On any given day, you will find Jason W. AKA Solo practicing his moves for his next game with the Skid Row Basketball League's WCR Ballers in Gladys Park in Downtown Los Angeles. Solo passes, shoots and maneuvers the basketball with the kind of smooth ease that would make even the great Michael Jordan take notice.
Solo, who is a native of Detroit, has been a player in the SRBL for almost one championship winning year. "My homie Crushow told me about this new league that he was forming with OG, General Jeff and Sway. He asked me if I would consider bringing my skills to the league. I eventually said ‘yes.’"
Solo began playing basketball at 8 years old. "Like most kids, I would say that my main influence to play basketball came from Michael Jordan. To see him move was inspiring.That is when I knew that I wanted to play basketball for the rest of my life."
This 30 year old explains that his love for playing basketball has helped him even when he got himself into trouble. "I remember when I was wildin' out and I even got sent to prison. Through everything I thank God that he gave me the athletic ability to play this great game."
This 5'9, 150 pound, proud black man, is more than just a SRBL player, he is an entrepreneur who owns his own barbering business. His "Solo Cuts" business model is "every customer is family." He tells us that he is dedicated to practicing that business model with every customer. "It's all about making every customer feel like they are appreciated and they are special. Because they not come to me for a haircut, they also come to talk and conversate about life. I feel great that they feel comfortable enough with me to share their personal things in their life with me."
Solo also is a mentor to the younger players in the league as well. "I try to counsel these young cats and tell them that dope dealing and acting stupid is not the way to go. I’ve been there and done that. I realized that looking over your shoulder constantly is no fun at all."
Solo offers an interesting take on his future. "The future is a mystery. I would like to continue to own my business, live good and do all that stuff but I know that is all in God's hands. I just live day by day and let him lead me."
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