Empire State Of Grind | NYC

   New York City, there's no place like home. It's been a summer ritual for me visiting NYC, I’ve adopted NYC as a second home. The diverse culture and bright lights give me that nostalgic feeling. A city that embodies hard work, creativity, passion, and swagger. I've always questioned why most successful athletes, entertainers, and businessmen are found within New York City; Over the years I’ve began to explore to find a deeper understanding to that statement.

    New York City has been publicly acknowledged for their great history with sports. If you're a New Yorker you're automatically a Yankee's or a Knicks fan. There's no way to escape it, you pretty much inherit the NYC culture. Every New Yorker has been to Yankee Stadium, or Madison Square Garden at least once in their lifetime.  In the early 80's, the evolution of basketball transcended its popularity in North America. Historical figures such as: Kenny Graham, Holcombe Rucker, Kenny Stephen, and Pewee Kirkland are just a few legends that paved the way for New York City's rich basketball culture.

     With the emergence of New York City's basketball culture it still remains the “Mecca of Basketball”. In the midst of summer over 10 summer leagues take place, where the top hoopers and pros come to showcase their talents. Some of the greatest names in basketball have graced the NYC blacktops, and they're legacies will forever be engraved here.

“Growing up I’ve envisioned myself playing basketball in NYC”

   Growing up I've envisioned myself playing basketball in New York City.  A couple years down to road,  having a great opportunity to compete in the Nike Dyckman League was a blessing in disguise. Being one of the top summer leagues in North America, 25 years later The Dyckman League has become the most highly anticipated summer league in the New York tri-state area. The rise of the diversified league has been influential to the basketball culture in NYC. Over 60 teams and 6 different age groups added now.

   Basketball has grown to become one of the main sports for Americans, and with the evolution in our sport culture we can hope to see a great influence of athletes picking up basketball as their 1st sport.  Toronto will always be home for me, but I'll always have great admiration for New York City.

California Dreams | Destiny

       Everyone wants to make it on the big screen in Cali, from the athletes and entertainers to the successful business reps. Dreams separate the believers and doers from the average joe. Less than the 10 percent of the world have the courage to follow their dreams and life aspirations. In late may I made the decision that I wasn’t going to let anything stand in the way of my dream, So I hoped on a plane and flew over 2100 miles to Los Angeles. I’ve always told myself “In order to attract certain situations into my life, I need to be in the presence of great people”.

        May 23rd 2017, I had the opportunity to meet an important figure by the name of Charles J Lovely Sr. The Baton Rouge native has been known for his major contributions within the LA community, his objective always been to give back. Over the course of 30 years he has impacted various lives in a positive manner. Coach Pops been coaching in Drew League for over 2 decades, currently he coaches 2 teams in the Drew and has former players on almost all 26 teams. In addition to Coach Pops' involvement in the Drew, he also runs a non-profit agency aimed to help at-risk-youths in the Los Angeles County. His selfless nature allows him to open his door with welcoming arms; he’s been a father figure to a lot of young men dealing with their fair share of hardships.

         From my personal experience with Coach Pops,  he’s been a genuine, energetic, God-Fearing man who emphasizes to provide love, support, stability,  and knowledge to individuals. Destiny and faith is what led me to be in the presence of greatness, being able to learn from a well-educated figure was a blessing in disguise.  Coach Pops opened the door of opportunity for me, being the 1st Canadian Collegiate player to play in the Drew League. Most importantly, the life philosophies that I’ve emulated from my trip gives me a chance to apply it in my daily life.

        I would like to thank God for allowing this to be possible and Mr. Charles J. Lovely Sr. for everything he has done for the community and people that came before myself, I’m eternally grateful.

Coach/Figure: Charles J. Lovely Sr. ( aka Pops)

Photo by: NJB Media

“Always give with the intentions of purpose, never do it because you would like to receive something in return - Charles J Lovely Sr. ”