Jayson Tatum, Matthew Tkachuk’s Ex-Gym Teacher Says They Were Always Champ Material

Jayson Tatum and Matthew Tkachuk have been destined to be world champions … so says their former center faculty fitness center trainer, who tells TMZ Sports activities he acknowledged way back that there was one thing particular concerning the two.

The Boston Celtics hooper and Florida Panthers left winger — who each gained their respective titles within the NBA and NHL this month — each attended Chaminade School Preparatory College in St. Louis, MO as children … and Michael Derkits — who additionally coached Tatum on the basketball workforce — acquired an early have a look at their potential.

Derkits mentioned Tatum and Tkachuk hit it off as quickly as the previous transferred to Chaminade as a seventh grader … and he credit to them having comparable personalities.

“They were fun-loving — like to cut up, have fun — kids,” Derkits mentioned. “It’s funny to remember them back as 7th graders and see them progress throughout their lives to where they got to these last couple of weeks.”

Derkits additionally reminisced on teaching Tatum … raving concerning the abilities he displayed as a child.

“He was on a very talented team,” he mentioned. “But any time we needed a basket, or we needed something to happen, everybody kind of looked at Jayson, and he could make it happen.”

As for Tkachuk — who might be nonetheless operating round Florida with the Stanley Cup as we communicate — he did not play ice hockey on the faculty as a result of they did not area a workforce. So when it was time for flooring hockey in fitness center class … Matthew gave it his all.

“I had a rule with [Matthew],” Michael mentioned. “He could score one, but then he would have to get an assist because he literally could score one anytime he wanted.”

Whereas the 2 have been out of center faculty for a while now, Derkits needs them to understand how proud everyone seems to be at their previous stomping grounds.