I just finished binging Season 1 & 2 on Apple TV during my holiday break. As a matter of fact, I completed it in less than 4 days. I am utterly surprised and happy that the creators, directors, actors, producers, makeup artists, hair stylists, designers, set people, did exceedingly well.
I did not know what to expect. Initially, I thought it was just going to be able kids playing basketball akin to AAU. I thought this so that my 8 year old watched the seasons with me as well. But, we soon came to figure out that it was, as many ballers say, "It is bigger than basketball!" In this series series, the people did not not just "shut up and dribble" like many suggestions athletes should, they "showed up", a phrase so often repeated by head coach Ike, played by O'Shea Jackson.
They showed up everyday in life despite the challenges. They pursued their dreams. They showed up for each other. They showed up for the community. They showed up for the nation. This is inclusive of the the young to the old.
This piece shows how the youth can power through adversity more than we give them credit to. It shows how sometimes some succumb to systemic inequalities, and in a sense, sometimes begin losing hope and not understanding their value.
I implore you to go and check out the series. Each character is powerful in his or her own right. The issues are representative of society.
It begins before A.B.C. (Ahmad, Breanna, and Covid). But, that is not where it ends. I do not know much about the sound actresses and actors, but this I know, each has a light whether it's recognized or not by mainstream.
Your mind and hearts will be filled.
