This dream seemed far from reach for the 14 year old 6'2" 360 pound eighth grader who lives at the Utah Homeless Shelter where people shoot up heroin and leave there needles laying around. "Biggie" as Caleb swannigan had been called most of his life wanted to be a basketball player like his older brother who accepted a scholarship to ole miss for the game. HIs brother never got to complete his dream after getting his eye shot out in a shooting just a year after accepting his scholarship in 2004. Caleb brother 11 years older than him has kids and a job and couldn't help biggie with his basketball. He couldn't ask his dad either because of his crack cocaine addiction which would keep him away for 6-8 months at a time. One day biggies older brother saw him playing and realized he had a passion and hidden talent for the game. His brother picked up the phone and called Roosevelt Barnes a famous sports agent to come get his brother and take him away. Roosevelt took him away and taught him the game and got him in shape. He is now in the prime of his youth and shows great promise. Caleb is now ranked among one of the best in the nation and won Indiana Mr. Basketball.
I think this story is the 2015 blind side. I love it, Its a miracle and a second chance for this young man.
What would you do with an opportunity like this one if you were Caleb and in his situation?
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Replies
Good story but you could have commented a few more times.
I would take the opportunity because I would not want to be trapped living in a homeless shelter my whole life. I would want to prove that I am better than that.
If I were to get an opportunity like that and living the same situation, I would be forever thankful. Many people in these living situations, such as Biggie, never get opportunities like this and they are stuck at were they are at.
If I were Caleb I would be thankful for the opportunity that I've been given and keep working to better myself and my skills. This is a very cool and inspiring story. Not everybody like Biggie's gets this kind of shot.
If I were Caleb and in his situation I would do everything I could to get to where I wanted to be. Its not that often that you get that chance, especially if you are homeless.
Yeah hes not like everyone else he is working to support his family and get himself out of poverty. Some of the guys in the NBA grew up in huge houses with coaches in every attribute in basketball. He is fighting for his name and his family others are fighting for fame and riches.
I never would've thought to call someone like that. For Caleb, I would cherish ever second of having this talent and his award for it.. If I was Biggie, I would practice nonstop so I could keep playing and end up like his brother in the future.
Definitely would do the same thing I totally agree!