Fantasy (Remix)

Reality is lost on today’s youth. Maybe my peers were just as delusional back in the day and I just missed it. I can’t remember any of my boys talking seriously about playing in the NFL or NBA when we were in high school. Every now and then somebody would lie about getting some buns, but every teen boy does that.

Once upon a time I dreamed of playing in the NBA. At the time I was a cocky point guard who lead his sorry middle school team to less than 20 wins in three seasons. Nevertheless, I was the man there. Opposing teams had to stop me in order to beat my team. I liked that feeling. From the moment I set foot at my school as a sixth grader, I was the starting point guard and played every single minute unless I got into foul trouble (which rarely happened).  That could be a major reason as to why I still don’t play a lick of defense in games…

By the time I got to high school, reality had set in about the NBA. It wasn’t happening. I was playing in a winter tournament during my freshman year of high school when I had my moment of clarity. Even though my middle school team didn’t win a lot, it never rattled me. The beating my confidence took in this winter league game was different, though. Not only did my team get destroyed, I literally couldn’t get a shot off. These boys were punching (not blocking) every shot I took. At the time I was merely touching the rim. They were dunking the ball with ease. In one fell swoop, I was suddenly very below average among guys who were my age. At 14, I realized that hours of practice could not bring my game to that level…

Today, I’m a junior college basketball coach at a Division III school. Many players I’ve coached here do not believe they should be playing at this level. I typically get guys who feel strongly that they should be at a NCAA Division I program. Most believe they’re victims of playing in a small basketball market. Others feel like grades held them back. Nevertheless I frequently encounter guys, like Tiny, who truly feel like they have Division I talent.

Tiny (re: Wishing on a Star, March) was the star of his high school basketball team. He is now done with high school. Even though his last day of school is in two days he does not know where he’s going to play this Fall. I talked to him about playing for me two months ago, but he still hasn’t applied even though his GPA is a 1.9. While I was getting a haircut recently, Tiny walked into the barbershop.  I took the opportunity to talk about college with him.

Me: Where are you going this Fall?

Tiny: I don’t even know yet.

Me: Didn’t you apply anywhere?

Tiny: Yeh. I applied to a couple of D3 schools as my last option but I didn’t get in.

Me: Last option? Where did you want to go?

Tiny: I was thinking St. John’s, Providence, or Hartford. (All Division I schools, two of which play regularly on ESPN.)

Realizing that I am just a junior college basketball coach, I spoke to a Division III coach who has a pretty good eye for talent. I wanted to get his take on Tiny.

Me: You ever heard of Tiny?

Coach: His name rings a bell. Actually, yeh, I just saw him play at a tournament last weekend.

Me: Okay. And what did you think?

Coach: He didn’t stand out. I mean, he’s fast but I wouldn’t call him a big-time player.

Me: He told me that he was looking at St. John’s, Providence, or Hartford.

Coach: No way!! Lol. He’s definitely a D3 kid...