The 2011 WSOP has been an overwhelming success thus far with over 75,000 entrants for first-time ever. The new all-time high in entrants surpassed by 3.7 percent the previous record of 72,966 set last year. Among the entrants is NBA superstar Paul Pierce. Despite being locked out of the NBA like the rest of the players, Paul Pierce, aka “The Truth” is balling out at the WSOP.
Pierce entered his second day at the WSOP’s Main Event in Las Vegas with 62,750 chips. As USA Today reports, Pierce’s total is well above the average stack of 20,425 among the 4,521 players who have advanced to second day play today and Tuesday.
On the court Pierce is known for his bluffs and is one of the most talented players in the league at drawing fouls. His nickname “The Truth” is a testament to his pure basketball skills and fundamentals. Pierce may have seen it all on the basketball court, but at the poker tables, he acknowledges poker is a different ball game.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Regardless of who I am in the NBA, I’m everybody’s equal at the table. I’m fair game. You’ve got to be able to play… I’ve gotta pick it up if I want to compete,” Pierce told Bluff Magazine.
Pierce’s perspective on poker as skill game is noteworthy coming from a high profile athlete with his endless list of basketball accolades, which include an NBA Championship.
Pierce told PokerListings.com, “I think poker has really helped me develop patience and that helps me in everything I do in life…It helps me on the basketball court, to be more patient and to be more of a thinking player and to be smarter out there.”
