R.J. Barrett shares touching moment with father, Rowan, after drafted by Knicks

R.J. Barrett is known to be a ferocious competitor but he let his guard down on Thursday night, sharing an emotional moment with father after being selected third overall by the New York Knicks.

Barrett broke down in tears of his joy, hugging his dad, Rowan, who serves as the executive vice president and general manager of Canada Basketball.

“I’m excited for him. Your children make goals and they go out and achieve them. You have to be proud, very proud. Proud of you, son,” the elder Barrett said in an interview with ESPN.

Both father and son figure to be major components of Canadian basketball for years to come, especially now that R.J., who has received national attention since his sophomore season, is finally heading to the NBA.

Barrett wore a pink jacket, black shirt, black tie and Louis Vuitton red-bottom shoes for the biggest moment of his young career.

Even though Barrett showed out as a prep superstar, leading Florida’s Montverde Academy to a high school national championship before featuring at Duke, he hasn’t forgotten where he came from. He used his jacket lining, adorned with Canadian flags, to show off his national pride.

The drip, like his Euro step, is spectacular.

Barrett broke onto the national radar in spectacular fashion, posting 38 points and 13 rebounds for Canada in a 99-87 semifinal victory over the U.S. at the 2017 FIBA U-19 Basketball World Cup, before helping Canada win it all against Italy.

Ahead of the 2019 Draft, Barrett is shining and continues to put his country of birth on the map in what could be a historical night as six Canadian players are poised to potentially be selected Thursday.

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