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My Son Found A Hero In Jalen Brunson. I Found A Piece Of My Dad I Thought Was Gone.
Growingupin New York City meant that I was constantly surrounded by Knicks fans — and my father was a particularly influential one in my life. As a lifelong stan with an undying belief that his team would one day reach the glory he’d watched them achieve as a kid, he subconsciously bestowed upon me lessons about loyalty, perseverance, and what it means to stay powerful and positive when things aren’t going your way.
When my dad passed, I accepted that watching the Knicks would not spark the same joy for me. But when I had my son, Zakai, I suspected that he’d inherit my dad’s passion for our home team. This past season coincided with him being just old enough to understand the force that is this year’s MVP, Jalen Brunson. And so, I was thrilled to learn that Brunson’s postseason projects include writing a children’s picture book.
“Jalen Plays It All,” illustrated by Neely Daggett, is set to drop in November of this year. It’s apparently about “trying new things, working hard, and discovering your strengths.” This feels like the sweetest and most empowering messaging I can pass on to my son during this magical Knicks summer. As a bonus, I’ll get to connect him to his late grandfather’s identity and fandom — which was about so much more than just loving basketball.
As a kid obsessed with the performing arts and pop culture, sports were never my go-to pastime, but I loved watching basketball with my dad. I’d even get to go with him to games in person sometimes. And through the roars of a crowd who were just as hopeful as my dad, I’d witness him come alive with hope and excitement.
From the rafters of Madison Square Garden, I was occasionally lucky enough to see players like Nate Robinson and Stephon Marbury perform feats of athletic excellence alongside fans who clung to what they represented: the strength, grit and determination on which New York City stands.
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On nights we watched at home, I’d witness my father’s enduring faith and devotion as he locked into the TV screen, his booming voice reverberating throughout the house. It was almost as if he knew the refs, coaches, and most importantly, the players could hear his cheers, his calls, his love. The Knicks created a space for his joy, and I loved to see it.
Many years later, Brunson’s presence, skills, and ability have galvanized his team to bring home the championship trophy against all odds and left my 5-year-old in complete awe, over and over again. Zakai now mimics his plays and commentary using the mini-basketball and hoop hooked to the side of his bunk bed.
Seeing my son’s joy makes me feel as if I am experiencing my father’s spirit all over again, creating an organic family bond that I couldn’t have manufactured myself. Just as importantly, Zakai has gravitated towards a Black male role model with unwavering determination and values rooted in family and teamwork.
While he now has his dad, who is also a Knicks superfan, to teach him all about the game’s history and technical aspects, it has been heartwarming to see Brunson open up a new world to my son. Zakai falling in love with basketball this year has allowed him to witness the magnificence of athletic talent, lucky purses, and fan energy all working together to win championships and perpetuate stories of quiet determination and positivity.
And so, I can’t wait to get our copy of “Jalen Plays It All” and read it to him with all of the enthusiasm and pride that my father would.
