar, but, like, one of those top high school kids people kind of put on the back burner because of situation, so just kind of want to see how they gonna respond to it.

[Host]

Yeah, I'm rooting for him. I mean, he's been through a lot, man, so if he could turn that around, that'd be sick.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. Nah, for sure.

[Host]

And with Bronny, too. I know he's getting a ton of hate, but, I mean, he didn't ask for that.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. Nah. Over time, though, he's going to be a player that we never thought he would be. Yeah, for sure. With just the way the NBA is, even in college, you could tell he was, like. He was already a pro player.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Camaro Carter]

That's why the college system didn't, like, work for him, because he's already a pro player. He's been watching someone be the best pro player for the last 10 years.

[Host]

Yeah. So I've heard that from a lot of pros that college is, like, a step backwards.

[Camaro Carter]

It is, for real. Especially if you already, like, you know, I'm saying, ready for the next level.

[Host]

Because you saw it with you. I mean, if you went from high school to maybe playing pro somewhere, it.

[Camaro Carter]

Would have been better just off the strength of. They would have allowed me to be me or just opportunity. I wouldn't say particularly college or the pro, just opportunity. Like, just make sure you get the right opportunity for yourself. Just that allows you to be you. Because when you go to an opportunity that allows you to be you, like you, you'll be surprised what you see within yourself. Like facts. You know what I'm saying?

[Host]

If the CBA hit you up, would you take it? Chinese Basketball Association?

[Camaro Carter]

I would. They would have to offer me a nice little chump of change, because they will. I know they would want me to stay a while. And China sucks for me. Just because I'm a smoker. I smoke weed, bro.

[Host]

Oh, it's illegal there?

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah, it's, like, crazy illegal.

[Host]

Damn. Oh, yeah, that girl got.

[Camaro Carter]

Was that China?

[Host]

Yeah.

[Camaro Carter]

No, that was Russia. China's even more strict, bro.

[Host]

Like, you'd have to give up weed.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah, bro.

[Host]

You think you could do that?

[Camaro Carter]

But, you know, like, that's one of my, like, recovery things, like, you know what I'm saying? Like, just a relaxing, meditating after killing yourself on the court, trying to get better, so.

[Host]

Well, a lot of the old NBA guys used to smoke even before or during games.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. Nah. I even heard Kevin Durant say he smoked.

[Host]

Really?

[Camaro Carter]

You didn't see him? I forgot who the interview was with, but he was actually during the interview, interviewing.

[Host]

Oh, was that Logan Paul?

[Camaro Carter]

And who was the interviewer? It was an older guy. I want to say Letterman, but I'm not sure if it was him, though. It could have been Letterman, but I'm not sure. And he was, you know, sitting down with Kevin Durant, and he asked him, and he was like, you know, do you smoke before games? And he was like, yeah. And Kevin Durant was like, I'm actually hot right now. Like, you know what I'm saying? It was, like, funny. It was super funny.

[Host]

I love that. Yeah. KD is one of a kind, man. Well, dude, what's next for you? Where can people find you and everything?

[Camaro Carter]

You definitely find me on YouTube, Instagram, @thehezyguy. Tick tock as well if you're a Facebooker. Camaro Carter, what's next? Working on a weed strand called Heziog with my guy Quinn from Soft Serve. Let's go.

[Host]

I'll get you in some dispensaries in Vegas. All right.

[Camaro Carter]

For sure. So gotcha. We stay connected on that. I actually have hundreds of tracks I've been debating on. Should I just narrow them down to the best 10, drop a mixtape and just get back into the music.

[Host]

So you should drop a hoop mixtape.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah.

[Host]

Music in the background.

[Camaro Carter]

I was going go ahead and just drop all my lost files to let people know that I can rap and then, like, step into, like, dropping like a hoop mixtape to try to, like, make the 2K soundtrack.

[Host]

Oh, that'd be lit.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah. I already did, like, mocap for 2k, like, years ago.

[Host]

Let's go do it, bro. Yeah, I wouldn't be scared of that.

[Camaro Carter]

Yeah, but nah, man. Just staying active. Trying to stay relevant. The more relevant you stay, more money, you make facts, you know what I'm saying? Continue to, I guess in my case, innovate moves, or in case of the world, innovate more travels.

[Host]

I love it. All right, man. Thanks for coming on.

[Camaro Carter]

For sure. Appreciate you for having.

[Host]

Thanks for watching, guys.

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