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Parental torture

Sporting News, The, Dec 27, 2004 by Marques Johnson

Sometimes it ain't easy being me. Former All-American, former NBA All-Star, current dad. Especially the dad part. My resolve is tested in the most unlikely of venues--Pauley Pavilion, when I watch my alma mater, UCLA, play. My second son to play for the Bruins, Josiah, is a seldom-used reserve forward. He sits while I stew.

Surely, Bruins coach Ben Howland could use Josiah. They don't come much tougher. A few months back, he came home with two black eyes and a stitched-up cheek after battling three Arizona football players at an off-campus night spot. This was no Ron Artest going for the runt of the litter. The smallest of the three was 6-5, 295. Although I certainly don't condone this sort of thing, Josiah's "you should see the other guy" attitude and the fact he was helping out a teammate was a source of twisted pride for dear old dad. His judgment might be questionable, but, heck, the kid is tough. But he sits while I stew.

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What makes it even tougher is the success of the offspring of my contemporaries. Dan Grunfeld, son of my former teammate Ernie Grunfeld, is having a terrific year at Stanford. Great. Another old teammate of mine, Brian Winters, has a son, Brendan, who's shooting lights out for Davidson. Wonderful. Sean May, son of Scott, is starring at North Carolina. Thrilled. There's Pat Ewing Jr. at Indiana and Danny Ainge's boy, Austin, at BYU.

Not so with Josiah. He plays (ha!) behind somebody named Matt McKinney. I hate to admit it, but I like Matt's hustle almost as much as his look---straight old-school style with high socks, sideburns, semispiked hair. I'd hope for an injury if not for the karmic repercussions.

But I guess this is all a part of life. There are lessons to be learned for both father and son. I try to keep Josiah's spirits up. I tell him to work even harder in practice and to stay ready. He's a good son and a fine student. So, in the meantime, he sits while I ... accept, learn and grow?

Marques Johnson is a college basketball analyst for FOX Sports Net.

Parental torture

Sporting News, The, Dec 27, 2004 by Marques Johnson

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