The Pick-Up Artist (No, Not That Kind): More Than A Token

Sometimes, the loneliest existence is in a sport where everyone else is better. But sometimes, you get better all the way around. I've noticed this in pick-up basketball, where I'm the only one with autism and I used to get ridiculed for knowledge of scores, especially my first year, but over the course of seven years off and on, I have become someone else entirely: a jump-shooter that can play wherever he's needed. I can do the grinding work and still have enough energy to shoot a jumper or two a game. I can have people say to me things and help me out and most of all, I can run with the best of them and do well with whatever role I'm assigned. I know my role and it's not to be a flat-out gunner. I used to have that role, but now, I'm looked at as a defender of tough people and a grinder on the floor. I'm looked at as a 6'5" guard/forward, with little to no work in the lane. It takes all parts to make a good team, and while I haven't really done anything too dramatic in pick-up ball, I'm still an eventual unofficial Hall of Fame person for the REC Center. There are very few players that can play their roles well, and in a year to a year and a half, I'll be done with my role. But that's fine. I've given it my all and I will look fondly as an artist building ugly pieces of art with somewhat heavy doses of trash-talking. And I'm OK with that. Stay tuned for next week's topic: ultimately good, another more-than-a-token article.