“The first time I got to Philly my boy introduced me to Lil Uzi,” Noel says. “He wasn’t even on yet; he was just talking about times when he was staying with this grandmom. It was probably around the time I got drafted. Just seeing what he’s turned into with just how humble he’s been and how creative and how he has really branded himself—it’s something special. He’s on a new wave now.”

But life isn’t all parties with Drake’s dad and walks down memory lane with Lil Uzi Vert. Noel comes from humble roots—both his parents migrated to the United States from Haiti in 1990. And while Noel may look and sound like your typical American 7-foot NBA player, his Haitian heritage and even his Boston upbringing have each played a huge part in who he is today. Including his ability to speak French creole, his foundation, and his charity work.

“Both of my parents are from [Haiti],” Noel explains. “My dad’s from Port-au-Prince and my mom’s from a small town off in the country, so we had our first camp out there last summer. It was our first professional basketball player camp and I think we had about 300 kids. It was great. Gave the kids free sneakers and they were able to just interact with me and just ask me what they wanted. All in all it was a great experience. As much as they’ve struggled, my foundation is really based on helping the youth.”

As far as the Boston area—Noel’s hometown—the Sixers star still has an affinity for it even after living in Philly for three years. Sure, he’s grown accustomed to the City of Brotherly Love and lists Ishkabibble's as his favorite cheesesteak, but Nerlens Noel is still a dude who prays at the altar of Tom Brady and treats Dunkin Donuts like a religion. Which Philadelphians should be quick to forgive. After all, New England is where Noel learned to block shots into other zip codes. And also, surprisingly, where he became a star athlete on the football field as well.

“I played quarterback primarily,” Noel explains. “Then for varsity they used me at wide receiver. I compare myself to probably Randy Moss at the wide receiver. Quarterback, [I was] more like Tom Brady in the pocket because I had accuracy. Outside the pocket, when I wanted to get creative? Probably Cam [Newton]. Because I was bigger than everybody. So I made it happen.”

A bit much to compare himself to arguably the greatest quarterback and greatest wide receiver of all-time? Possibly. But Noel seems confident he could’ve done damage on the gridiron had a coach—and the fact that he was a 6’8” quarterback—not pushed him more in the direction of the hardwood.

“[Laughs.] I was nice, too. I really could’ve played. Obviously basketball was more of my lane so I guess that worked out.”