As an avid basketball player and lover of New York City, I recently had the opportunity to complete a project for the MTA that allowed me to combine both of these passions. The theme of the project was "Things I Love About New York City That Include Trains," and it brought back a flood of memories from my teenage years when I played AAU basketball all over the city.

In those summers, I spent countless hours traveling on trains, navigating the city's subway system to get to games and watch other teams play. But it wasn't just about the basketball – it was about the experience of being in New York City, one of the most vibrant and exciting places in the world.

For me and many others, basketball in New York City is a special kind of magic. It's the energy of the crowds, the rhythm of the game, and the way that basketball courts are woven into the fabric of the city. From the iconic courts of Dyckman to the countless schoolyards and community centers where we played, basketball was a way of life in New York City.

And of course, the trains were an essential part of that experience. They were my lifeline, my connection to the rest of the city and the world beyond. I rode them with a sense of purpose and excitement, knowing that they would take me to where I needed to go.

So when I was asked to create a project that celebrated the things I love about New York City and trains, it was an easy choice. For me, it's all about the memories of those summers playing basketball, riding the trains, and soaking up the energy of this incredible city.