Levy Mwanza, former captain of Zimbabwe’s National Team.
I’ve been playing at the L.E.S.’ 14th St. Y for almost two decades now. From ‘93 to ‘04, I literally lived right across the street and would be up in there eh’reday, yo. For real. It was my second home. In the mid-’90s, I was part of a squad that took the Pro-Am League Chip there. It included playground legend Jack Ryan and a bunch of dudes you’ve never heard of but who really knew how to move the ball and defend as a whole. We beat “Speedy” Williams and Tony Hargraves’ crew, and they never lost anywhere. On 9/11/01, as the city was upside down dealing with the plane crashes into the WTC, I sought refuge at the Y by putting up jumpers from 12:30pm until 2pm. The court was empty except for LES sharpshooter Joe Skie, Project Playground member Ramon Rodriguez, and me. We were all gym rats. This is where we felt safest.
Bounce Magazine has allowed me to make contacts with the rest of the world’s diehard b-ball community, and one of my favorites has been Hoops 4 Hope’s Levy Mwanza. He joined me last week at the Y for the lunchtime run. Just two years ago, he was a four year captain for Zimbabwe’s National Team while helping H4H reach Africa’s youth through basketball camps that provide HIV education, life skills, and sneakers to the needy.
Levy told me that Zimbabwe had one of the better teams in southern Africa, but unfortunately corrupt politics and the overall poverty that affects the country made it difficult for them to develop or compete on an international level. He reflected, “We had some really good players, but none that could afford to devote themselves completely to basketball without sponsors, and the government wouldn’t allow that.”
Now living in the US, Mwanza is still volunteering for Hoops 4 Hope. Even though he’s not playing all the time anymore, it was fun to watch those little spurts of him grabbing a re, dribbling coast to coast, and finishing with a sweet boof. The greatest experience was seeing him smile after the game. Knowing how much he’s persevered in his 35+ years on earth, it is just a joy to know that he can still shine and be positive. It’s a lesson to us all.
For more info on the Hoops 4 Hope organization, visit: www.hoopsafrica.org
January 16th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Jeremy Ripley says:
Great post Bob.
This takes me right back to Alexander Wolff’s “Big Game Small World”. Do you remember the chapter describing the African Finals in Zimbabwe? From what I remember, part of the city was under constant warring fire, the guards were incredibly corrupt, and it was tough to get a legit ticket. I think Alex made the same point as you did–it’s tough to hoop with all the turmoil surrounding you. I wonder if that Mike Lasme “Iverson Wunderkid” ever turned out…
Peace.
January 18th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Bobbito Garcia a.k.a. Kool Bob Love says:
i loved ‘Big Game, Small World.’ Alex Wolff is the man. He also is a winner. He owns the Vermont Frost Heaves franchise which won the ‘07 ABA Championship!
January 24th, 2008 at 11:28 am
galactus says:
Cool writeup. I’d love to hit you cats up with a copy of the new Zimbabwe Legit - House of Stone (feat. Jungle Bros, dead prez, Vast Aire, Chubb Rock) to check out.
more info at the myspace page.
much respect bobbito - (u know akim funk buddha right?)
April 12th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Alvin Cole says:
Where is Mike Lasme, hope he is still trying for the NBA every year.