Giving thanks … The basketball way
Words. Jason Jordan
Ray McCallum
In between the mouth-watering turkey and perfectly glazed ham, the tasty pies and rich cakes, it’s a customary practice on Thanksgiving to go around the table and voice the many reasons to be thankful.
But from family to health and everything in between, the grateful glorifications have become just a bit cliché. I mean, c’mon, how much can you REALLY appreciate a pet Cocker Spaniel?
That’s why we caught up with five of the top players in the country and had them chime in on which basketball skill they’re most thankful for:
1. Harrison Barnes, Ames (Iowa), SF, North Carolina
“I would probably say that my basketball IQ is the skill I’m most thankful for. It’s an acquired skill, I guess. I’m thankful for that because that’s what all great players have. They really think the game through, and I’m really thankful to have that skill because it’s helped me to be as successful as I’ve been. I’ve gone up against players who are stronger than me, quicker than me and more athletic than I am, and what separates us is my basketball IQ. So that would definitely be the skill that I’m most thankful for.”
2. Kyrie Irving, St. Patrick (N.J.), PG, Duke
“I’m most thankful for my versatility. I’ve always been a guard that could move over to the two, but my primary position is a one. I’ve always had the scoring ability in me, so just being able to score and have the mindset of a pass-first guard has been tough to stop. Having that balance is what I believe separates me from all of the guards in the class. My ability to play all facets of the game is why I’ve been so successful, so I’m most thankful for my versatility.”
3. C.J. Leslie, Word of God Academy (N.C.), SF/PF
“I would have to say my versatility. I can do a little bit of everything out there and that’s really helped me out to this point. I can shoot, jump, pass, I have a high basketball IQ… Just being my size (6-8) and being this versatile gives me a big advantage pretty much every time I’m on the court.”
4. Ryan Harrow, Walton (Ga.), PG, N.C. State
“I’m most thankful for my dribbling ability. It helps me score and it gets the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs.’ It’s probably the best thing that I’ve got on the basketball court. I’m pretty flashy with it too. I remember one of the first times that dribbling really got me attention was when I was in this competition to see which kid could score on Shaq. I was the only kid to score on him, and it was because of my dribbling ability.”
5. Ray McCallum, Detroit Country Day (Mich.), PG
“I would have to say that my leadership is the skill that I’m most thankful for. I truly believe that it’s a skill to be a good leader. A lot of guards out there can score and do everything like that, but they just can’t lead. I’ve been blessed to have a dad that was a great point guard and a great coach and has been around the game for so long and he’s taught me so much. It’s just raised my IQ on the court and given me the tools I need to be a great leader. I know that being a strong leader has elevated my game a lot. When it really comes down to it and you need someone to get out there and do whatever needs to be done to get the win, that’s leadership. That’s what I’ve got, and that’s what I’m most thankful for.”
Got a burning question for Jason? Email him: JasonJ@DimeMag.com
[...] recently with HighSchoolHoop.com about what he is most thankful for heading into Thanksgiving. If you can read between the lines, you will notice that McCallum’s desire to play for his father Ray McCallum Sr at Detroit [...]