Andrei Kirilenko

My name is Andrei Kirilenko. I grew up in Russia. My family was very poor. We shared a small apartment with two other families. When the Soviet Union collapsed, my parents lost their jobs and eventually divorced.
My entertainment was always basketball. I had a dream of playing in the NBA. I spent all my time in the gym working hard toward my goal. I stayed away of drugs and alcohol. I went pro at the age of fifteen and was earning enough money to support my family. I am blessed to be in the NBA and to now give back and make people here in Utah happy. (powerinyou.org)