The Power of One

Moochie Norris, Trevor Ariza, John Starks and Kym Hampton took part in the forum held on the Intrepid. MSG Photos

Power of One Photo Gallery -- Jan. 26, 2005

NEW YORK, NY, January 26, 2005 -- There were some heartwrenching exchanges between students and celebrities at a Knicks forum held on the venerable battleship Intrepid. And that was exactly how it was meant to be: the afternoon was dubbed "The Power Of One", because "sometimes it takes just one event to make a real change in someone's life," according to Knicks Vice President of Community Relations and Fan Development Karin Buchholz.

"Success leaves clues," Buchholz told the avidly listening 150 middle and high-school students. "Today you'll be talking to some extremely successful people all gathered in one room just to be with you. So be a sponge for knowledge -- and take full advantage of the opportunity."

The forum, held in the ship's glowing Michael Tyler Fisher Center For Education, was hosted by BET anchor Jacque Reed, with New York Knicks Trevor Ariza and Moochie Norris, ex-Knicks star -- and current Alumni Relations and Fan Development Advisor -- John Starks, and New York Liberty All-Star Kym Hampton participating.

Reed immediately went for the nitty-gritty, asking the participants to start off by talking about one particular event they had to overcome as a young person that made them stronger. "Not having my father around since I was 6 or 7 years old," an unusually subdued Moochie related. "Until then he was always there, taking me to play to the football field or the basketball courts every single day. Then my parents separated -- and it crushed me."

"Thankfully, my teammates, coaches and teachers did their best to step into the void," added Norris. "And now I have even reconciled with my Dad -- a little bit."

"My mom had a nervous breakdown when I was 14," said Hampton. "Can you imagine? Just at an age when you're trying to fit in, she would do something to embarrass me every single day. They found out she was a paranoid schizophrenic -- and she wouldn't take her medication. I used basketball and athletics to separate myself from that ordeal."

"The death of my brother when I was 10 years old is something I carry with me every day," said Ariza. "

"My Dad was playing basketball overseas. We were in a hotel -- and my brother fell out of a window from 32 stories high. He was my best friend in the world. Then, through the unbearable pain, my Mom and Dad separated as well."

"Basketball kept me sane," added Ariza. "To escape, I spent most of my time in the gym. And what kept me focused was that the last thing my brother saw me do was play basketball."

"Growing up, I had a real tough time dealing with the violence around my home," said Starks. "My mom being beaten up by her boyfriend, and me being too young to do anything about it, was shattering. Thankfully, I had the ability to put things into a separate box in my mind. On the other hand, keeping everything in, it will explode inside you one day. So finally, I came to terms with openly talking about these events. I wrote my book because I believe that our lives are lessons for others to learn from. And now I feel relieved and whole."

Reed asked Hampton who her role models were while growing up? "As girls, we never had role models back then," she said. "Then one day I saw a film about Wilma Rudolph, how she overcame poverty and childhood polio to become a three time Olympic Champion sprinter -- and I was overwhelmed. You guys should check her out. She is inspirational."

"If I could do everything all over, what would I do differently?" Hampton pondered the next question. "I would have applied myself more instead of doing just enough to get by. So apply yourself now. Instill those good work ethics now. It's the best thing you can do for yourself."

"When you don't put forth your best effort, well... you only get out of things what you've put into them," agreed Starks. "I learned that late, but not too late, as I was stocking groceries at Safeway for $3.35 an hour. One day I sat down, I shook my head and said to myself 'man, this is not what I want to do.' So I got back into school and, finally, I applied myself the way I should have done all along."

"It's never too late to do the right thing," added Starks. "And don't be afraid to ask for help. No question is a dumb question."

The students then asked some very smart questions. "What advice do you give kids who want to do what you are doing now?" "Make sure you understand yourself," said Starks. "To get to this level, you have to have incredible passion for what you do." "What would you being doing if you weren't playing basketball?" "I'd be back in school, majoring in psychology at UCLA," said Ariza. "What kind of things can you do in order to reach your goals? I want to be a veterinarian. "Sorround yourself with people with the same goal," said Hampton. "Also, maybe you can call a vet in your area and ask to volunteer in the office. Some of then will welcome you." "How do you overcome losing in life?" Sports teaches you strength and inner character that help you deal with all the ups and downs," said Starks. "But you do need to develop balance in your life spiritually and otherwise." 'What players have influenced you?" "TMac, Kobe -- and this man right here when he was younger," Ariza pointed to Starks.

Finally, 11 year-old Maurice stood up and said "I acted out, I got into trouble, and I'm in a group home now. What can I do to get out of there?"

"Do you know how to get out?" asked Starks. "Yes, keep behaving well, avoid trouble, walk away if there is trouble, keep focused, and stay on track," said Maurice. "You see, you are obviously such an intelligent young man, you know exactly what to do," smiled Starks. "All you've got to do is make up your mind that that is what you are going to do. And then do it."

"Now come up here." Maurice, with an enormous smile seemingly engulfing his entire being, went up to the panel and received handshakes, autographs and hugs from everyone. "We care about you," said Starks. "Do the right thing and everything will be all right."