"I would do it again if I had to" - Vince Carter held no regret over attending his graduation ceremony before a vital Playoff game
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May 20, 2001, held great significance for Vince Carter as he navigated two major events in his life. He had to prepare for the clutch Game 7 of the EC semifinals against the Allen Iverson-led Philadelphia 76ers and his graduation ceremony at the University of North Carolina, which was scheduled for the same day.
Despite the logistical challenges posed by travel, Carter made a bold choice. Rather than sacrificing one occasion for the other, he attended both. The 8-time All-Star started his day by attending his graduation ceremony and then went to Philly for Game 7.
Facing travel fatigue, Carter’s performance faltered in Game 7. As the 76ers emerged victorious with a slim 88-87 win, Carter was on the wrong end of things and got criticized by the fans for his choices. However, Vince expressed no regrets regarding his choice, adamantly stating that he would’ve made the same decision if he had the choice years later.
Carter’s legacy could’ve been entirely different
Throughout the playoff series against the 76ers, Toronto heavily relied on Vinsanity’s heroics to secure wins. In Game 3, the 1999 ROY scored 50 points on 65.5% shooting from the field and had 4 blocks to help the Raptors secure a 2-1 lead. Similarly, even in Game 6, when his team faced elimination, Carter rose to the occasion, scoring 39 points on 54.8% shooting from the floor and having four steals to force a Game 7.
With the pressure already challenging to perform in Game 7, and that too on the road in Philly with hostile home fans constantly trying to get under the skin of all Raptors players, especially Carter, he had an enormous task on his hands. Unsurprisingly, he struggled to find his rhythm, converting just 33.3% of his shots from the floor, intensifying the high-stakes atmosphere.
To compound matters, VC had a chance to secure the win at the buzzer-beater. However, as he up-faked to create separation, his shot clanged off the rim as the 76ers won 88-87.
While the outcome of Air Canada’s decision to attend his graduation might have seemed inconsequential had his final shot found the net, criticism continued to mount against him for his below-par performance and his travel choice that morning. Michelle (Carter’s mother) rebuffed the notion that the graduation was responsible for the Raptors’ defeat and only felt it was being scapegoated to point fingers at her son.
Vince Carter stood by his choice even years later
In a video released by the Atlanta Hawks, Carter is seen reflecting on the insights from that memorable day. He made it clear that despite the backlash received for his disappointing performance on the basketball court, he wouldn’t change a thing.
Even almost two decades later, he stood firm in his conviction, emphasizing that he decided to attend his graduation ceremony with a solid mind.
“It was a taxing day for me, but I was able to accomplish both goals,” Carter said. “And I would do it again if I had to.”