I shoot, run in for my rebound, and shoot again. I fake a pass and take a fade-away jumper. I stare down the shredding net and faded backboard as I concentrate on my foul shot.

I can feel the rays of the sun on my body. The hair that has fallen loose from my ponytail sticks to the back of my neck. My bathing suit sticks to my body like a second skin. My shorts hang from my hips and feel good as they absorb the sweat off my legs. My bare feet burn on the hot pavement.

I glance over at the swimming pool near me, yet have no desire to jump in. I am completely content. This is what I love to do. This is my favorite form of basketball. I don't need a crowd. I don't need expensive sneakers.

This is the basketball I love. Basketball in its truest form. No competition for playing time or rebounding averages. No coaches yelling at a bad follow-through. Basketball as it's meant to be. Hard work, dedication, competing against myself, sweat and fun. l