Daniel Ngo, 18, born and raised New Orleans East, McEndal Estates.

This court used to be covered in FEMA trailers, but they have been gone now for 6 months. At first we were happy all the trailers were gone, but they keep the gates locked and we were frustrated because this was our community court, how can they block the court like that. But we found a way we started jumping the fence. Nothing can stop us.  Nothing can stop us from playing basketball, we gonna find a way. The trailers came out here, hurricanes, we still out here playing basketball.

After the hurricane we had no entertainment, nothing to do. The only thing we had was basketball. The hurricane made us play harder, it made us grow. Your house may be gone, your friends may have moved out, but your heart is still here. 

Sometimes I think of my favorite player and I imagine I am in his shoes and play as hard as I can. Everyone’s dream is to be a pro, but we just play our hardest and have fun at the same time. 

Interview by Will Steacy

All photos courtesy of -Wyatt Gallery
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