I wouldn’t be here if not for basketball.
Literally, I would not be alive.
The game taught me to believe in myself, and gave me love even when I didn’t love myself. It gave me joy whenever I made a basket or grabbed a rebound because of the beautiful feelings it generated in my being—as would a sunny day after the rain.
Basketball gave me confidence and the freedom to weave a fabric of mind, body, and spirit so strongly constructed I was able to face all life’s challenges.
As a young boy on the court, it was informative, providing no shortage of signals only I understood.
Basketball was my truth.
I seized the ball, spun it, shot it, and dribbled around and over any hurdles.
This is the uniqueness of what my basketball meant to me.
Oh, how I love you b’ball.
—Bernard King