Thursday, February 25, 2016
I like to play basketball. Although, I must admit, I’m not very good. Funny that the hand-eye coordination that makes me a photographer doesn’t transfer over to the sport.So I take joy in getting to shoot the sport every chance I get, whether that be high school, college, pro or something else entirely.
James Adams fits into the something else entirely category.
Adams is one of the top players for the Shepherd Center wheelchair basketball team, operating the fastbreak and hitting the occasional 3-pointer while averaging nearly 12 points a game. He does all of this without hands. Adams’ feet and his lower arms were amputated when he was an infant due to a meningitis infection but basketball captivated him at an early age and, now 23, he has developed hoop skills that astound his teammates.
I caught up with James during a practice on Thursday as he and his teammates, some of whom are on the U.S. Paralympian team, shot hoops, ran through drills and scrimaged.
James Adams (left) dribbles the ball down the court as he is chased by Samir Jusupovic during basketball practice at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta on Thursday, February 25, 2016.
James Adams (left) shoots for two points over the head of Joshua Joines during basketball practice at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta on Thursday, February 25, 2016.
Chandler White (center) looks for an open teammate during basketball practice at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta on Thursday, February 25, 2016.
James Adams gains control of the ball on a fast break underneath the basket during basketball practice at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta on Thursday, February 25, 2016.
James Adams (right) reaches in to try and help Chandler White (3) block Joshua Joines’ shot during basketball practice at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta on Thursday, February 25, 2016.
James Adams (left) dribbles the ball down the court as he is chased by Samir Jusupovic during basketball practice at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta on Thursday, February 25, 2016.
Robert Jones (11), Brent O’Grady and Samir Jusupovic (right) try to block out Rafael Rodriguez (center) as he shoots for two during basketball practice at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta on Thursday, February 25, 2016.
James Adams (center) tries to find an open lane during basketball practice at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta on Thursday, February 25, 2016.
James Adams (left) pulls a quick switch in direction during basketball practice at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta on Thursday, February 25, 2016.
James Adams (left) goes in to try and shoot as he is chased by Samir Jusupovic during basketball practice at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta on Thursday, February 25, 2016.
James Adams (right) shoots for two points as Brent O’Grady (left) leans in to try and block the shot during basketball practice at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta on Thursday, February 25, 2016.
James Adams talks about using his arm to lead the ball to the basket during a quick break in basketball practice at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta on Thursday, February 25, 2016.