The reader will be introduced to a small town Darby Township community, student-athlete All Delaware County basketball star who was born In Elmwood, near Southwest Philadelphia Airport. He enlightened the avid readers about his memoirs called Courtside. His school days memoirs, takes you on a slight journey through what he experienced while a young child moving from Philadelphia to Darby Township when he was two years old. When he became of age he recalls, a historical and well documented legal battle ensued by racist policies geared to protect the rights and privileges of the Southeast Delco School district and Northern section of the Township of Darby political bosses.

The mental trepidation influenced the movement against the citizens of the Southern section of the town fueled by political party's minutia wrapped in classism through racist thoughts perpetrated against poor blacks in a community with very little social or educational services available to the community.
Notwithstanding the immediate impact of the unfair school decisions, but later felt the catastrophic sorrows of the decision that devastated the people in the Darby Township Community. The constant battle between what is revealed and not disclosed undermined the purpose of school, to discovering excitement through outdoor or inside recess periods pending increments weather would determine his extraordinary athleticism showcased during the intermittent period. He was able to gain attention through the classroom antics by avoiding the subject matters of importance by becoming a classroom comedian. Although his athleticism was a blessing from God earlier, he had to repeat the third grade. The level of emotional distress from several untimely deaths during his time as a student in elementary school caused him to remain behind his initial students. As the odds continue to stack against him, as well it's stacking against other less fortunate students . Derick used athleticism to gain the respect of teachers and neighbors. An important cast of people helped escort him into the realm of competition while using his energy and agility in the game of basketball in the right place and right time.

He was able to double his efforts influencing friends and associates in competing in basketball while mimicking the educational lesson plans through the lens of his childhood friend. After failing to integrate into the norms associated with his age group, he was introduced through his biological brother's social ineptness by participating in a few social distractions. An unnamed protagonist overshadowed the dreams of one person while he was showered with heartbreak and disappointment associated with a broken family. Until one day, he took a leap of faith and packed his bicycle and a few belongings and headed out to find the game of basketball. Following in the footsteps of many local athletes offers a coming-of-age story about a small-town boy who traveled throughout the Greater Philadelphia area, Pittsburgh, New York, Baltimore and Washington DC, to find a competitive game of basketball on the backroads of America.

He cut off ties to mischievous and living only in the moment. He connected with several unique personalities whose experience and views deeply impact his own innate. His grandparents, who helped piece him back together both physically and emotionally during fishing trips. His willingness to hit the road with very few resources is admirable and prescient enough to recognize the jealousy of those who cannot or will not take the leap of faith. His encounter with new places, people and things broadened his horizons. Yet his immaturity and selfishness persist. Despite his flaws, it's a pleasure to accompany on his physical and emotional journey in the basketball recruiting process and high school and college basketball experienced, and commencement from both institutions was indeed an achievement.
About the Author: Derick Loury, Prison Warden, is retracing his footsteps to explore how he arrived at his position in life. The purpose that God revealed in Derick Loury's life was hidden in the hallways of fear, disappointments and cultural dependency, exposed in the crease of life's twists and turns through admitted failures. It's believed that the nature of his grandparents influenced his desire to love mankind through helping others and giving back to his church, community and the criminal justice system while obeying the Holy Spirit. What's understandably clear is three crucial factors set the stage for Derick that defined his purpose. Accepting Jesus Christ at an early age opened doors to receive purpose, grace and mercy. Jesus covered Derick in his quest to be an esteemed African American father, husband and professional person. Earning a full basketball scholarship enabled him to enter into the realm of knowledge and understanding. Pledging into the noble Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity allowed him to gain access into the relationship matrix that endears faith, controls wealth of resources, protects information, shares intelligence and solidifies his purpose in God's kingdom. In 20 seasons as Villanova's William B. Finneran Endowed Head Coach, Jay Wright has guided the Wildcats to new heights, including NCAA national championships in 2016 and 2018. On May 16, 2021 it was announced that the 1983 Bucknell University graduate will be inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of its Class of 2021.

Villanova has posted 233 victories in the past eight seasons, an average of 29.1 per year. In 2020-21 the Wildcats overcame three COVID pauses and a season-ending knee injury to co-BIG EAST Player of the Year Collin Gillespie to post an 18-7 overall record. Along the way, the Wildcats captured their seventh BIG EAST regular season crown since 2013 and were ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 every week of the '20-21 campaign.

In January 2020 Wright was named the Associated Press men's college basketball Coach of the Decade.

In 2017-18, the Wildcats amassed a school record 36 victories and secured Villanova's third NCAA national championship with a 79-62 victory over Michigan on April 2, 2018. Jalen Brunson became Villanova's first consensus National Player of the Year in the modern era, joining Paul Arizin as the only VU players to earn that distinction. In 2016, Villanova defeated North Carolina 77-74 when Kris Jenkins drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer to cap a 35-5 campaign with an NCAA national title.