Petersburg Pilot -

Photo courtesy of Ed Tagaban

Over the years, Thompson has had obstacles of his own to overcome, with rehabilitating from back-to-back injuries, and watching Thompson persevere is something Joseph said helped him find strength to fight through his personal journey. "It was really an inspiration to me how he was able to climb his way back to playing full time and starting in games, I had to climb my way back in my own way, too, so I could somewhat kind of relate." Joseph and Thompson spent the first part of their visit shooting hoops and talking shop, with Thompson not only offering life advice that's served him well, but also a few tricks of the trade he's learned along the way. Thompson also gifted Joseph with an assortment of Warriors gear and several signed jerseys, along with one of Thompson's personal cherished pieces of memorabilia: an autographed photo of the late Kobe Bryant, a gift that Joseph said was nearly too precious to accept. "I wasn't sure if I should take it at first. If anything it should probably be put in a vault because it's so valuable, but I'm pretty sure we're going to be framing it and keeping it somewhere that we know it'll be safe." Though the autographed photo was appreciated and of great value, Joseph said the most valuable gift Thompson gave him was his advice. "He said from his own experience he had to climb little by little to get back into the game, he said life's about facing things you might not want to face but that it all adds up in the long run," Joseph said. Joseph Tagaban and his family met with Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors after his wish was granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. From left to right: Jacob Tagaban, Klay Thompson, Joseph Tagaban, Je Tagaban, and Ed Tagaban.