Dear Basketball,
You were my first love. I can remember as a little kid going to my older brother’s games at the Bryant Center, and ever since then I have been hooked. You have taught me so much over the past 18 years, and brought as much joy and heartbreak as anything in my life. With my playing career officially over, I just wanted to take the time to properly thank you for everything that you have brought into my life.
Thank you for every coach that you have brought into my life. Regardless of how I viewed them as a coach, I learned so much from all of them. From the skills needed to be a successful player, to the habits needed to be a successful person, I owe so much to my coaches. I would like to specifically thank Coach Lupus, Coach Berkman, Coach Merkel, Coach Matturo, and Coach Hamilton. Each one of you had a direct impact on the player I was and the person I am.
Thank you for all the teammates you have brought into my life. Some of the most meaningful relationships in my life are with my former teammates, and I truly believe it will be that way for the rest of my life. The work and dedication that basketball requires builds a bond that is impossible to fake. While my list of teammates who have had a lasting impact on my could go on for a very long time, I will limit myself to three. Pat, Grayson, and Luke you guys are like brothers to me I appreciate all you have ever done for me.
Thank you for teaching me how to work. The one thing that I love the most about basketball is the process, and how every player is given whatever they put in. Basketball does not care about race, religion, how much money you have, or what your living situation is. If you put in the work, you will be rewarded. You taught me that failures are opportunity for growth. You taught me personal accountability, and that I am in control of my own success on the court. This lesson is something that I will carry with me forever.
Finally, thank you for all of the opportunities you have given me. From getting to travel the country playing AAU basketball, to getting to travel across the world to continue my career, you really have given me so much. Every hour in the gym, every drop of sweat in the weight room, every tear shed in the locker room, every broken finger, sprained ankle, and twisted knee, it was all worth it. I have invested the last 18 years of my life playing the sport that I love and I would not change any of it.
Don’t worry basketball, this is not good-bye. This isn’t even a see ya later. This is simply a thank you for all you have given me in my playing career.
