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Allen Iverson: The Catalyst to Change

Written by Blizzy

Wednesday, 31 January 2007

If you would look at Allen Iverson you would see a man with long braids and tattoos adorning his entire body. If you would look beyond that you would see how Iverson has changed the game of basketball as we know it today. No other basketball player, since Michael Jordan, has made an impact on the game of basketball as Allen Iverson has.

Iverson brought with him a passion and a zest for the game. Allen Iverson is six feet of pure talent and fury. He is a natural born leader on and off the hard wood. The passion with which he plays the game energizes his entire team and he sets an example for his fellow teammates to excel.

Allen Iverson has always thrived in a hostile environment and it seems that he has made it a point to prove all the doubters wrong. Iverson does whatever it takes to win. As the leader of his team he shoulders the entire load and shines the brightest when his teams needs him the most. Whether it’s a quick basket or defensive stop, if that’s what is required out of him he will deliver. He is a true warrior who will take the ball right to the basket in the land of the giants without giving a second thought to the battering which his body will experience. People look at him in awe and wonder how a man of his small stature has the courage to do what he does. He gives hope to everyone that they are in control of their destiny.

A leader is a person who can use the hardships of life as an opportunity to evolve. Iverson is no stranger to hardships, but he has taken those hardships head on and evolved into a stronger person. What cant kill you can only make you stronger. Since the time he entered the league people questioned his height and his ability to play the game. He was labeled selfish and uncooperative. He took all of the criticism as a source of motivation and the same year he led his team to the NBA Finals earning the leagues Most Valuable Player Award along the way. On the court, when Iverson commands his team they listen. His unique speed and quickness along with his relentless attitude to attack the rim brings fear into the hearts of the opposition and they often pattern their game plan around Iverson. “I don’t play with my size, I play with my heart.” He plays every game like it were his last game. He doesn’t care if his team is going to win or not he will give it his all night in and night out. There have been several occasions that he has played injured despite the doctors warning him no too. During the 2001 playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks All Iverson played with a bloody mouth throughout the game using his jersey as a kerchief to wipe the blood.

Iverson with his baggy clothes and his tattoos has transcended the hip hop culture into basketball and basketball into the hip hop culture. He is the individual who carried the NBA on the wings of chage; the man who made cornrows and tattoos almost as important as the jerseys. The majority of the hip hop artists are huge fans of basketball and vice versa. Iverson was the catalyst that triggered this change. His personal achievements and the things he did on the court led people to follow his life outside of basketball. He released a rap album under the name of “Jeweles”. He is a pop culture icon who influences millions of people all over the world. “Allen’s the trend setter, someone who changed and entire culture because of who he is,” said Todd Boyd, a professor at the University of South California. Iverson’s patented cross over dribble can be seen in the streets and basketball courts all across the world being practiced by hundreds of children who strive to be like their hero Allen Iverson.

Iverson has always stayed true to himself and hasn’t let the fame and fortune that a professional sport life brings, change who he is. He has not forgotten his roots and always tries to give back to his community. He is the founder of his “Cross-over” foundation which aims at helping underprivileged children by providing them with education, food and shelter. Iverson has played such a huge role in the lives of millions of people that in a recent unfortunate incident, a man was killed for not hading over his Allen Iverson jersey. Iverson attended and paid for the funeral.

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Written by Ankit "blizzybone" Guha