To be young, gifted and Black

I can't forget. Won't forget. I come from this pool. I come from this group. We don't all turn strong, successful, rich, prominent or wealthy. But...we all come from this group. We all come from this group. It is a group called..."young, gifted and black"! I say amen. I say I am proud. I say I am happy.

RIP John Strickland. I look at the current crop of players playing in the NBA. Many will never know you. Many missed the opportunity to meet you. Today's group of NBA stars seemingly avoid the playgrounds. NBA stars today make hordes of money. They travel the world. They are loved and cherished. However, subtract the money...many of these guys just have a good job. Many of these guys will never be revered for their talent, outside of the fact that they are part of an organization that pampers them and pays well.

Well, I introduce you to streetball.  A place where legends are made. A place where true talent peeks its head, and only the strong survive. Legends are made by their play and not by the size of their contracts. Legends are made by going up against other legends outside admist the current of up and comers who wish to be legends themselves. First, you earn a nickname from an authorized park legend. Then you play in other parks and hope that your name resonates enough to be remembered here. After 5, 10, 15 years of playing with and against other legends...you have been branded and your status is elevated to legendary.

That was John Strickland. He was a great player and consummate entertainer. He made you want to copy some of his movements. He made you want to entertain crowds by way of your play. He had fun and he was a fan favorite. All in all, thats what life and the game is really about...entertaining others with your play. That is why I will always remember him. Now, many of you will never meet him person. Thanks to youtube, if you're interested...you may be able to see some of his antics and the way he played. (Study his interactions with the audience) From this...you will understand the importance of being young, gifted and black. Why? Because this is what you come from and this is what you are. You have a good job. You have a good lifestyle. The NBA is a nice reward. But, remember...you are young, gifted and black. Have a legacy that shines through. Remember, there are others who will never make the money you make. And there are others who came before you who may not be as prosperous. It's ok. Don't forget to acknowledge them in some fashion. And yes, you do owe some sort of allegience.

Even if its simply just remembering the fact that...you are "young, gifted and black" like many others who once were and someday will be. Let this be your brand. Be black, be strong and enjoy youth while you have it and one day they will open the books and you will become "LEGENDARY"!

RIP John Strickland aka Franchise aka MLK (Minor League Killer)....