I Wish My Son Didn’t Play Basketball
As a toddler my son would dunk and shoot incessantly on his Little Tike basketball hoop in the basement. It didn't take long before the hoop developed a permanent forward lean rendering it useless.
From there he graduated to organized ball. Playing teams at boys and girls clubs and AAU.
During this time he would draw comic strips of make believe characters. Inspired by Diary of a Wimpy Kid and other children’s books, he’d fill page after page of creations from his own imagination.
The older he became, the more basketball became his sole focus. When asked about him picking up drawing again his response was, “I’ve grown out of that now mom.”
Sad face.
Parents want to see their kids happy. So if basketball is what makes my boy happy I’m with it.
Playing a sport has vast benefits at varying levels. Its all in how you work it. Still I’d rather my son not play. Here’s why:
Representation
Even if many players have no desire to coach, the void of people of color in head coaching, administration, management, and ownership is downright sad. Considering that a majority percentage of players in basketball and football are black. These entities have grown to multi-billion dollar businesses off the talents and skills of mostly black players. The amateur to professional pipeline exists. Not so much in player to coach, or player to owner. I wouldn’t want my son partaking in an industry that welcomes his talents as a player, but not as a leader.
Injuries
Have cut the most promising of careers. Whether amateur or professional. In most cases, your body will go before your mind. And for some athletes in this overly training/AAU culture, they’re damaged by the time they get to college. Potentially cutting short any professional aspirations.
Bottom line: You always have a brain. The key is to learn how to utilize it to get what you want.
Dependency
Being an athlete means a part of your success is contingent on what someone else thinks of your character and your game.
Making a team, playing time, roles, positions, are all based on need and perception. Thats a nice chunk of power to give away.
Consumption
Working and mastering any craft requires hard work, dedication, time, effort, and sacrifice. Leaving little time or mental space for anything else. Other talents and gifts remain un-honed due to the focus on a sport thats all encompassing.
Likelihood
Everyone has that dream. But a dream without a goal is just a dream. Camps, clinics, aka money grabs are hosted by former players to teach and motivate players to become their best. It’s up to each child to get what they can from it.
Really, what’s the likelihood of that player becoming a college player? Most guys don’t have the size, talent, or skill level to successfully compete on ANY college team. Lets just be real. They’re not told this. Everyone feels as if they have some chance of playing college ball at some level. And rightfully so. The reality is that a myriad of factors come into play before that can happen. I just want my son to be realistic. And its hard to balance supporting your kids dreams while still letting them be aware of their chances of not making it.
There are only so many opportunities available and even coaches who find themselves with some scholarships open after the signing period, don’t want to just “give them away.” Sports is a competition. And everyone wants the best they can get to increase their chances of competing and winning.
Which means that next level play requires next level talent that most players don’t possess vs those who do.
In the end, as a mom, I ride with my kids. What they want is what I want. So despite any of the things previously mentioned, I believe they have a chance to achieve their athletic goals.
They’re in, I’m in. Always.
