Former NBA player Willie Cauley-Stein made a surprising return to the basketball scene this summer in The Basketball Tournament. The tournament, typically a summer sideshow, became a life-affirming experience for Cauley-Stein, who found himself out of the league after struggling with substance abuse. His time at Kentucky and the opportunity to represent his alma mater again with former teammates brought back feelings of love and hope that he had lost.
Cauley-Stein opened up about his struggles with addiction, revealing that he had been using fake pills laced with fentanyl, a highly potent and dangerous drug. His journey to recovery included a 65-day stay at an inpatient rehabilitation center, where he found renewed purpose in life. The experience led him to rediscover his love for the game and his desire to make a comeback in the basketball world.
Despite a successful return to the court in TBT, Cauley-Stein is still hopeful for a second chance in the NBA or a lucrative overseas contract. He believes that sharing his story of overcoming addiction could inspire others facing similar struggles. With plans to complete his degree at Kentucky and a potential move back to Lexington, Cauley-Stein reflects on the love and support he received from the Kentucky community, feeling a sense of homecoming after a tumultuous journey.
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