Hanif Abdurraqib, a writer known for his lyrical prose and insightful cultural commentary, published "There's Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension" in March 2024. This unique work transcends genres, blending elements of memoir, sports writing, and social commentary. Through his personal experiences with basketball growing up in 1990s Columbus, Ohio, Abdurraqib uses the sport as a lens to explore profound themes of success, belonging, and the ever-present complexities of home.
Setting the Stage: Basketball in Columbus
Abdurraqib transports us to his 1990s Columbus, Ohio, a city where basketball wasn't just a sport, it was woven into the fabric of everyday life. Back then, Columbus pulsated with a passion for the game, boasting a dedicated community and a constant buzz surrounding high school and local teams. However, this era was also inextricably linked to the rise of a young LeBron James. Abdurraqib introduces the concept of "LeBron's shadow," exploring how the presence of this future superstar loomed large over the city and his own experiences. Interestingly, mirroring the structure of a basketball game itself, Abdurraqib divides his book into "quarters," foreshadowing a journey paced like a thrilling match.
Personal Reflections and Basketball Explorations
Abdurraqib dives deep into his personal connection to basketball, weaving memories from his Columbus youth into a poignant tapestry. Through these stories, we witness the joys and heartbreaks of the game, the camaraderie on the court, and the sting of missed opportunities. These experiences become springboards for exploring broader themes that resonate far beyond the basketball world. Abdurraqib delves into the crushing pressure of expectation, the weight of hometown hopes resting on young shoulders. He grapples with the concept of success, questioning whether it's defined solely by championship trophies or by the resilience and dedication poured into the game. As an example, he might explore a local Columbus team facing a young LeBron James, a seemingly insurmountable challenge that illuminates the complexities of defining victory and the lessons learned on the court that extend far beyond the final score.
Basketball Beyond the Court
Abdurraqib masterfully uses basketball as a springboard to explore social issues simmering beneath the surface of Columbus. He weaves narratives that expose racial tensions and the harsh realities of police violence, adding depth and complexity to his portrayal of the city. The book delves into the concept of "Ohio Heartbreak," the collective disappointment fans felt after LeBron James left Cleveland, a moment that transcends sports and speaks to the hopes and disillusionment of a community. Abdurraqib skillfully intertwines these broader social issues with his personal narrative, demonstrating how basketball serves as a microcosm for the complexities of life in his hometown.
"There's Always This Year" transcends the court, using basketball as a lens to explore profound questions about success, belonging, and navigating the complexities of home. Abdurraqib's personal journey compels us to question traditional definitions of winning, prompting us to consider the value of perseverance and the lessons learned along the way. The book doesn't shy away from social issues, weaving them into the narrative to paint a nuanced picture of his hometown. Abdurraqib's lyrical prose and insightful observations create a deeply emotional experience, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
