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Did you know that 90% of young boys don't have a healthy outlet for their emotions? That can lead to anger, frustration, and even violence. Basketball gave me that outlet. It gave me the space to express myself, channel my energy, and find my strength.
This is more than a basketball guide. It's a blueprint for life.
It's the wisdom I learned from my journey, from the struggles I faced, and the lessons I learned. It's the blueprint I use to coach myself, to stay focused, and to perform at my best. This is about becoming a professional student-athlete, not just on the court, but in life. It's about developing the skills, the discipline, and the mindset to succeed in everything you do.
I never tried out for any basketball team. Instead, I was caught in a web of wrong choices and bad decisions that led me to criminal court. It was a stolen credit card, a naive act of friendship, that spiraled into a potential 55-year sentence. Facing the judge, I knew I was alone. My friends, my family, my support system; no one else. I was the only one facing jail time.
That fear was overwhelming. But then came the relief, the unbelievable reprieve of probation. I knew I had to turn my life around. But my path to redemption wasn't smooth. I found myself alone in Georgia at 19, separated from my family who moved to Brooklyn. Probation was a constant shadow, a reminder of my mistakes. I had to make a promise to myself. I had to be great or at least better than I am now.
I enrolled in college in New York as a junior at 22 years old. I found myself drawn to a new path, one that introduced me to the Law of Attraction and a profound shift in perspective. I'm not going to lie, my life changed. Then came an unexpected opportunity. The head coach, also the marketing professor, recognized me; and saw something in my eyes. "Do you play basketball?" he asked.
This time, I thought, "I'm going to change the narrative."
My college tryout was a whirlwind of nervous energy, self-doubt, and battling a newfound belief. I walked onto the court, without trophies or accolades, but with a heart filled with a desire to prove myself. First shot... BANG! I made it. Second shot, a dunk, BANG! Then another... BANG! I was on fire. In my head, I aced the tryout, but my past was not forgotten.
I had to face the coach, and the NCAA and explain my probation and my mistakes. After days of doubt and nervousness, it all worked out. I was on the team! I was a walk-on, a testament to my unwavering determination. I played for two years; became a state champion, and a national finalist, and placed 4th in the National dunk contest and I realized something profound. Basketball is me. I am a basketball player. And my experiences are what I want to share.
This isn't just a story about basketball, it's a story about second chances, about overcoming adversity and finding redemption through passion and perseverance. My journey from the courtroom to the court is a testament to the power of belief in oneself, regardless of the obstacles that stand in the way. "This is bigger than basketball. This is about having a WALK ON MINDSET.”
This is the essence of my story. This story will resonate with parents, athletes, and self-doubters alike. A story of how to have the "Walk On, Mindset."