‘First Round Pick: The Path Least Chosen’
In 1986, Kenneth Barlow was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the NBA Draft. He chose a different path—turning down a guaranteed NBA contract to begin an international career that would span 16 years and include championships in Italy, Israel, and Greece.
First Round Pick: The Path Least Chosen is about more than basketball. It is a story about preparation, identity, choices, and having the courage to follow the path that aligns with who you are
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The Death of a Dream Podcast
Hosted by Daron Earlewine
This week on the Daron Earlewine Podcast we continue with our new series, The Death of a Dream. In this episode, we welcome Ken Barlow author of First Round Draft: The Path Least Chosen. After being the 23rd pick in the first-round NBA draft, Ken thought he was realizing his lifelong dream of playing in the NBA. Listen as he encourages his readers to be prepared, courageous, and authentic in their personal pathways and career choices.
I am Indy: Ken Barlow
Ken Barlow visits the set to talk about how he took the path least chosen to get to where he is today. The former basketball star had a chance to play in the pro’s but decided it wasn’t for him and that he wanted to make a bigger impression on his community.
Kenneth Barlow
Author • Educator • Former Professional Athlete
Born in San Antonio, Kenneth Barlow’s journey has taken him through classrooms, basketball arenas, and communities around the world. Educated in Japan, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, he went on to graduate from the University of Notre Dame before being selected in the first round of the 1986 NBA Draft. He chose a different path, building a 16-year professional career in Europe and winning championships in Italy, Israel, and Greece.
Beyond basketball, Kenneth has devoted his life to education, leadership, mentorship, and service. He has served in schools, community organizations, athletics, and ministry; mentored young people through the Starfish Initiative; facilitated leadership workshops; and spoken to audiences about preparation, identity, values, and choice. Today, through First Round Pick: The Path Least Chosen and Path Reflections, he continues that work by encouraging others to reflect on their experiences, prepare with purpose, and be equipped to choose their own path.
The Journey
From the First Round to the Path Least Chosen
First Round Pick
More than a memoir, First Round Pick is a compelling case study in holistic development, intentional preparation, and the power of aligned choices—supported by chapter-by-chapter reflections and practical exercises designed for individual and group application.
