The Clip Joint Gives Out More Than Beat Downs

I remember one summer the family and I took a trip to Canada. On that trip we got to go see the USA Basketball team, Dream Team II play in Toronto. One night as we were walking the streets way pass my bed time when suddenly what seemed to be a giant was walking in a zig zag motion towards us. My dad shouted in a surprised tone that it was [will not mention the name] from the Dream Team. He had his arm around this lady who couldn't keep his eyes open and my dad couldn't keep his eyes off. Upon asking him for an autograph he replied, "Kid I will give you something much better, a word of advice. Always, always, always strap IT up." Then he proceeded to zig zag between the sidewalk and street with his sleepy friend. That advice stuck with me from that day forth. I have always strapped on my shoes for every practice and game always, always, always.
This NBA star was a role model of mine growing up and his words meant a lot to me. So it was very important to me that the team establish the same relationship with the community. My Uncle Ben told me, "With great power comes great responsibility." I take that to heart.
The Clip Joint has many programs and visits with the youth. For starters there is our Clip Joint Jrs program, made up of kids from the Dominican Republic. They have gone undefeated in 2 years of play, yet there was some controversy this year about birth certificates.
We also have a monthly program where a team member(s) meets with a group of inner city youth. Last month #21 B.A. took some kids skeet shooting. They raved about how the experience would help improve their aim.
Our elementary school assembly program entitled, Strap It Up, affectionately entitled after my boyhood experience has been to over 50 schools in the Washington DC area. In this program we urge students to strap it up on and off the court, because you don't want to be caught with your "pants down on defense and in life."
Finally there is our partnership with Childrens Hospital, Clip Joint Provides the Oint(ment)." Here we make visits to sickly youth with disorders and diseases. I had a moving experience with shooting around with a group of kids last week. Actually they were paraplegic so they watched me shoot for a couple hours. Their tears of joy said it all. The experience meant a lot to them and me.
The Clip Joint is the community and together we can create a 2-3 zone that can defend against any obstacles.

#10 J.D.