Jameel Pugh is ready for his closeup

 

Jameel and I first met in the late 90s when he was in high school. I spoke at the NBPA's "top 100" camp where he was a camper. Slam Magazine once called Jameel the "World’s Best Dunker." If you want to see some absurd dunks, search him on Youtube. He was a serious baller, but he also showed a great interest in larger issues. He stated calling me, asking questions about recruiting, the NCAA and big-time college basketball.

He went to UMass, then transferred to Sac State. After he graduated, he landed a lead role in an HBO pilot about the world of pro basketball, produced by George Clooney and the Maloof brothers. It wasn't picked up and JP went overseas to play pro ball for a couple years. He's now back in Sacramento, working in education. Jameel was a great kid and now he's developed into an thoughtful, intelligent young man. Like most smart people, JP has been a passionate supporter of Barack Obama -- and he has the photos and video to prove it.

From CNN...

 

And a great hug from Michelle...

 

Also check out Alex Wolff's wonderful Sports Illustrated article, "The Audacity of Hoops." Basketball is pretty inconsequential in the larger scheme, but in these tough, turbulent times, I'll take a steady ball handler at the helm.

--Marc Isenberg

UPDATE: Jameel emailed: "That was a wonderful article on your blog, I truly appreciate it! Meeting the Obamas for me was the moment when the 'Dream' became real and tangible. Thanks for your support over the last 9 years!!!!"