By Marissa Wells
Contributing Writer
“Craig and His Magical Basketball,” by Craig Smith, is the heartwarming, true story of a kid who discovers his passion for basketball by way of his mother. Inside the book, readers will journey with Craig as he experiences the trials and triumphs of the sport on his quest to becoming a professional player.
Smith, the author, is a real-life basketball player and former Los Angeles Clipper. His book was inspired by his childhood and how he found his passion for basketball after being introduced to the game by his mother, just like the book’s main character.
“She was my first superhero,” Smith said. “She let me know anything was possible. So I was just trying to highlight the type of relationship a parent can have with their child and how, by their voice … just letting them know … they can really do great things.”
“Craig and His Magical Basketball” is intended for youth ages 6 to 10. It was important for Smith to create a book that was not only entertaining, but also contained life lessons that young readers could carry with them as they mature.
In “Craig and His Magical Basketball,” Craig overcomes obstacles and learns lessons regarding how to be a better teammate, how to make and achieve goals, time management, kindness towards animals and much more.
Smith’s favorite part of his book is when Craig can’t find his magical basketball.
“He thought he wasn’t going to play well because he didn’t have the basketball, but he did, and he found out it wasn’t the basketball, it was him all along,” Smith said. “Your imagination is going to take you far, but at the end of the day, you’re going to realize that it was you all along.”
This is the author’s first book and he’s currently working on more content for the Craig character and his adventures.
In addition to being an author and professional basketball player, Smith is an assistant coach at Crossroads School and director of entertainment partnerships for the anti-poverty program, Sootchy. He’s also an ambassador for the Los Angeles Clippers.
To learn more about Smith and his work visit him on social media via Instagram, Twitter and TikTok: @blackrhino83.
“Craig and His Magical Basketball” is available for $20 on Amazon. Copies may be purchased in bulk for $15 if ordered via email: saylesorg@gmail.com or rhinoblack83@gmail.com.
