Hooping

I just wanted to be as good as Michael Jordan. Then came along this guy by the name of Allen Iverson, and my obsession with basketball went to another level.

Iverson was similar to myself in build, 6 feet tall, extremely athletic, but also he had that swagger that not most other NBA players had. They were from the neighborhood as well, but he wore it on his sleeve.

After I seen him crossover Jordan, I thought he would end his career as the best ever.

The Crossover

As a rookie, Iverson did something most other players would never think to do, he looked his idol in the eyes, and thought, he wouldn’t be stopped, not today.

He gave him the first fake just to see if it would bite, but then he gave him the real crossover after he understood how hard he would bite. Often times, when I went up against someone I greatly respected, I took it a little easy.

Iverson taught me, if you want to be great, you have to be willing to dominate great players.

The Step-Back

This is done to create space. Relatively speaking, I am tall. When I am playing basketball the way it was meant, I am small.

Taller players have natural advantages, but as a smaller player, I do as well. Quickness.

Iverson taught young players like myself many things. Playing against virtual giants, space is key. I learned I couldn’t play at half speed ever, I always had to be at max speed, jumping as high as I could, but also creating as much space that I can.

Toughness

One of the most important lessons learned from this man, was toughness, heart, and resilience.

It wasn’t just on the court, he had went through things most black people fear as adults, but happened to him as a senior in high school. His career nearly ended before it even started with a fight at a bowling alley.

He nearly spent 15 years in prison for a crime that was racially driven to prevent someone destined for a career as a NBA from ever having a chance. He luckily got that chance, went to Georgetown and eventually the NBA.

As a player, he was always going inside, getting knocked down and getting up. It never stopped him from going to the hole, he knew it allowed him to remain dynamic.

You never let people get in your way, you just understand that they will be there, but you rely on your will and you push anyway. I never let anyone stop me. They will try, I understand they will, but I will always keep getting up.

This is the primary lesson in life, know that the weak will always try to make you like them. Don’t relent. Overcome. They often wish they could be like you, and that’s why they try to stop you, just laugh it off, stand up, keep going!

| Strength is a Choice – Latrelle Brown |