Alaa Abdelnaby is now known as the outgoing and fun-loving color analyst for the Philadelphia 76ers.

However, he is also among the only Arabs and Muslims in the industry, write Emily Rose Grassi and Aaron Baskerville for NBC 10 Philadelphia.

His background wasn’t always easy to embrace.

“When I was young, I used to tell people my name was Al, cause I just wanted to fit in. And Alaa in 73 and 74 was just a little too different for the youngsters,” Abdelnaby said.

After moving from Alexandria, Egypt, to the United States, Abdelnaby began using sports as a tool to help him feel accepted and fit in with others.

Through that same tool, sports, he fell in love with the microphone.

“After my … little league baseball games were over, I’d run up to the booth and announce the games,” he said. 

Despite his love for sports growing, his parents instead envisioned him becoming a doctor. However, as he continued to grow physically, to well over 6 feet tall, Abdelnaby’s parents slowly started allowing him to pursue his dreams. 

In each chapter of his life and career, Abdelnaby has always felt the sense of wanting to belong.

He has been able to do that and more. 

Read more about Alaa Abdelnaby’s inspiring journey in NBC 10 Philadelphia.

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