JoJo's story is amazing and matches just how amazing he is becoming. His background seems to be perfect for setting him up to be one of the game's best. I think it is a plus for him to have limited experience because kids who grow up playing tend to develop some horrible habits that are hard to break later. And his background in volleyball and soccer seem to be perfect developmental compliments to basketball. I question if there has ever been a big man with the nimble feet equaling JoJo's? We haven't even scratched the surface on his upside.
JoJo is a blank slate to build on, so his development should go quicker than anyone else's on this team, especially when you pair that with his quality attitude and effort.
It is going to be hard to let him go after just one year, but the opportunity will come knocking for him. My biggest concern is about maintaining his health. He'll be pushed much harder at the next level, and I'm not sure his body is ready for that. Especially when considering how many inches he has grown over the past few years.
I like how the article mentioned a bit about his eating habits. I'd like to know more about how his habits have changed and know what he is being advised of to help strengthen his bones and joints.
He should be getting plenty of sun, and he should be eating a steady diet of mushrooms which have been zapped with sunlight prior to consumption. In recent years studies have shown these irradiated mushrooms to be highly concentrated in the hormone vitamin D2 (if given sunlight before consumption), which is converted and used by the body to strengthen bones and help with several areas of development. He should also be consuming a super diet specifically designed for his situation, including plenty of plant proteins, and he should avoid an acidic diet. That means avoiding processed foods, sodas, candy, and too much meat (especially if it is hormone and antibiotics fed). If he plays by these rules, his joints will thank him!
I've undergone these changes in my life. Pretty much had to because of arthritis and joint swelling from playing heavy amounts of competitive basketball for 35 years. At one point I couldn't open a jar without my wife's help. Every night was a living hell; sleepless and in pain. Every morning I could barely lift myself out of bed. The additional pain set in from the stiffness created a life of dread for me and completely dumped my positive attitude because of the constant pain. I never accepted the life of pain killers and muscle relaxers. I watched that lifestyle kill several of my friends and former teammates.
My life has been saved and turned into pure joy again. Strictly because of my diet. I can do everything I did as a boy. I can squeeze my fingers together as tight as I could at age 10, and there is no pain whatsoever! I sleep right through the night, and I bounce out of bed every morning! My pleasant moods have returned, and my friends and wife definitely appreciate that!
All of these sports guys will face this at some point in their lives. You can't have years of pounding a 250 lb frame on a hard surface without paying the price someday. The price is higher for those who suffer major injuries during their playing years (like I did). I'll never think an athlete earns too much money... because so many die young and/or suffer so much in their lifetimes.
For most, it doesn't have to be that way. I hope JoJo and the rest of the team receives some advice for developing a healthy lifestyle. It makes all the difference in the world, when you can maintain an alkaline body void of systemic inflammation. Inflammation is a natural process for treating local trauma. When we have systemic inflammation it points to systemic issues of our health. Most often it points to diet and proper hydration.
Sorry for being long winded. But I am living proof these changes make a difference. And if these guys can grasp the importance diet makes now, they will totally enhance their lives and playing careers. I only wish I had known what I know now back in my days on the hardwood.
