Son of the soil

 Bryce grew up in Laventille, Trinidad, a place known for a violent culture and economic challenges. The streets were lined with the noise of life — people hustling, neighbors chatting, some arguing, and the distant hum of a world that felt just out of reach. But for Bryce, Laventille was more than just the place he lived — it was the place where his dream was born.

From a young age, Bryce was captivated by basketball. He spent hours on the rough asphalt courts near his home, dribbling, shooting, and dreaming. There was something about the rhythm of the ball hitting the ground, the swoosh of the net, that felt like destiny. He didn’t just want to play; he wanted to be the best. His ultimate goal? To make it to the NBA.

But Bryce knew that dreams weren’t handed to anyone. They had to be earned through hard work, consistency, and sacrifice. Every day, he woke up early and by 6:30AM he was training, practicing shots, refining his moves, and getting stronger. His friends would be hanging out or playing video games on an afternoon, but Bryce was on the court, working on his game. Even when the rain came, he would play in the drizzle, determined not to let anything stop him.

He wasn’t just committed to basketball, though. He understood that his education would be the bridge to his bigger dreams. So, he made sure to dedicate time to his schoolwork, knowing that every grade, every project, every test, was part of the foundation of his journey. His teachers noticed his focus, his determination, and his willingness to push past limits.

In secondary school, Bryce's talent started to shine. He led his school’s basketball team to several victories, and word about his skills spread beyond his community. Coaches from around the country started paying attention, but Bryce knew the NBA wasn’t just about talent — it was about opportunity. He needed more than playing professionally in Trinidad.

Then one day, an opportunity came. He received a partial scholarship offer to attend a college in Washington, USA. It wasn’t a full scholarship, but it was enough to get him closer to his ultimate goal. The thought of being in a city where basketball was bigger than back home, where the competition was fierce and the attention more intense, thrilled him. But even more than that, Bryce knew this was a test — a test of his commitment, his consistency, and his belief in himself.

When he arrived at college, everything felt surreal. The facilities were top-notch, and the players were incredible. It was a whole new world. But Bryce didn’t get distracted by the luxury or the star power. He stayed focused on his goal, just like he had back in Laventille. He woke up early for extra practice, studied his opponents, and pushed himself every day. The temptation to fall off track was there, with new friends and new experiences, but Bryce kept his eyes on the prize.

His time at college wasn’t easy. He faced setbacks, tough games, and moments of doubt. But every time he felt like giving up, he reminded himself of Laventille, of the many hours spent on that cracked court with the same goal in mind. He kept his consistency, no matter what. Then, after years of training and dedication, the day came when Bryce was offered the opportunity he had been working for: a chance to enter the NBA draft.

As he stood in front of his family, friends, and coaches, Bryce realized that the journey had been worth every sacrifice. The rewards he had worked for — year after year of practice, study, and determination — were finally within reach. He had done it not because of external validation or opinions, but because of his unwavering commitment to his dream, day after day, no matter the opinions and obstacles.