As the lead character of Boogie, actor/writer/chef Eddie Huang’s directorial debut, Taylor Takahashi was hand-picked by Huang to play Alfred “Boogie” Chin, a Chinese-American high school basketball player who aspires to play in the NBA. Despite being a first-time actor, the Bay Area native’s organic style lends a heavy degree of believability to his fictional counterpart, a big part of why Huang had him go from being his personal assistant to the movie’s main character. Adding to the authenticity is Takahashi’s hardwood ability, which Huang first got a taste of when the two met playing together in a recreational San Gabriel basketball league.
(Nicole Rivelli/Focus Features)
A standout hoops player dating back to high school, Takahashi grew up rooting for the Golden State Warriors (“DUBS for life”) whose favorite players were Allen Iverson and Tracy McGrady (“Elite scorers who never got the teammates to truly compete.”) Here is a trifecta of players Takahashi was happy to say are his faves.
(Photo by Cyrus Saatsaz/CC BY-SA 4.0)
Steph Curry (Golden State Warriors/2009-present)
“Do I need to say much? The greatest shooter in NBA history who single handedly changed the game of basketball all while claiming back-to-back MVPs with three rings and counting.”
(Photo by Keith Allison/CC BY-SA 2.0)
LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers/[2003-2010; 2014-2018/Miami Heat [2010-2014]; Los Angeles Lakers [2018-present])
“Most complete player I’ve ever watched and is my generation’s icon for how you should inspire to play basketball. People don’t like him cause his passing is more elite than his scoring but when it’s all said and done, he’s going to be the all-time leading scorer in NBA history—or at least challenge it, while finishing in the top 10 of both rebounds and assists. My generation’s GOAT.”
(Photo by Frenchie in Portland/CC BY-SA 4.0)
Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers/2012-present)
“A DAWG! The definition of a competitor with a killer’s mentality and represents one of the best cities in the world, Oakland to the fullest. I love every part of his game—3-level scoring ability with the nastiest pound dribble step back in the game, leads by example, preaches loyalty and competes every night (they need to trade CJ to get my mans some help).”
