The globalization of basketball has propelled the household sport into all aspects of modern culture. From movies to music, basketball is a thriving entity that has transformed society, and has been spread across all entertainment mediums. The orange sphere has captivated the hearts of many around the planet by providing a competitive activity that is not only healthy and fun, but also a source of entertainment for spectators – those who prefer watching the game to playing it. For many sport fanatics, basketball is more than a routine. It’s a daily ritual that can be summarized in a hashtag, #BALLISLIFE. Limited roster spots on college and professional basketball teams show how intimate and exclusive the sport is, as it separates itself from other sports as a sorority exclude non-members. It is a sport that is demanding of a plethora of skills that are equally important in life: like being a team player, motivating others, listening – to teammates and coaches – and learning on the go. The list can go on forever. Basketball is special and dear to my heart and I’m pretty sure many others who love slam dunks, three-pointers, and gruesome ankle-breakers would nod in agreeance.
Now, let’s narrow things down to the broad landscape of basketball to the United States. You might ask yourself, what does this have to do with the Pros & Cons of Having Hoop Dreams? With basketball being a multi-billion dollar industry in America, its national coverage demonstrates its thunderous influence on American culture. The sport has infiltrated the minds of many young boys and girls in the country and motivates them to want to become like their idols, i.e. Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, or LeBron James. Basketball has cultivated American culture from Air Jordans to Nike sweatsuits to Curry & LeBron references in songs to pretty much all other facets of mainstream culture. Even in its offseason, basketball is active.
Everyone has a dream, a mission, or purpose that drives them to go above and beyond set expectations – whether it be their own or anyone else’s. Life experiences and personal choices shape the path that we, ultimately, end up choosing. In this case, I’m talking about the players who fell in love with this polarized sport, the ones who imagine hoisting up the O’Brien and signing Nike shoe deals, and changing lives for the better. Many children of all creeds, shapes, and sizes wish and dream to one day be a professional basketball player. Whether that be in the NBA or overseas, “Hoop Dreams” across America are alive and well. Just like everything in life, there pros and cons. It is a healthy balance: night and day, black and white, good and bad. While there are pros and cons to all things, it is applicable to say nothing is promised as well and I mean that in the most optimistic way. What is meant to be will be. The universe will present to you what is for you. Every dream has its pros and cons, but we are particularly interested in the ones related to basketball. I will be giving my insight and theories on what I believe are the pros and cons of having “Hoop Dreams” and how they can either birth successes or yield failures that destroy a person’s ability to adapt to the world around them.
I used to have hoop dreams. I still do and always will. I have visions of playing in sold out arenas and traveling the world tossing a sphere in a cylinder. Wouldn’t it be lovely seeing someone wearing your name on their back? What can get better than that? However, due to life circumstances, the universe directed my spirit to a life of creativity and entrepreneurship, altering my preconceived notions of being an athlete. This is my situation, but I know for a fact that others’ experiences are different. After experiencing this shift, I feel like I have concocted five reasonable pros & cons showing how having ‘Hoop Dreams’ can lead to a total win or result in hardship.
I used to have hoop dreams. I still do and always will. I have visions of playing in sold out arenas and traveling the world tossing a sphere in a cylinder. Wouldn’t it be lovely seeing someone wearing your name on their back? What can get better than that? However, due to life circumstances, the universe directed my spirit to a life of creativity and entrepreneurship, altering my preconceived notions of being an athlete. This is my situation, but I know for a fact that others’ experiences are different. After experiencing this shift, I feel like I have concocted five reasonable pros & cons showing how having ‘Hoop Dreams’ can lead to a total win or result in hardship.
CONS
- – There are about 450+ NBA Players in the world, not including free agents, and G-league. The odds of YOU going are very slim, not impossible. The odds are not necessarily on your side but, when in life are the odds ever on your side?
- – College Politics: WHO YOU KNOW, HEIGHT/WEIGHT, SCHOLARSHIP MONEY, INCOMING PLAYERS.
- – All your eggs are going into that basket. There is a theory that if you put your all into Plan A, there’s a great percentage of you accomplishing it. However, you don’t want to cast off other skills that can guide you through life as well. Don’t neglect other things that you are well-versed in.
- – Life-altering injuries are apart of the game.
- – LIFE CAN HAVE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE FOR YOU. THE UNIVERSE MIGHT NEED YOU SOMEWHERE ELSE.
PROS
- – You have a dream. You can’t go far in life without a blueprint or vision.
- – You’ll understand the importance of work ethic and dedication. Elite basketball play and dominance does not come overnight. 10,000 hours in the GYM!
- – Basketball is a sport that is played worldwide. The game will provide you with the opportunity to travel and see this planet’s kaleidoscope of beauty.
- – You will learn how to be a team player and the game will teach you how to lead.
- – CONFIDENCE! Without knowing yourself or what you have the potential to be, you can’t unlock your true greatness. From the court to life, the game will instill confidence and its power will resonate within you.
Like I mentioned, these are just my theories and experiences formulated into what I believe can be Pros and Cons of having “Hoop Dreams.” If you believe you can do something, do it to your fullest potential! Do not let anything interfere with your journey or your vision, instill your faith, energy, and love through it all. And if you do have hoop dreams….10,000 Hours.
