Gone Before Their Prime: In Memory of My Son

In honor of my deceased son David L. Wallace III and with the recent interest of the 20 year anniversary of the death of Reggie Lewis I decided to write about something different. I apologize in advance if this is sad or comes off as morbid. Often times we can get so caught up in the day to day, that we forget just how great certain people could've, should've and would've been. My son Trey for instance I am certain would've played ball. I played, my brother played, my father played and all of my uncles played. The lone difference between him and us, he would've been great.

I developed a love affair with the game of basketball. Not the And 1 Mixtape, all dunk and no defense game; The Real Game. I would've taught him the X's and O's, the appropriate way to use a screen and the value of the mid range jump shot. I would've focused on his natural strengths which almost certainly would've been length and quick feet. Genetically my family has height and a slow metabolism, my wife's family has a more stout build, but both sides are athletic. I figure he may have ended up around 6'4, 205 by 17, making him the perfect combo guard size. With that build the list of people to admire would've been cut down to 3. Tony Allen because of his defense and aggression. Russell Westbrook, because of his passion, heart and out right ability to own the opponent. Finally, Seth Curry; because no human alive right now can shoot it better when they are in a groove.

With that blueprint laid I would've assured him a free trip to college and the ability to flirt with a dream of playing in the League. This is the dream of several fathers in the world, so I don't feel guilty about wanting my son to learn the game I love. After all he eventually he may have asked me why I have Hoop Dreams tattooed on my right arm. I would've replied, "because its the best cautionary tale ever told about the game I love." This would've been more about sharing moments and teaching my son than just pawning off my dashed hopes and dreams. I could have used the time to bond, watch him grow and "if" he wanted to; blossom into a Stud Ball Player. It helps to dream when dealing with a loss such as this, at least it does for me. This way I don't have to focus on the fact that none of this will ever happen for him. I will still pass the game on to his brother Jax who is just 6 weeks old, but I will never forget "What Would've Been". David L. Wallace III (7/28/12-7/28/12))

Gone Before Their Prime:

1. Benji Wilson: In 1984, there were two great basketball players in Chicago. A newly drafted Michael Jordan (who would go on to be the greatest of all time) and Benji Wilson. Wilson rose to fame during the dawn of the "Crack Era", and was on his way. He went from frail, little know local ball player, to national player of the year contender in 3 years. He was a 6'7, 185 small forward with great ball handling skills and a smooth jumper (Dubbed Magic Johnson with a jump shot). He attended Simeon Vocational High School, the national powerhouse which has since churned out top prospects Derrick Rose and Jabari Parker. Many believed that earning a Division 1 scholarship was a mere formality en route to a sure fire Hall of Fame career. The world will never know, because sadly he was gunned down a few blocks from school. His death earned national attention because of a broken medical system in a city on the brink. Now as a reminder of his greatness and in honor of his legacy, all great players that pass through the halls of Simeon wear number 25. Gone, but not forgotten; Benji Wilson (3/18/67-11/21/84).

2. Hank Gathers: Big Hank Gathers gained fame in tandem with teammate and future NBA player Bo Kimble, while attending Loyola Marymount University. At 6'7, 210 pounds Gathers had the height and weight of a NBA player while still in college. Initially both Gathers and Kimble attended USC, but later transferred to LMU. Once they were eligible they led LMU to a 28-4 record, on the shoulders of Gathers putting up 22 points and 7 rebounds a game. The following season, he trumped that averaging 32 points and 13 rebounds per game, becoming only the second player in NCAA history to ever lead his team in rebounding and scoring. Hank Gathers passed away the way I believe all great players want to go out, in the middle of a game after a blistering alley-oop. He passed away within moments because of a improperly treated heart condition. His legacy will live on forever, because for a brief moment he was literally the center of the basketball universe. Hank Gathers (2/11/67-3/4/90).

Video below provided by ESPN via YouTube

3. Len Bias: Bias was all man. No two ways around it, he was expected to be "The Next Big Thing" in basketball. He dominated the ACC while at the University of Maryland and had legendary match-ups against the Greatness himself, Michael Jordan. He had a game that grew with time, but once he peaked he arrived. In 1986 and 1987 he was named ACC player of the year and earned every bit of it. He was 6'8, 210 pounds and in terms of physical stature would've certainly filled out like another 6'8 ball player currently dominating the league. Bias was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the 1986 draft and immediately hailed as the perfect apprentice for then Captain and Legend, Larry Bird. Considered by many to be the best player drafted since Jordan, he was supposed to join with Bird and close out the 1980's with several championship runs. Instead, Bias overdosed 2 days later while celebrating with friends. Like Wilson, his death serves as a reminder of where the country was in the 1980's and how powerful an impact the drug culture had on the African American community. Len Bias (11/18/63-6/19/86).

Video below is provided on YouTube, via ESPN and Grantland.

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