Stories about the relationship between Washington Redskins DE Chase Young and Orlando Magic G Markelle Fultz are not new. Some of the details about how they pushed each other to be among the best in their draft class is telling of the character and determination that will hopefully take both far in his respective profession.
Fultz and Young grew up together, and they played sports together at school in Hyattsville, MD, and they pushed each other to be better. According to a story from ESPN’s John Keim, the two grew up within sight of each other, always competing in youth basketball leagues, but it wasn’t until high school at DeMatha where their bond really took root.
“It’s a mentality we had being young,” Fultz said, via ESPN. “We didn’t know where we’d be, but we both believed, with the work ethic and talent we had, that anything is possible, so why not set it to be that?”
From that point on, they pushed each other to be great, with targets set on being the No. 1 overall draft pick in their respective sports. Fultz succeeded in that goal, being drafted to the Philadelphia 76ers out of the University of Washington. Young, of course, was drafted No. 2 overall by the Redskins, though he was widely believed to be the most talented player in the draft.
“They really motivated each other,” said Young’s mother, Carla. “They knew their skill level and desire to be great and to keep each other accountable and keep pushing one another.”
To this day, the two still talk several times a week, and they continue to push each other to excel and become great on their own. Two stars in the making, forever linked by a connection at a young age.
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