BASKETBALL: Memories of father fuels sophomore's soul

By Ben Coley
Published in Sports on November 3, 2016 11:12 AM

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bcoley@newsargus.com

Jamal King remembers sharing laughs with his father, Larry King.

He remembers working on a farm alongside his dad and learning what it meant to be responsible.

He remembers, around his fourth birthday, when Larry bought him a basketball hoop. Or when Larry made sure he had money in his pocket during basketball tournaments.

Jamal clings to those memories.

The joyous snapshots have come into focus since his father passed away from cancer in June 2015.

The 6-foot-five-inch sophomore guard still thinks of Larry each time he dons the Wayne Country Day uniform.

Sometimes it's a benefit. Other times, not so much.

Once you understand his dad's influence, you understand Jamal. And you understand the young man behind the jersey.

"There are still things that people are telling me today that (Larry) already told me over the years," Jamal said. "My shooting form -- he taught me that from top to bottom. And I still do that today -- all my form and workouts. He taught me everything."

All of those lessons have transformed Jamal into a formidable force on the basketball court.

During his freshman year -- which was shortened due to a broken wrist -- he averaged 15 points, seven rebounds and two assists. For his efforts, he earned all-Coastal Plains Independent 1-A/2-A Conference and N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association all-state honors.

The season opened the eyes of collegiate scouts across the country. In recent weeks, Jamal has taken unofficial visits to Georgia Tech, Connecticut and Ohio State. He's also received interest from Providence, Georgia, South Carolina, Maryland and Virginia.

"I love it because I know he loves it," said Carla King, Jamal's mother. "It's easy when he leaves because I know he's with his trainer who is going to make sure he's okay. It's a lot. One time (the visits) were every weekend back-to-back-to-back.

"But I enjoy him being able to go and them wanting him to come."

Carla said she sees about 99 percent of her husband in the way Jamal carries himself. Part of that manifestation is an unrelenting work ethic.

In the mornings, Jamal goes to the weight room and works out in the pool. Then after school, he takes a nap, does his homework and goes to the gym for more practice.

That's the routine -- five days a week. The results of the training are a 215-pound frame that has Divison I coaches salivating.

"From every coach, I've heard they like my body," Jamal said. "They like that I can get off the ground, and they've told me I'm a really good shooter. I've fallen in love with the process."

WCDS head coach David Flowers has seen the rare talent up close.

More specifically, Flowers recalled an unintentional halftime show at Freedom Christian last season. Jamal was still nursing his injury, but it didn't prevent him from sharpening his skills.

"(Jamal) was like four feet behind the line, just knocking them down -- about four or five in a row," Flowers said. "And I remember sitting there with my assistant coach saying, 'Wow, look at that.' Everything's just smooth and fluid."

The beginning of Jamal's sophomore campaign will be tied to the man who helped start it all.

On Friday, Jamal and WCDS will participate in the Larry D. King Classic. The event includes an exhibition game between the Chargers and Word of God Christian Academy. Admission is $10.

The purpose of the showcase is to bring awareness and raise money for both breast and liver cancer. All of the game proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society.

The Holy Rams boast two D-I recruits. Power forward Brandon Huffman committed to UNC-Chapel Hill in September. Point guard Blake Harris committed to Washington in July.

The exhibition game not only serves as a chance for Jamal to honor his father, but it also gives him an early opportunity to gauge the level of his game.

"I know a lot of guys from the team, and we thought it'd be fun," Jamal said. "It's going to be competitive once we get on the court, but it should be a fun game. My game is totally different. I could put everything I've been working on into this game against a talented group of players."

The sophomore's game may be different, but the mindset has yet to change. The drive to get better is pulled from the memory bank.

Jamal remembers the hours spent in the gym with his father, trying to improve his abilities.

He remembers how his dad never accepted anything.

And never took the easy way out.

It's the same path Jamal hopes to traverse on his way to greatness.

"(Larry) taught me how to be strong for my family, and work for everything that I want in life," Jamal said. "I don't like accepting anything from people. And I don't like taking the short cut. He worked for everything, and I feel like that rubbed off on me."

Like father, like son.