Nice piece on Artis.
- Thread starter panther11578
- Start date
Great article, thanks for sharing.
Don't know if that personal background of his was common knowledge to many on the board but I wasn't aware of it. Hard to believe it took til his senior year for someone to write about it (unless it was and I just didn't see it).
At any rate, sure drives home that these guys are more than just rag dolls to kick around after any not so good game or play.
And a surprising little tidbit in that article that I never would have guessed to occur, how can you have a set of twins 8" different in height?
Yes, this article certainly puts basketball into perspective. Sometimes I forget how much of an accomplishment it is for most of these players to be in the position they are in. Forget about how ridiculously good they have to be to get the opportunity to play d1 basketball, but the extenuating circumstances add another degree of difficulty that I can't fathom. Jamel Artis has done very well for himself regardless of what happens on the court. Hopefully his success continues after he is done playing at Pitt.
I wasn't aware of the whole background between the twins. One thing in that article, not every young, African American who turns to crime and is in prison is a result of "the system". Here is proof positive that alot of it is individual choice. Bad decisions. Not the fault of politicians or corporate America, or even the family but the individual. Not only the same family, but twins and each chose their own path. It was their choices that led to the difference in outcome of their lives, not lack of opportunities and oppression.
A good example of why I don't like picking on players, and really hate the idea of coaches pushing guys out. No matter how much ESPN wants to push the "pay the players" agenda, there are definitely some players out there who understand the opportunity they are given and are trying to make the most of it. Woodall is a great example.
They mention East Baltimore and the Wire in the same article? Stringer Bell would be rolling in his grave
