Twenty-three incarcerated basketball players showed up in the Lower Yard to compete for a chance to play for the San Quentin Warriors.
The group included most of last year’s team and several new guys eager to earn one of the 12 spots.
Making the Warriors is a huge opportunity. They play against former NBA players from the Golden State Warriors coaching staff, as well as former college basketball players and former overseas pros. They have even played active college teams like St. Mary’s and Pacific Union.
“It would mean a lot. It would mean I accomplished a feat over 23 other dudes. It means I have some talent,” said Edward Moss.
No one is guaranteed a spot, said SQ Warrior Head Coach Daniel Wright. “I don’t care who you were last year. You have to earn your spot.”
Wright listed the qualifications for being a Warrior as: having a great attitude, dominating a game without scoring, and making him say, “I got to keep you.”
Potential new recruits included Donnelly Thompson, a muscular guy who played youth league ball, and David Silva, an 18-year-old who would have started his prison time in a higher security level prison, if not for the Youthful Offender Program. Under this new law, incarcerated teenagers are sent to lower-level prisons instead of maximum-security facilities.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity – better than being on a level three with all that serious mentality,” said Silva.
The tryouts consisted of full-court scrimmage games, complete with referees.
“Your game isn’t judged by what you did in pickup games,” said Wright. “The game is judged with officials and shot clocks.”
Thompson had a quiet, solid game, playing good defensive and scoring a couple of baskets, but Silva stood out to Wright. Silva put himself in position to make easy baskets by being the first one back on offense.
“I didn’t think he was going to make it, but for what he did, he earned a spot,” said Wright.
The tryouts ended with a slam-dunk by Tevin Fournette, a former John Marshall High School player, who made the team.
Noticeably missing was 6-foot-7 former Memphis University player Mack Simekins. The 26-year-old was on a visit during the tryouts.
Simekins still made the team because of his experience, height and talent. He said he was the sixth man on the Memphis team, averaging about 9 points and 5 rebounds a game. He played with NBA player Tyreke Evans at the alma mater of Derrick Rose, who now plays for the Chicago Bulls. His team made the NCAA tournament’s Sweet 16, but he didn’t get to play because of a suspension over off-court problems. Playing for the Warriors represents an opportunity for redemption.
He missed a chance to go to the NBA because of “not being focused. I had no father figure; nobody taught me anything growing up in Oakland,” said Simekins.
“I’d tell kids to stay focused. Don’t lose track of your goals, and listen to good mentors or you’ll be in my position – all this talent and I ended up in prison.”
Warriors from last year who re-earned their spots included: Allan McIntosh, Harry “ATL” Smith, Montrell “Mad Defense” Vines, Rafael Cuevas, Jason Jones and Anthony Ammons.
Other new Warriors are Fournette, Maurice Gipson, Darrell Benford, Harold Malbrouga and Dave Lee.
Benford said, “I’m excited. I came at the beginning of last year and didn’t make tryouts. I like everybody’s attitude and how they move the ball around. I like how everybody plays together. I like how (outside teams) come in here and devote their time– it gives me hope that society doesn’t look at us like we’re just prisoners.”
Lee said, “Hopefully as a point guard, I can dictate the flow of our game. I’ll be able to help keep the team under control – cool, calm and collected.”
–Rahsaan Thomas
