Texas Standard
Texas Extra: ‘There’s Always This Year’ goes beyond the bounds of basketball
Nov 2, 2024
Hanif Abdurraqib, a New York Times best-selling author and MacArthur Fellow, explores themes of mortality through his latest book, which transcends basketball to delve into personal growth. He reflects on growing up during LeBron James' rise, revealing how local narratives shape our understanding of success. The discussion also touches on the 2014 Spurs vs. Heat Finals, highlighting the beauty of strategy in basketball. Additionally, Abdurraqib connects music and writing, showcasing the University of Texas Press’s efforts to promote diverse literary voices.
20:47
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast explores how ascension in basketball serves as a metaphor for personal growth, emphasizing incremental progress over societal definitions of success.
- The author discusses the significance of place and community, arguing that true worth lies in meaningful contributions rather than physical relocation for success.
Deep dives
Theme of Ascension and Mortality
The exploration of ascension in the context of basketball serves as a metaphor for personal growth and the passage of time. The author reflects on his childhood experiences and the influence of LeBron James, illustrating how witnessing someone's success can evoke feelings of both pride and envy. The narrative emphasizes that ascension is not only about rising to fame but also about small, incremental progress from one’s past to present aspirations. Through this lens, the author attempts to redefine ascension by highlighting the importance of small moments and connections to one’s roots rather than solely focusing on societal definitions of success.
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