Midlife Crisis

"Big" James Johnson was one of the best professional basketball players of his time. Two NBA championships, 9 time all-star, top 25 all time in both rebounds and points, the 6'11" power forward had an excellent career playing for Miami, New York, and finally Detroit. After nearly 20 years pro, his bad knees suffering more and more each season, he finally decided to throw in the towel and retire.

Retirement was an interesting time for James. He spent the first few years just hanging around the house in New York, doing work, and playing basketball with his three sons. But with James around the house all the time, his wife Lakisha had enough. She finally decided to leave him because they no longer got along as they once had. They were high school sweethearts, and she stuck with him despite all the infidelities he had as a pro, but being together so often actually hurt their relationship. Lakisha decided to run away with a younger basketball player, leaving James to take care of the three boys: James Johnson Jr. (3J), a college sophomore at the local college; Tyrone, a high school senior; and Darrell, his twin brother.

Without a wife and not knowing what to do, James, now 45, had a plan to bring excitement to his life. He decided to volunteer for the assistant coaching position at Cockram College, the small college in nearby New York City where his son played basketball. Cockram wasn't a well-known school, but they played some good teams sometimes, and his expertise might help put the team on the map.

The administration accepted his offer immediately. The school instantly announced a party for their new coach.