SECAUCUS, N.J., August 5, 2008 -- Most rookies enter the NBA on the verge of achieving world-wide fame, but in the 2008 rookie draft class several athletes are already recognized as apples that haven't fallen far from the tree. Kevin Love, Patrick Ewing Jr. and JaVale McGee are the offspring of professional basketball players. With a prodigious pedigree and an inherent attraction to the game, these first-year players were born to play.

"I always had the coordination to play," said Love, whose father Stan Love was chosen ninth in the 1971 NBA Draft by the Baltimore Bullets. "I do feel like I was blessed just because my dad played in the NBA and put the ball in my hands."

Besides having a jump shot and solid muscles in their DNA, these basketball protégés had a full-time coach at their disposal. Patrick Ewing Sr., a long-time New York Knick, who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in September to honor his playing days, is also leaving a legacy through his 24 year-old look-alike son. Ewing Jr., the No. 43 pick of the 2008 Draft by Sacramento, practiced his moves and honed his skills facing off with the seven-foot NBA legend.

"I only beat him once," Ewing Jr. explained. "I beat him once and the next game he skunked me."

While Love and Ewing Jr. grew up observing their famous fathers' fade-away Js, McGee, son of Pamela McGee, a former WNBA player and Olympic gold medalist, sat courtside to watch his mother shoot hoops.

"I remember seeing her play when she was playing for Sacramento (Monarchs) and L.A (Sparks)," the 19 year-old new Wizard explained.

Growing up with as much exposure to Lisa Leslie and Cynthia Cooper as to Magic Johnson and Hakeem Olajuwon, McGee enters the preeminent men's basketball league with great admiration for his female counterparts.

"I have more respect for the women's game than I would if I didn’t have a mother who played pro," explained McGee, who was selected by Washington with the No. 18 pick.

Whether it is from their mother or father, McGee, Ewing Jr. and Love all inherited raw talent and recognition.

Love, who is also the nephew of musician Mike Love, a member of the Beach Boys is proud of his heritage but aspires to add to his family's infamy.

"Hopefully I will be the next famous one in the family," the former UCLA Bruin said with excitement.

While Love, Ewing Jr. and McGee's parents have cemented their places in basketball history, these young and talented athletes are living in the present and stepping out of their parents' shadows and on to the court to play their own game and make their own name.