We had a court, and my brothers would play outdoors, with rims barely hanging in there.
I always had my basketball. So when I showed up at the playground, everybody knew what I wanted to do.
I played Little League and in high school. I played more over the years whenever there was a pick-up game... usually softball.
I don't play full court anymore. I just play half-court.
Three to four times a week, I get up at 7:30 A.M. while the courts are empty at Venice Beach and play full court one-on-one.
I was always the kid dribbling the ball on the sidelines, hoping someone would pick me. I'd go with my older brother to the gym or park, and when I went out there, I'd pass the ball so I could get picked again.
I'd call the play-by-play of the action when me and my friends played street ball.
We're always ready for a pick-up game. I walk through the park on the way home every day and just think to myself, 'I'll take on any of these kids.'
That's the style of basketball I love, playing on the open court.
