True story.
This year, for the first time since I was eligible back in elementary school, I won’t be playing organized basketball. And this isn’t because of some eligibility requirement or a gruesome injury.
Academically, I’m cruising. Physically, even with my asthma, I’m in one of the best conditions I’ve ever been in. Mentally, I’m tight. Shoot, I’m even growing spiritually.
I’m not ending my basketball career a month before the start of my final collegiate season because of a shortcoming in any of these areas. There’s no reason I can’t continue my college basketball career. But I’m choosing not to.
The opportunity cost is simply too high.
I won’t bore you with the details, but there are a plethora of other people and things I want and need to invest more time into, especially if I want to be who and where I want to be this time next year and in the years to follow. And as much as I love basketball, it’s not my future. On the other hand, these people and things (especially one particular person and my creative writing) are.
Along these lines, I’ve got some things in the works that I’ll be announcing very soon (so subscribe to stay tuned if you haven’t already). And I’ll continue to work on other, still private, projects while spending more time with the people I hold dear as well. Because the fact of the matter, and I guess the gist of this post, is this: I want to spend my time doing things that will cultivate my future, not simply water my past.
Besides, like my granddad texted me when I told him my decision, “just because you gave up your bike for a car doesn’t mean that you forgot how to ride a bike.” (Yeah, my granddad is pretty wise.)
I can always pick up a basketball again, and even now I’ll continue to play streetball from time to time. But I’d never be able to get back the time college basketball would require this year. I only get one shot at this, and I’m looking to hit the game-winner in my life; not just on the court.
True story.
– J.P.
P.S. – I know this isn’t your typical sports “farewell letter.” I didn’t go into all the game has taught me, the ups and downs, or any of that good stuff. Don’t worry though, that post may come at a later point. Or not.
