Broken homes, less-than-rich families, loneliness, sadness. We're all related somehow, in our personal or public lives. We all share one thing, though. Basketball. Our love for the sport is stationary.

After games, we find no hope. Is our effort worth it? Are we wasting our time?

It's not like we'll ever be noticed, we think. Who's going to actually come to Nowheresville to see John Smith/Jane Doe play?

My advice is, get on the radar. That's what many players we admire today did.

Take both Rip Hamilton and Charles Barkley for example, who come from cities with a population around 10,000.

Now, how many of us has imagined ourselves in their places during a game?

We cut off a screen, balance our feet, jump about mid-field, perfect formation and release, and sigh after a sweet swish of the net, just as though we're wearing a blue Detroit jersey?

Or reach our hands skyward to muscle for a rebound like Sir Charles?

I'm positive there's a couple.

The best way to get noticed is to be noticeable. Even if it's just in practice, a little pick up game, a school game, someone's watching. Your teammates, your coaches, the audience. Prove yourself to them.

Or to yourself.

You know what's inside of yourself, even if they can't see it yet.

Don't let those bottled hopes, dreams, and wishes go down the drain. Become what you know you are.

If you are good to the game of basketball, the game of basketball will be good to you.

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