In a recent interview, NHL All-Star Matthew Tkachuk revealed an interesting tidbit about his past – he shared a gym class with NBA All-Star Jayson Tatum when they were younger, in middle school specifically. Tkachuk recalled Tatum’s confidence in making it to the NBA, with Tatum telling him then that he was going to be an NBA player. When it came to playing hockey during gym class, Tatum apparently struggled, much to the amusement of Tkachuk. Matthew Tkachuk and Jayson Tatum
Tkachuk emphasized that the basketball star was never cocky or arrogant, describing him as a very confident and great person. The attached video of the interview provides further insights into their shared experiences.
In the present day, both Tkachuk and Tatum are enjoying standout seasons in their respective leagues. Tatum, playing for the Boston Celtics, is averaging 30.2 points per game (6th best in the NBA), 8.8 rebounds (21st best), and 4.6 assists (46th best). With his help, the Celtics currently hold the second spot in the Eastern Conference with a record of 55 wins and 25 losses, trailing only the Milwaukee Bucks.
Tkachuk himself is having a fantastic season with the Florida Panthers, racking up 39 goals and 66 assists for a total of 105 points in 76 games played. The Panthers are in the midst of a tight playoff race, occupying the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. They’re tied with the New York Islanders on points, who hold the second spot, and are only one point ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who are vying for a playoff berth. Matthew Tkachuk and Jayson Tatum
As these two athletes continue to excel in their respective sports, their shared gym class memories serve as a reminder of the drive and determination it takes to make it to the top. With Tkachuk and Tatum both enjoying successful seasons, fans of both the NHL and NBA can appreciate the unexpected connection between these two stars.
