Shane Larkin, the Anadolu Efes star guard, recently opened up about why he chose basketball over following his father, Barry Larkin, into baseball.
Speaking to Eurohoops, the player said his decision was about forging his own identity rather than taking what might have been an easier path.
“It makes me feel great,” Larkin shared. “I could’ve taken the easier route and play the same sport as him and probably get a bunch of handouts. ‘His dad is this guy so let’s give him more opportunities, let’s have him on the team’ – even if I wasn’t a great player.
“Who knows, if I played that sport, I could’ve been great or not. The route would’ve been easier because of all the relationships and the things that my dad had implemented along his own path.”
Instead, Larkin emphasized that he wanted to create his own story.
“But I never really wanted to do that. I wanted to make my own name. I didn’t want to take the easy path. I wanted to make things difficult. I wanted to work for it. I wanted to earn it. I didn’t want it to be handed to me.”
Reflecting on his journey, he admitted that his hard work and determination remain the driving forces behind his success.
“Sitting here today, I guess I can say that nothing that I’ve accomplished in this sport has been given to me. That’s a part of the reason why I wear this number. That’s a part of the reason why I still work hard every single day and that’s a part of the reason why I have the motivation and determination to continue to push myself to be the best I can be.
“I think that motivation is the sole thing that has pushed me to where I am. Obviously I can’t discredit anybody or any people that have helped me along the way. Teammates, coaching staff, family, everybody is a huge part of that success.”
Ultimately, Larkin said he’s proud of his decision.
“I think I’m more proud to be sitting here playing this sport in the way that I’ve had to earn everything as opposed to the way I could’ve gone if I played something else.”
Larkin also reflected on his role with the Turkish national team during their silver medal run at EuroBasket 2025 and looked ahead to the upcoming season with Efes, making clear that his passion and drive remain as strong as ever.
Shane Larkin: Nothing that I’ve accomplished in this sport has been given to mehttps://t.co/KhycWSQaQx
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) September 24, 2025
