It might surprise some fans of the Boston Celtics to know that it took several years of playing basketball before legendary Celtics small forward Paul Pierce truly realized the NBA was in his future.

All-American forward from Kansas, Paul Pierce, speaks at a news conference, April 2, 1998 at Inglewood High School in Inglewood, Calif., where he announced plans to enter the NBA draft in June.

The man who opened his eyes to the path in the first place? His coach in high school.

“Probably after my freshman year in college. You know, I was one of the top freshmen in the country and really had a solid year plan for a top program,” said Pierce as he answered himself.

“Now going into my sophomore year, I’m on the cover of Sports Illustrated,” related Pierce.