Giving thanks for the game
Words. Jason Jordan
(Rodney Purvis)
Before they glaze the ham, carve the turkey and cut the cake in honor of Thanksgiving, we got a few of the nation’s top high school players to chime in on what basketball skill they are most thankful to possess:
Myck Kabongo, Findlay Prep (NV), PG, 2011
“I would have to say I’m most thankful for my leadership. It’s not often that you’ve got someone that wants to be the leader. Most people just want to follow the crowd, but ever since I was young I always wanted to make my own path and let people follow me. So I thank God dearly for that.”
Shabazz Muhammad, Bishop Gorman (NV), SG, 2012
“I would say that I’m most thankful for my hard-working attitude on the court. I believe that’s what separates me from everybody else and makes me the player that I am. That and my willingness to work.”
L.J. Rose, Second Baptist School (TX), PG, 2012
“The basketball skill that I’m most thankful for is my understanding of the game and my knowledge of the game. I think it really showed this summer when I wasn’t 100 percent, but was still able to make the right reads and plays. That always enables you to be able to help your teammates understand more and more.”
Rasheed Sulaimon, Strake Jesuit College Prep (TX), SG, 2012
“I’m most thankful for my ball handling and decision making ability. I play the guard position, so being able to handle the ball is key in setting up the offense and controlling the pace of the game. My decision making ability puts trust in my coach to put the ball in my hands at the key moments in the game, which is what I live for.”
Rodney Purvis, Upper Room Christian Academy (NC), PG/SG, 2012
“The skill that I’m most thankful for is my dribbling ability. It helps me get to where I need to be on the court and that helps my teammates and I to be successful.”
* Follow Jason on Twitter @JayJayESPNDime
* Email Jason at jasonj@dimemag.com
* Follow High School Hoop on Twitter @HighSchoolHoop
This is awesome! Happy thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving!