Victor Oladipo loves to watch Shrek, Mulan, Home Alone and Home Alone 2 before each night before a game.
Athletes usually have their personal superstition. One of the most infamous superstitions was by Michael Jordan who sported his North Carolina College basketball shorts under his Chicago Bulls uniform every game. He is the main reason why the NBA lengthened the uniform shorts in the 90s, compared to the thigh huggers of the 70s and 80s.
Indiana Pacers guard, Victor Oladipo, was traded to the Pacers last off-season for Paul George. Coincidentally, returning to where he played college ball was the best thing for his career. He’s coming off career highs in almost every statistical category. In 75 games, Oladipo averaged 23.1 points per game, led the league in steals per game and was named an All-Star. He was also crowned the NBA’s Most Improved Player. His defense earned him NBA Defensive First Team honors. In addition, his leadership helped to force a Game 7 against the defending Eastern Conference champion, Cavaliers.
His laundry list of accolades during the 2017-18 season could not have been done without his pre-game rituals. During the Pacers’ Media Day, Oladipo talked about the routine that led to his breakout season. It includes movies and Noodles & Company.
“Once I do something and I like it, I’m not going to change,” said the Pacers All-Star. “I watch the same four, five movies all the time before I go to sleep.” In addition to the movies, he talks about his favorite pre-game snack. “I eat Noodles & Company before every game, and I get the exact thing every game.”
As a result of his previous season, you won’t expect Oladipo to change his routine any time soon.
