Walter Dean Myers’s novel features both internal and external conflicts. The protagonist, Lonnie Jackson, experiences conflicts within himself about his current life as a teenager compared to the kind of adult life to which he aspires. As a seventeen year old living in a dangerous, impoverished neighborhood of New York, Lonnie is constantly confronted with decisions about whether to become involved in crime or to follow the law and uphold his ethical principles.

One place where he goes astray is in stealing from a store during a robbery, which he rationalizes by thinking that he will not be caught and that he needs the money. Lonnie usually tries to follow the advice of his basketball coach, however, as he knows that his dream of playing professional basketball will require dedication.

The larger social conflicts include honesty versus corruption, regarding the options available to Cal, the coach, when he considers whether to throw the game as the powerful, corrupt gamblers want him to do. This conflict also includes Cal’s internal conflict. When Cal decides that he cannot comply with this order, he not only behaves honestly but also shows his belief in Lonnie’s potential. As he gives the boy a chance to play, he also provides a role model of not giving in to corruption and what seems like easy money.