Dodgers star Betts to cross over as coach for NBA All-Star Celebrity Game

Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who has won the World Series four times and is widely recognized for his versatile athletic abilities, will cross over to coach at the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game taking place in Los Angeles on February 13, according to recent reports.

As a future Hall of Fame inductee, Betts was a two-sport varsity athlete in high school, excelling in both baseball and basketball. He once revealed during a livestream that his early minor league career was challenging, and he had even prepared to take the ACT exam, considering giving up baseball to pursue college basketball instead.

“The day before the exam, I played an almost perfect game,” Betts recalled. It was that performance that convinced him to continue his baseball journey, ultimately becoming one of the league’s top stars.

When discussing his basketball style, Betts expressed humility. On a podcast, he mentioned that in high school he averaged 14 points per game and nearly recorded double-doubles. “I wasn’t a high-volume scorer, but I could run the offense and pass to the finishers. I focused on defense and doing the dirty work, which is what I do best.”

Betts’ basketball skills are more than just talk. In recent years, he has trained alongside NBA stars Chris Paul and rising Hornets talent Brandon Miller. Former Dodgers teammate and legendary closer Kenley Jansen praised him highly: “Mookie’s talent is incredible. No disrespect to NBA or NFL players, but I’m confident he could play in those leagues right now if he wanted. He’s like Bo Jackson or Deion Sanders — a true multi-sport athlete.”

Beyond baseball and basketball, Betts is also recognized as a skilled bowler, having competed multiple times in professional bowling tours (PBA) and even achieving a perfect 300 game.