GEN-TRI-FI-CA-TION
(according to OXFORD LANGUAGES)
"The process whereby the character of a poor urban area is changed by wealthier people moving in, improving housing, and attracting new businesses, typically displacing current inhabitants in the process."
OUR TAKE:
Like with many NYC neighborhoods gentrification has created a situation where the people who built and maintained the local ethos are being “priced out” and only those that have the financial resources are able to live in the newly curated environment. As a result, players who lack re$ources are rarely on (highly competitive) travel teams where colleges / universities will be able to offer FULL scholarship opportunities. As a result, players that do not have to necessary resources for training, travel, etc are to a certain extent left behind. If there is any doubt, just scan the rosters of the TOP NYC based programs and note how many ACTUALLY reside within the 5 boroughs of NYC compared to this that hail from non-NYC areas.
OUR SUGGESTION:
Programs should, like their mission statements state, provide opportunities for players who lack finances with a "$cholarship" for various tournaments. Tournaments where players will be able to showcase their abilities to college coaches throughout the country. Granted such thinking flies in the face of "basketball capitalism", it however shades light on a major reason why during NYC's "GOLDEN ERA" - New York City was considered #TheMECCA. It was during this period of time, NYC's major programs such as The Gauchos, Riverside and others did not rely on funds from it's players instead outside funding provided aforementioned with the necessary funds to secure the best talent which attracted national exposure and other revenue sources. We would suggest programs to look back at the past with the intention of changing the future.
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