Jarvis Johnson went outside one morning in the spring of 1997. Jarvis read a letter from Indiana University about attending college on a two year scholarship. Jarvis also will play with the Indiana Hoosiers.

Jarvis reported for basketball practice the next day.
"Welcome, Jarvis. Alright, rules for the team. Need to be on time for practice each day and penalty will advance you to be kicked off the team," said the coach.

The starter buzzer went off as the teams started the game. Jarvis shoots the ball in the basket and scored a point.
"Fly ball, fly ball!" yelled the coach.
Soon later, Jarvis made a foul shot.
"Personal foul, number seventeen!" yelled the guard.
The coach called Jarvis.
"Jarvis, remember to make that perfect basket in the hoop, got it?"
"Got it," said Jarvis.
Jarvis shoots the ball in the basket, only seconds in the half left.
In Jarvis' mind he thought.
"Basket, basket got to make that basket a win."
The crowd was cheering.

Indiana Hoosier


3

The crowd went crazy.

Indiana Hoosier


8
"We are losing, coach," worried Jarvis.
Jarvis makes the basket and Indiana Hoosier scored again.

Indiana Hoosier


9



10

The guard threw the ball up in the air from his hand, beginning the fourth half.
Jarvis dribble, dribble, dribble and went down the court, with the ball.

The Indiana Hoosiers took a time out. The points kept going up and up, Indiana Hoosier shined up two points in the fourth half.
Everyone got quiet...Jarvis made the final basket...and the buzzer rings.
Indiana Hoosier won the game.

At the NBA Draft...
"It is a great honor and achievement Jarvis Johnson number two drafted into the Chicago Bulls," said the guy.
Everyone clapped.

"Thank you, thank you---this meant to my father. I thank my father."
Everyone clapped.

During the drive home, Jarvis noticed an empty space. He wanted to fulfill his father's dream opening up a center.
"The Robin Johnson Center," thought Jarvis.

Jarvis went to the city board the next day.
"I saw a space up for rent, can I have it?" asked Jarvis.
"And what street is this space on?" asked the woman.
"The space is on 2610. Vine Street."
"That space cost thousands of dollars, perfect to get now than wait until winter."
"I'll take it."

Jarvis fix the open space.

* Brand new hoops
* Rackets
* Brand new and used basketballs
* A picture of his father {Robin Johnson}

Later that night, Jarvis was featured on the news.

"Tonight, I'm up to the story about a courageous teenage boy named Jarvis Johnson. I'm here by The Robin Johnson Center where teenage boys can come to play basketball. The center uplifts teenage boys for a place after school. I'm here with the owner Jarvis Johnson. Jarvis, who did you, name this place after and why?" asked the woman reporter.

"I named this center after my father. My father taught me that the game of basketball is not created by God; the main creation of basketball is how well you practice every day and consistently being good at it. I want to give these teenage boys a chance to come and play basketball, this center is the only place they can be around other boys without fathers in their lives," said Jarvis.

"And I hope your center expands the biggest organizations of the U.S."

The Robin Johnson Center was luring many teenage boys from the streets, after the summer ended and school began.

Next year, Jarvis will look forward playing in the NBA and moving to Pennsylvania. This story shows how Jarvis' life has promoted, presented, and persevere.