San Quentin Rehabilitation Center’s most important and exciting sporting event of the year took place in mid-September when the Golden State Warriors made their annual trip to San Quentin’s Lower Yard.
Everything else took a backseat as this year’s event became a celebration of the relationships between the San Quentin Warriors and Kings basketball program, Prison Sports Ministries, and the seven-time NBA Championship dynasty.
“It’s like a motivation to come here,” said Warriors’ returning two-way player Jackson Rowe, 28. “The NBA is a grind, [so] we come to help motivate you guys [incarcerated residents], and it reminds us to stay after it.”
All in attendance cheered their love for the game, the love that one gets from helping others help themselves, and the love that one has for those who grow and improve.
High-fives and hugs were the first order of business as the Warriors entourage came down the hill and across the yard to the basketball court as resident fans and members of the basketball program welcomed the champions with open arms, literally.
“How can you not be happy about this day?” said Correctional Officer Romero.
At center court, SQ Kings’ coach Demond “Oola” Lewis introduced Warden Chance Andes, who spoke about the foundational part sports has played in the empowerment of incarcerated residents. Andes acknowledged that SQ sports’ commitment to collaborating with staff has led to some of the changes that have occurred within the CDCR.
Warriors’ front office member Kirk Lacob addressed the fans, reminding them of the 12-year history of the Warriors’ visits to the institution.
Lacob said the best part of the event is when new people are brought in and have the opportunity to share stories about each other’s experiences. He also mentioned how much he loved to see the formerly incarcerated on the outside and touched on the fact that all interactions with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated persons cause change to people on both sides.
The game began after the traditional player introductions of the Golden State Warriors team, which included a combination of GS Warriors front office staff and Prison Sports Ministries outside volunteers; they played against a team of resident players drawn from both the SQ Warriors and SQ Kings.
SQ led by a score of 26-21 at the end of the first quarter before the pros outscored the home team 26-15 in the 2nd period to take a 47-41 lead heading into half-time.
At the half, formerly incarcerated person Brian Asey Gonsoulin; who went home from a reduced 84-years-to-life sentence, spoke about the power of the program.
Golden State Warriors’ public information representative, Michael Ravina, attended his first game. “The team talks about coming here all the time, and if they don’t win they’ll get shit when they get home,” he joked. “Obviously there’s a lot of camaraderie between these teams [because] we all want to build people up, we want people out there instead of in here. That’s why rehabilitation is so important.”
The second half included the visitors out-scoring the home team 17-8 to take a commanding 64-49 lead at the end of the third period.
Although the home team mounted a comeback by outscoring the GS Warriors 22-14 in the fourth quarter, their efforts proved to be too little, too late as the GS Warriors won the game 78-71.
“Because of this event, more people get interested and want to play and we get local and national recognition,” said Charles “Pookie” Sylvester, 56, an 11-year member of the Kings program.
“It was a good day. It was fun to watch,” said Correctional Officer Rybang, who has been here since 2008.
“When the GS Warriors come in to spend the morning with people inside, it highlights a better understanding of incarceration and the benefits of having a thriving sports program. Everyone involved with the event is able to learn something from each other and have a better understanding of each other’s life situation,” said physical education teacher and Coach Kuntal Bhatt.
Teren Armstrong became the first Tasmanian-born NBA player when he signed a one-year rookie contract with Golden State. He shared his experience of coming to SQRC.
“Walking down the ramp for his first time is an experience I will always remember,” said Armstrong. “I’ve never done anything like this. There’s no way to compare this to anything else.
“The two worlds aren’t too far apart,” he concluded. “I feel the positivity here.”
