I stopped by Walmart after Tuesday night’s girls basketball game at Kauai High School. As I strolled through the isles, something caught my eye and stopped me in my tracks: “Linsanity” on DVD. I looked at it for a split-second,
I stopped by Walmart after Tuesday night’s girls basketball game at Kauai High School.
As I strolled through the isles, something caught my eye and stopped me in my tracks: “Linsanity” on DVD. I looked at it for a split-second, grabbed it and put it in my cart without hesitating.
I couldn’t help myself. I was completely on board the Jeremy Lin hype train when he rejuvenated the New York Knicks two seasons ago.
Also, it’s about an Asian-American born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, where I’m from, and his rise to stardom in the NBA. I read good reviews about the documentary so I thought, “Why not?”
As I watched the film and learned of his humble beginnings in Palo Alto, Calif., for some reason I thought of the kids out here on Kauai.
I remembered conversations I’ve had with locals about the kids who have spent endless hours practicing and playing for years in community leagues prior to high school. A recurring instance of these conversations is that, for most kids, their careers end at the end of their senior year and they simply continue on into adulthood.
Nothing wrong with that, but I couldn’t help but think of what they could have accomplished if given a shot at the next level.
I also thought that, for all that time spent practicing and honing their skills only to be done after high school, is kind of tragic.
Granted, I understand how difficult it is to get to the next step.
It’s also been mentioned in conversation that college recruiters, sometimes but not often enough, visit the island to look at potential players. Getting the opportunity to play at the collegiate level requires that much more time, dedication and faith.
Then to be fortunate to play at the pro level, all the stars have to line up and fall in your favor.
Yes it’s hard, but not impossible. Lin didn’t play at a powerhouse program during college or high school.
He wasn’t a highly-touted NBA prospect.
Nonetheless, he made it happen. If it happened for Lin, then why couldn’t it happen for anyone here on Kauai?
For the student-athletes on the island, if your aspirations include playing in college, then don’t let roadblocks get in your way.
If you believe you’ve got the goods, have faith in yourselves and go for it.
