“Life is more about discovery and coming to terms with who we’ve made ourselves into via our choices than about carefully executing a plan of self-realization.” – L. A. Paul
What’s the connection between a young boy from the Bronx and one of the greatest college players of all time? Between the streets of New York and Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh? An extended family who’d yet to have anyone step foot on a college campus and a college degree at North Carolina State University?
Well, sometimes it’s just a dream.
Decades ago, while watching a Final Four college basketball game, my life pivoted although I didn’t know it at the time. I’d originally turned on the game between NC State and UCLA with mild interest to watch a bit of UCLA’s continued dominance, and streaks that may never be sniffed again. One of them being 7 straight NCAA titles. And as defending champs they already had beaten NC State in the regular season.
As a Bronx boy, I’d not heard of NC State nor did I imagine much outside the boundaries of New York City. But when I saw 6’ 4” David Thompson take on 6’ 11’ Bill Walton, I was mesmerized. An instant fan and forever hooked. In the semis of the NCAA Championships, the “Wolfpack”, led by Thompson, beat the “Bruins” 80-77, rallying from 7 points down in the second overtime to dethrone the dynasty. They went on to beat Marquette in the final for the National Championship.
The New York City streets are full of basketball dreamers. I was one of them and imitated Thompson until my career peaked at High School JV. The terminal moment is still clear after all these years. I had a wide-open shot from the top of the key only to have it put back in my face. The defender seemingly came out of nowhere and at that point, I decided to stick to sports that didn’t require height or a dazzling vertical.
But watching David Thompson float and execute the “alley-oop” was as beautiful as it gets. In some ways, I’m glad dunking wasn’t allowed at that time. Although it was fun to watch Thompson’s high-flying dunks as a pro!
Years later, North Carolina became my home. And I earned a Masters degree at NC State. I remember walking the campus and seeing Reynolds for the first time. Surreal. But proof that every kid needs a hero. Someone who presents something higher and better. Someone who makes you dream regardless of its form.
I’ve held on to that Sports Illustrated since 1974. Thompson over Walton. I got to see that moment on a 19” black and white TV with rabbit ears and aluminum foil balls squished at each apex for enhanced resolution. Though the SI cover has faded, the memory hasn’t. And what color those imaginings added to my life.
Thank you, “Skywalker”.
