" It didn't matter that they ended their season 19-5, that they had won two in-season tournaments. Or that they never lost to an inferior team all year and managed to beat Cambridge Rindge and Latin and Duxbury whent hey were ranked number one in the state." Pg. 316
Durfee never won a state title for their hometown, but it didn't really matter. It wasn't all about winning or who beat who. There were fans who were mad that Durfee lost, but I think Karam would care less. It would be nice to bring home a state title, but in my point of view it's about the experience. I'm sure Karam is glad to see most of his players go to college basketball and some of his players making it into the NBA afterwards. Look at how far Durfee got, that's hard work and determination and no one can take that pride away.
Dennis' Blog
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Fall River Dreams: Quote
" So sometimes she detaches herself, as though looking at it from a distance, and thinks that what is happening to her son i crazy, some runaway train that no one can catch anymore." Pg. 107
The quote is describing how Chris changed since he played basketball. His mother seems very worried with his academics in school and wants his to focus on his grades and still be able to pay basketball. Chris' mom even questions herself why she doesn't enjoy the game when everyone else looks obsessed. Chris sacrificed academics for basketball. If Chris doesn't have the grades, how will he be able to participate in the school basketball team?
The quote is describing how Chris changed since he played basketball. His mother seems very worried with his academics in school and wants his to focus on his grades and still be able to pay basketball. Chris' mom even questions herself why she doesn't enjoy the game when everyone else looks obsessed. Chris sacrificed academics for basketball. If Chris doesn't have the grades, how will he be able to participate in the school basketball team?
Fall River Dreams: Coach Karam Diary Entry
Time to go for the state championship to bring back to Fall Rivers. All of the teachers, students, and the whole community are getting involved like a family. There's been personal problems with me and Chris. Chris is a good player, but I have no other choice but to leave him on this team to help get that championship. Players have been missing key free-throws in important games. We may not have won the state title, but it was a pleasure to see all my players play to their best. It is a pleasure to watch most of them move onto the next level and especially Chris Herren. He may had a bad game, but he'll be one of my favorite players I coached.
Dear Coach Karam....
Dear Thomas "Skippy" Karam,
How did you manage to train Chris to get recruited by college scouts and coaches? How did you become friends with the head coach of Kentucky basketball, Rick Pitino? It must've been hard to coach players that would talk back to you. Why didn't you retire and let your assistant coach take the job, so you can spend more time with your son? Did Shawn Tames manange to be a great player, despite the fact that only one African-American in Durfee High School basketball history became the greatest? Did you coach your best players to be good, or is it just natural talent? Do you ever regret not having enough time to do something fun with your son? Can you give me any tips on how I can get recruited by basketball coaches and scouts? Who do you considered your greatest players of all time? Has Dan Callahan, Peter Sunseon, Jeff Carson, Chris Herren and Michael Herren got into a NCAA D1 basketball team or the NBA? How did it feel like to have Chris Herren treat you unfair?
Sincerely,
Dennis Lum
How did you manage to train Chris to get recruited by college scouts and coaches? How did you become friends with the head coach of Kentucky basketball, Rick Pitino? It must've been hard to coach players that would talk back to you. Why didn't you retire and let your assistant coach take the job, so you can spend more time with your son? Did Shawn Tames manange to be a great player, despite the fact that only one African-American in Durfee High School basketball history became the greatest? Did you coach your best players to be good, or is it just natural talent? Do you ever regret not having enough time to do something fun with your son? Can you give me any tips on how I can get recruited by basketball coaches and scouts? Who do you considered your greatest players of all time? Has Dan Callahan, Peter Sunseon, Jeff Carson, Chris Herren and Michael Herren got into a NCAA D1 basketball team or the NBA? How did it feel like to have Chris Herren treat you unfair?
Sincerely,
Dennis Lum
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Fall River Dreams: Book Review
On a scale of 1-10 (1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest), I would give Fall River Dreams a 9 because it sn't like a typical basketball book where it's all about winning, but how a town comes together as a family. The book also gives a background of Fall River and their high school basketball record. I also like how the book mostly focuses on the relationship of Herren and Karam. It's funny how Herren is one of the best players in his high school team and doesn't get cut from the team for talking back to Coach Karam. Fall River Dreams has given me a totally different perspective of the player-coach relationship.
Fall River Dreams-What are the most revealing aspects of one of the characters?
One of the main characters, Chris Herren shows that he isn't determined to learn and sometimes talks back to Skippy Karam, his coach. He doesn't like it when a coach tells a team to act like a 50's team. Herren was to suppose to play college basketball for Boston College , but couldn't keep up academically and went to Fresno State instead. As Fall River continues their drive for the State championship, Herren and Karam will have problems along the journey.
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