Basketball Jones

My Pops gave me my first love when I was a lil' baby. Before I could bounce in a bouncer, he gave me a basketball to bounce. But, I'm sure he stood in front of me, with the ball, and showed me how to shoot a jumper, how to box out, how not to get bullied on the block. He gave me the Basketball Jones. In turn, I gift this love to my Grandson, Baby D! Dantizzle, watching Pap Pap jump back and bang 3's from frontcourt seats in his high chair. Sideline seats, front row for the show. This was X-Mas time in my town, the season was bright, the cerveza's were frio, my heart is alongside his though. My TV Dad, Michael Jordan, gave me life lessons on the block. He said, sometimes you gotta bully the bully. Stand up, protect yourself and family. I want Dante to see this and harness this through his youth as he finds his way on the courts or any other sports he pursues. Pass the "Rock" down through the generations, it's a love thing. Good lookin' out Pops! That jumper though! I don't have J's on my feet, but I still compete. Black and white photo credits: Isabella a.k.a. Zia.

To honor the love of the game inside my own brain, a classic photoshoot was a necessity at the Main St. Lanes in Farmville, VA. Thank you guest photograper G.C.M. Much love as I satisfied my need to drill jumpers at "The Cage at the Lanes." I am particularly drawn to the bootleg Iverson graphic on the side panel. The image speaks to me, it crosses a threshold in my thoughts. It's Iverson made accessible and unincorporated. Iverson, to me, always was the People's Champ. Tatt's and dress code violations and heart on the court, I'll drink to that. Heart.