Blacktown Storm’s Elijah Rone’s beautiful act of sportsmanship
It was an act of good sportsmanship from a player who wants to be the best NBA player - and the nicest - in the world one day. And it was caught in a beautiful photo that will make you smile.
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They say a picture can speak a thousand words and this one speaks volumes.
It was just a fleeting moment at the end of a game of basketball in Sydney’s west but it will now last forever.
And it even caught the attention of NBA star Ben Simmons.
Two young basketballers after their grand final deep in an earnest conversation and a moment of compassion and great sportsmanship captured by photographer Geoff Tripp, the Basketball NSW General Manager NSW Events and Community Growth.
Elijah Rone, 9, said he was consoling friend Orleans Wright McGuirt from a rival team, who was upset at being beaten in the under 12s season decider in the Basketball NSW Spalding State Cup.
“We were jumping up and down celebrating and then I saw him upset so I went to talk to him to make him feel better,” Elijah said, whose Blacktown Storm team and Norths Bears were playing each other.
“My dad knows his dad. I wanted him to feel OK.”
Great Job Elijah, keep having fun with Basketball and being a good sport ðŸ‘🽠https://t.co/EKo2zGQGLD
— Ben Simmons (@BenSimmons25) September 6, 2019
Elijah, who goes to school at Sherwood Grange Public at Merrylands West, said he has been taught to always be a good sport.
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“Being a good sport is important to me,” he said.
“I know when you lose you don’t go sook and pout and you go and tell your opposition they did well. And congratulate them.”
Wise words for a young athlete whose plan is to be the best — and nicest — player in the American NBA one day.
“It can be tough losing. I told him he was second best and that's pretty good,’’ Elijah said, whose favourite basketballer is LeBron James.
“I want to be an NBA player, the best in the world, but also the nicest.
“I am doing swimming and maybe playing football because football is my second favourite sport. But I love basketball the best.’’
Elijahs mother Lina and his father and the team coach Terrance said they were beyond proud of their son.
“I have always taught him treat everyone like you want to be treated, be supportive and encouraging,’’ Lina said.
“That the world has hardship and struggles and I want him to be a positive impact on it and I want him to be a leader.
“I am so happy and proud of him.’’