Ode to Basketball

Ode to a Basketball

When you look at a basketball what do you see? Most would see an orange, sphere, shaped rubber ball. There are black lines and real leather. If you look closer, you would even see the size of the ball in which you are playing with. A basketball could be just a toy for many, or even represent a release for others, but for me, it means a lot more. A basketball represents my blood, sweat, tears, passion, sacrifice, and most of all, a sense of belonging, like a family. At this moment in my life, there are only three things I devote my life to- family, friends, and basketball. Basketball has shaped my life probably more than anything else. Basketball has instilled in me a vicious will to achieve and embrace my ambitions instead of fearing them. Basketball gave me an open opportunity to try something new. New opportunities and experiences are not such a big deal anymore. From academics to personal matters, the lessons that I have learned from basketball has impacted my life.

The first thing that a basketball represents, for me, is change. Growing up I was a rebel. I never did anything I was supposed or asked to do. I made it a point to rebel against my parents, teachers, and siblings. My parents had no idea where this behavior had come from or how it could be stopped. I was often punished for this behavior that started when I was around the age of 9. My parents thought I had an evil spirit inside of me and soon lost all anticipation. Then there was hope. A basketball coach from A.B.Miller high school saw me and my family at Wal-Mart, and asked for me to be placed on this team. He knew my family because my older sister, Porsia, was a manager for his team that year. My parents knew it would be ideal because it would instill discipline and I would have to direct my time to it. At first I did not like it, but after a while I grew on it. I later began to focus on the game. After scoring a couple of baskets, I started relaxing and having fun. After my first day when I practiced for some time, I began to realize that participating in basketball was helpful socially, mentally, and most importantly, physically. My Participation in basketball was socially uplifting. One way that it helped me socially, was to change my reaction to meeting new people. When I first started playing, I was always the shy guy in the corner. After years of playing, I have come out of my shell.

With a single basketball there were also many sacrifices. One of the most important things I have had to give up because of basketball is being with my family. Thanksgiving, for my family, is one of the most celebrated holidays. I look forward to eating everything I could possibly fit in my stomach. My grandmother cooks like a professional chef. I have a huge family and everybody just packs into one big house and celebrates together. For the past two years, I have been at basketball tournaments on Thanksgiving Day. My first thanksgiving with the team, I was in Flagstaff, Arizona. Our coach was telling us we were going to have a nice sit-down dinner at a restaurant. We did not get what we were expecting. As our bus pulled up to a place called "Granny's Closet", our jaws dropped in dismay. We walked in and the place looked like it was an actual shack. Just as we thought I could not get any worse, our food was disgusting. Most of our team started to cry after our food got there. I called my family and they assured me that I would have food when I got back to California. Another sacrifice I have had to give up was having a college life. I can not go out and party like regular college students are able to. It is almost like I have a contract to the basketball that will make me or break me and it is my choice which way it will go.

A basketball signifies my way out. Many leaders of the African-American community have carried the mindset that says that the only hope African-Americans have easy access to success is through sport. My coach often urged his athletes to spend