Former NBA All-Star Victor Oladipo has revealed that a chance meeting with Dwyane Wade at the White House played a decisive role in his decision to attend Indiana University and play under head coach Tom Crean.
Oladipo recalled receiving an invitation to a Father’s Day event hosted by President Barack Obama during his senior year of high school. However, he was surprised to learn that Wade would also be attending.
“My senior year in high school, I get invited to the White House. I’m one of 12 people from my high school because Obama is having a Father’s Day dinner. As we’re walking up to the White House, this lady says, ‘Make sure you button up your shirt. You’re about to see Dwyane Wade.’”
The unexpected opportunity allowed Oladipo to spend time with one of his basketball idols, along with former NFL player Antwaan Randle El.
“I’m like, ‘What is this lady talking about?’ I thought I was seeing Obama. We walk in there and me and my teammate get to sit with D-Wade and Antwaan Randle El.”
At the time, Oladipo had not yet decided where he would play college basketball. Knowing that Crean had previously coached Wade at Marquette, he took the opportunity to ask the Miami Heat star about his experience.
“I hadn’t committed yet. So I asked him about Tom Crean because Tom Crean had been his coach at Marquette.”
Wade’s response left a lasting impression on Oladipo and ultimately convinced him to choose Indiana.
“I said, ‘What do you think about Tom Crean as a coach?’ He said, ‘He’s the reason why I am the man I am today.’ And then I committed the next day.”
Oladipo went on to play three seasons at Indiana under Crean before entering the 2013 NBA Draft, where he was selected second overall by the Orlando Magic.
Years later, Oladipo had further opportunities to interact with Wade during his NBA career, including watching film together while Oladipo played for the Indiana Pacers and Wade represented Miami.
“Later, I had the chance to watch film with D-Wade and hang out with him during some Pacers series when he was with the Heat. It felt crazy. Especially at that age, your idols are everything. That’s what motivates you. You see this person and think, ‘I want to be like this individual.’”
