Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker is one of the fastest up-and-coming superstars of the NBA.

This week, he opened up about the reputation he had to shed to take his place at the top, battling stereotypes that were holding him back.

Duane Rankin of AZ Central interviewed Booker, who explained, “I had a light-skinned reputation coming into the league, and I had to change that. I just do everything aggressively. I try not to be the NBA too cool guy.”

Booker has proven on the court that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to win, and he’s focused on results, but there’s still a hill to climb for light-skinned players who are often seen as “outsiders.”

Although the Suns didn’t provide a warm welcome for his first few seasons, they have to be glad that he stuck it out because now he’s the one everyone wants to talk about.