Not Bay Area/Nor Cal related but a great read

The following is a story about a young man who has faced more obstacles/problems in his 18 or so years than most of us will encounter in a lifetime. But he's heading to college on a hoops scholarship in spite of what has knocked him down.

Demtris "Cleveland" Smith Commits to Lamar
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Texas Basketball Inc.

Folks, in the world of collegiate athletics there are many stories that are "feel good" and sadly many more that reinforce negative stereotypes of athletes. Today, I am pleased to announce the commitment of Texas D-1 Ambassadors-Chip player Demetris "Cleveland" Smith who has recently decided to end his recruitment early and commit to play basketball at Lamar University of the Southland Conference.

Smith, a 2010 WG 6'4" is a big part of the Central Texas basketball juggernaut under Coach Mike Murphy at Pflugerville High School, bordering Austin, TX. He was being recruited by Texas State, Stephen F Austin and Sam Houston State as well as others out of State but ended his recruitment in part to join two of his 2009 Pflugerville & ex-D-1 Ambassadors team mates (PG Jonathan Garza & P Osas Ebomwonyi) with the Lamar Cardinals.

Here's where the story gets particularly interesting. Sure, he has a much better than average perimeter shot, rebounds like a demon and has an unyielding will to win. Mnay kids have that. However, his will is not just to win on the court, but to win at the Game of Life. Family is important to Smith, the energetic buzz saw who originally hails from the inner city of Cleveland, OH. That might seem like an obvious statement to most, however Cleveland tragically lost both of his parents within a short time of each other. After having no place to stay in Ohio, he ended up in Texas mid semester almost exactly 2 years ago because an aunt lived in Pflugerville and he came to live with her...

Go here for the remainder.