In "Hoops," Myers transforms basketball into a metaphor for life, weaving a narrative that goes beyond just the sport. While basketball was a true love for Myers—offering him solace from school frustrations, camaraderie with peers, and sheer enjoyment—here it becomes the canvas for a deeper story. The novel may initially appear to be a fast-paced sports tale, but it quickly reveals itself as a rich exploration of ethical choices and personal integrity.

The Dream of a Young Athlete

At the heart of "Hoops" is Lonnie Jackson, a seventeen-year-old who dreams of making it big as a professional basketball player. Standing on the brink of adulthood, he faces the anxiety of deciding his future path. For Lonnie, basketball is not just a game; it's a potential escape from his Harlem neighborhood, a ticket to societal respect, and a source of personal pride. Recognized as one of Harlem's top players, Lonnie clings to the belief that his dreams are within reach.

Life on the Margins

Lonnie's home life is unstable, leading him to spend most nights away from his mother's house. He has secured a place to sleep at The Grant, a hotel where he exchanges cleaning duties for lodging. Early in the story, a robbery at a nearby liquor store introduces Lonnie's cunning adaptability; amidst the chaos, he seizes a case of scotch to sell. This event illustrates the gritty environment Lonnie navigates and his street-smart survival instincts.

A Narrative Close to Home

Myers masterfully uses a first-person narrative to draw young readers into Lonnie's world. Through Lonnie's eyes, we delve into his struggles with love, family dynamics, financial strain, and moral dilemmas. In "Hoops," these challenges are centered around the themes of basketball, his family, his budding romance, and his relationship with Cal.

The Mentor's Shadow

Cal, once a professional player expelled due to gambling, now helms Lonnie's team. Despite his fall from grace and current struggles as a semi-homeless alcoholic, Cal retains enough empathy to guide Lonnie. Initially dismissive, Lonnie begins to admire Cal, uncovering the layers of a man shattered by his past but capable of earning the team's trust. As the narrative crescendos, the team competes in a high-stakes tournament, entangled with significant gambling interests.

Moral Crossroads

Nearing the novel's resolution, Cal faces pressure from mobsters to bench Lonnie, ensuring the team's defeat. Cal imparts to Lonnie that life, much like basketball, requires people to "play the game with what they got." Initially adhering to the mob's demands, Cal ultimately defies them, allowing Lonnie to enter the game and clinch victory. This defiance comes at a personal cost; Cal suffers a brutal assault in the locker room.

A World of Challenges

"Hoops" unfolds against a backdrop of danger, where gang violence is rampant, and Lonnie's girlfriend falls victim to heroin injection after discovering the mob's role in fixing the tournament. Readers witness Lonnie's transformation from a self-focused teenager absorbed by basketball into a more mature individual. Over time, he learns that even someone as flawed as Cal can rise above personal failings to become a beacon of morality amidst corruption.