About the Book

For the Love of the Game isn’t a story about basketball. It’s a story that uses the game to expose everything else. In the corners of overlooked zip codes and inside homes held together by grit, young men find purpose, pressure, and deal with the push and pull of survival.

This first installment of this powerful trilogy follows multiple lives shaped by ambition, silence, and sacrifice. Life is a relentless proving ground that forces us to remain focused and whole to achieve what often feels just out of reach.

What unfolds is a layered portrait of the coming of age through the emotional, social, and spiritual trials of young adulthood. Family bonds strain to their breaking point, identities clash during the pursuit of victory, and the cost of trying to win often blurs the line between success and survival. This isn't the familiar story of chasing dreams. For The Love of The Game is a story of staying grounded when everything around you screams for escape.

Read an Excerpt

Chapter Seven

Malik rubbed his hand over his head and was humbled that his peers believed in him. School was definitely important to him, but he would surely go pro if the opportunity presented itself.

“I hear you,” he said, firm. “I know college is important, but I don’t want to let this slip away. I have to consider it.”

Elijah and Clifford knew how much this meant to Malik.

“We got your back, Malik, no matter what happens,” Elijah said, smiling.

Clifford nodded; his eyes were intense. “Who knows, maybe we’ll all end up in the league together someday. I’m willing to chase the dream.”

Malik felt a lump in his throat. He was also emotional and grateful to his friends who believed in him.

The next few weeks were a whirlwind of college recruitment. Malik, Elijah and Clifford researched schools, talked to coaches and weighed their options. Eventually they stuck with their original pick: Morgan State University, with its top tier academics, rich basketball history, and it was always at the top of their list. It seemed like a perfect fit. They had talked about it briefly in the past and considered attending together but now the moment was right in front of them.

They linked up on another video call before meeting up, “It’s time to do this,” Malik said in a fully committed tone “This is everything we asked for.”

Elijah’s eyes widened because of the gravity of the moment. “This is a surreal feeling like we’re in a movie. Athletic scholarships aside, it's extremely hard to get into this school, and we qualified academically first.”

Clifford smiled. “We’ve worked for this. Now it’s time to show what we’re made of.”

Recapping their visit, a few things came to mind; Despite the racial disparity in its demographic makeup, Morgan State felt like home. It wasn’t a typical official visit where you are shuttled around the various facilities and everyone knows your name. There was a uniqueness about the campus, and its place in the city didn’t go unnoticed.

Nestled in the urban pocket that is Baltimore, but the seclusion and illusion of hiding in plain sight couldn’t be overlooked either. The people were nice, the facilities were great, and the community was strong. They signed their letters of intent and made it official. There was a lot to live up to as well, so the pressure to succeed would never be minimized or taken for granted.

“We want you to be part of something special here,” Coach Thompson said. “We believe in your talent and your potential and will help you reach your goals.”

Malik felt a lump in his throat again. “Thank you, Coach. This means more than you know.”

Elijah and Clifford nodded, and their eyes were shining with gratitude. This was their chance to go after their dreams and make a difference. They were about to enter a new world and make their mark. Malik, Elijah, and Clifford felt a sense of excitement for what was to come. They were college-bound and ready for whatever was next, but dreams don’t keep the lights on.

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