"Just dream big and keep working hard."
On the surface, it is easy to dismiss this statement as a cliché that has been used to death in motivational speeches and movies.
But for Clint Capela, these are words that have significant value. These are words that his idol Thabo Sefolosha reiterates to him. These are words he lives by.
The Houston Rockets' defensive specialist is currently in Johannesburg, South Africa for the NBA Africa Game where he'll be playing alongside the likes of Bismack Biyombo, Gorgui Dieng, Serge Ibaka, Luc a Mbah Moute and Salah Mejri. The team will be led by Luol Deng and Sefolosha.
The 23-year-old has been enamored by Sefolosha since his high school days at INSEP, which has also produced other world-class athletes Tony Parker and Boris Diaw.
And although he is much older now, Capela says his admiration for Sefolosha has not wavered: "He is somebody that is always working so hard. The mindset he has is something that has transferred to me."
It's not just Sefolosha's heroics on the court that has impressed Capela: he's work away from the game has also left a lasting impression.
The Utah Jazz forward is an ambassador for IMBEWU and Make-A-Wish Foundation, while also collaborating with NBA Cares and WildAid to raise awareness about illegal wildlife trade. He has set a positive example that other African players can follow.
Hence the reason why Capela was keen on participating in Basketball Without Borders, a global basketball development and community outreach programme. He recognises how these camps and events help elevate and spread the game across the continent.
"For 15 years, they [the NBA] have been out here trying to help the growth of the game in Africa. Even on our team, we have a bunch of African players that have been in that camp," Capela adds.
Busy as the week leading up to the NBA Africa Game has been, Capela has not missed out on the biggest sporting news of the week - Neymar's world record shattering transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.
"He's going to be really great. For the city, for the fans, and I'm excited to see him go there," Capela says.