On his way out the door, SQ Warriors veteran
shares his thoughts on dedication and self-growth
Before Montreal “MD” Vines made parole in the beginning of the year, I had the opportunity to have a chat with him about his dedication to basketball and change. He has been on the San Quentin Warriors for a decade, with many seasons developing his skills on the court and personal growth in prison life that earned him the right to become a prime example for those who are looking to overcome similar issues as he did.
Timothy Hicks: What’s going on with you? I’m glad I was blessed to catch up with you before you left.
Montreal Vines: Yeah, it’s good. What’s up with the people?
TH: All good. I just wanted to celebrate you on your contributions to the basketball program here at the prison. You did a lot. What position you play?
MV: I play for the Warriors here. I’m a shooting guard.
TH: How long you been playing?
MV: I been playing for 10 years. I love what I do.
TH: I been seeing you on and off the court. You are a real one. What make you love the game of basketball and when did you first realize it here?
MV: I remember when the Golden State Warriors came up here. I saw Mark Jackson. I saw the other Warriors and I got to play against them. That was big to me. I loved the game ever since.
TH: I talked to the head coach, Jeremiah Brown, and he had some good things to say about you. Things like how you are not just a good basketball player, you also are good at mentoring the youth. He spoke real highly about you. How do you feel about that?
MV: That feels good just to hear that. Yeah, I just be myself and the youngsters gravitate towards me. I reflect back on times when I was young once. So I can relate to them. I just teach them the good things to do instead of the negative ways.
TH: That’s wassup. I also recall them retiring your #10 jersey. They threw a big celebration for you about that. How did that make you feel?
MV: That felt good. It felt good to know that I had that much love from them.
TH: Yeah, that’s huge. You must have left an impression on them that much. Knowing that you are about to leave soon all this must be weighing a toll on you?
MV: It’s a lot to take in after all these years. Then to wake up and it’s over. It’s a blessing to be leaving though.
TH: Yes it is. Now that you are leaving, what’s your plans? Do you plan on continuing to play ball on the outside?
MV: Yep, a few of the guy’s that were here has since paroled and they are having talks of starting up a league out there. I will look into that. But I still will keep in touch and contribute to the program in here some kind of way.
TH: That’s wassup. I wish you all the best out there. Good luck out there brother.
