Boston Celtics' star Jaylen Brown recently embarked on a transformative journey during the NBA offseason, choosing the serene surroundings of Bahrain for a nearly two-month stay. Seeking privacy and peace of mind, Brown immersed himself in the culture and beauty of Manama, Bahrain's capital. His time there was marked by unique workouts, including a striking photograph of him dribbling a basketball underwater while holding a 40-pound weight. This unconventional training was part of his preparation for the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season.
Brown's stay in Bahrain wasn't limited to physical training. His connections in the region facilitated a profound spiritual journey, allowing him to visit Mecca, Saudi Arabia. There, he participated in sacred rituals, describing the experience as indescribable and enlightening. The trip also offered him an opportunity to engage with Bahrain's community and leaders, including a meeting with Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, at the Gudaibiya Palace in Manama.
“I went there just for privacy, peace of mind,” – Jaylen Brown
Brown's admiration for the Middle East grew as he interacted with some of Bahrain's brightest minds. He appreciated the respect for his privacy, the beauty of the landscape, and the rich culture. His experiences extended beyond basketball as he met with dignitaries and explored opportunities linked to his investment in Hapbee, a wearable technology brand.
“I had never been there before. It’s like a small island, not too far off the coast of the UAE [United Arab Emirates], not too far from Dubai and Qatar. I just enjoyed it. I spent the summer away outside of the U.S. [It was a] Different experience for me. It kind of opens your eyes to different parts of the world.” – Jaylen Brown
The NBA star's interactions were not limited to high-profile meetings. He also engaged with Bahrain's supreme council for youth and sport, Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and other influential figures during his stay. Brown took part in basketball workouts at an arena used by the 13-team Bahraini Premier League, further blending his professional commitments with cultural exploration.
“Just also to learn about different places in the world, just exploring, making relationships with their foundations, exploring relationships through the game. You can help develop other areas.” – Jaylen Brown
His friend Matthews, who accompanied him, shared his awe at Bahrain's beauty and technological advancements. Matthews praised Brown for his leadership qualities and noted the positive impact of their interactions in Bahrain.
“They weren’t self-centered. They were asking about community, having morals of life. They [haters] tried to label [Brown] as a person that needs to focus on basketball. I love Jaylen. God put him on Earth to be a leader.” – Matthews
Brown's journey underscored his belief in breaking stereotypes about the Middle East. He acknowledged that while misconceptions exist, there are significant benefits that he values deeply.
“I like the Middle East. There are a lot of misconceptions about the Middle East, but there are a lot of pros as well that I put some value in,” – Jaylen Brown
His experiences in Mecca and Bahrain provided not only spiritual growth but also professional insights as he prepared for another NBA season. Brown expressed his enthusiasm for potentially revisiting Bahrain next offseason, hinting at future roots in the region.
“Mecca was amazing. I can’t even put it into words,” – Jaylen Brown
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