LOVE LETTERS & LAYUPS
Directed By
Prince-Bajon
Alex Shaak

Year
2024

Watch
YouTube Love Letters and Layups was such a painful project to bring to life. I’m incredibly thankful to the artistic mastermind that is Alex Shaak—what a remarkable person he is. This project was created during one of the most painful periods of my life.

I dedicated everything to being the best basketball player I could be. I wanted to be the best… EVER. More than I wanted to breathe, more than I wanted friends, more than I wanted to sleep. And somewhere along the way, I lost myself. It stopped being fun and became a chore—just another workout I “had” to do.

Then, after receiving my second scholarship offer, I just walked away. I walked away from the court that faithful day, not knowing that it would be my last time. Covid came like a tornado, introducing me to all of the world with such an intensity, that my ball stopped bouncing. I stepped away from my love, unfulfilled, with goals unmet, and boxes unchecked. I know millions of young Black boys share this same dream I once held, coupled with this same aching pain. Basketball took me across the country, introduced me to my best friends, and taught me countless lifelong lessons. So, I’ll never have regrets. I did what I set out to do—I played college ball and reached the scholarship level.

But my heart was still heavy, carrying unresolved hurt and emotions. As the legendary Doc Hudson said, “If you’re going hard enough left, you’ll find yourself turning right.” (Haha yes for those of you that are cultured that is a Pixar’s “Cars” reference) I had to go back and pay homage to my first love in order to move forward.

I made this for the millions of unresolved little Black boys who feel as I do. Let us grieve together, let us rejoice together, and then, when it’s all said and done, let us turn right together, for our journeys are not over, they have only just begin!