Photo: hoopedia.nba.com
The playground game has changed. Everyone from kids to young teens up to adults have put other priorities first in the ever fast paced world of iPods, Blackberrys, and technological gizmos. I’m not saying technology is bad, but it definitely has had its effects on the people today. For the diehard hoop heads, they can always be found on the asphalt – snow, rain, sleet, or hail. I mean, damn…ballers in Kansas City probably play through tornadoes like it was rain in Seattle! This piece is not meant to pose the question of America getting fat like another documentary but rather find out some reasons for the downfall of the game that once gave us legends, like Brian “Sad Eye” Watson in Philadelphia and James “Fly” Williams in Brooklyn.
Photo: remembertheaba.com
The good news is that people are still informed more or less through reading. The bad news is that they are still reading and not exercising. Okay, we understand money ruins things but what else is new in the United States? Over the years, talks have arose, like the music industry, that the underground has became mainstream. If the underground is mainstream, would that not mean the underground is dead and a new form of mainstream is birthed?
Like everything, change happens in cycles. On the blacktop, new generations brag different styles, and local governments obtain new funds to make better courts.
For years, the sport has evolved from pick-up games to organized tournaments and even established reputations. Basketball will always be….but will the playground game return to its roots of simple recreation, exercise, and social interaction? Time will only tell with the economy playing a major role.
“So does this mean that hustlers will go out and get jobs?”
“NO! Hustlers will always hustle, just like the players will always play without a hesitation of thinking if money is an issue. It’s heart.”
Streetball. Dead? Ha! Streetball is not dead….it has just changed. Remember that people everywhere have different definitions of the word “streetball.” STREET BASKETBALL is very much alive in our courts everywhere from the 9-year old shooting alone in Phoenix to the retired elder who was High School All-American in 1958 and now plays 6-man pick-up in Boston for exercise purposes. The question and journey lies in how we got here.
December 16th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
funkalot says:
Casey,
I think you have answered your own questions.
First, the corporatizing of what used to be “underground” has changed the dynamics of streetball. It has provided global opportunities, yet weakened traditional venues. The mass marketing of streetball has lead to over kill and created apathy amongst some followers.
Second, as you state the state of streetball is like the economy in a way, in that we are simply in a down cycle. It will return to the zenith of the early 90’s, as soon as someone like a John Wall shows up on a consistent basis and begins generating a buzz.
Until then, an empty court and a ball will continue to be an oasis for the young dreamers, those looking for perfection(serious ballers) and simple cardio for the old dudes.
Streetball may waver at times, but will never die!
Good stuff, Casey.
Ps. There were no HS All-Americans from Boston in 1958, LOL.
December 16th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Casey Lee says:
@Funkalot,
You had to throw that last comment in there! I figured that no one would catch that but of course, the mastermind had to spot the fodder. haha
Keep the funk my dude! I like your comments; they add to make interesting discussions practically all the time. ha
December 17th, 2009 at 4:58 am
Ramon Diaz says:
Great article Casey. I fell victim of the Blackberry generation till I joined this site. Seeing all you guys play hard and enjoy it made me enjoy the game I loved again.