Prodigy
Isaiah Goodwin’s got game.
He’s also got to make the toughest decision of his life.
Growing up in pre-Katrina New Orleans, Isaiah’s days are lean on creature comforts but long on love, anchored by a father who constantly drills him in basketball, and a grandfather who continually encourages him to play the trumpet.
By the time Isaiah is a high school senior, he’s got too much game—he’s a basketball champ and a soulful musician. And now he’s under intense pressure to make a definitive decision about his future.
Which path will lead him out of his meager existence? Should he honor his father, or realize his own dream? Will he follow the money, or follow his heart?
Prodigy reminds us that sometimes during indecision, our biggest responsibility may be to ourselves.
Prodigy was directed by Brandon Camp.
For a discussion guide with questions, please click here.
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Prodigy
Sometimes our elders think that they know what’s best, and refuse to allow our youth to follow their dreams. However, in this instance, the title gives the meaning of the story. Look at Quincy, Scott Joplin, and W. C. Handy; just to name a few to excel in music. Sometimes it’s best to be allowed to follow our dreams.
Jon E,Justice Sr. | 9 months, 2 weeks ago
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mother
I think that Isaiah can do both. He obviously loves basketball as well. If basketball will help pay for school, then he should choose a school with a good music program. If playing his instrument will pay for school, then he can find a school with a band and music program as well as a good basketball team. He can double major if you will, in both music and basketball. If he doesn’t make it in basketball, music can and does pay almost as well for the talented. It may be harder to make it in music and he must consider that his parents can’t help support him. It is necessary for him to make his way prosperous and use his wisdom to use both talents successfully. Not to choose one over the other as both can be his legacy and his passport to success and to being a role model for kids in similar positions trying to make it.
Patricia Taylor | 9 months, 2 weeks ago
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Let peace be your umpire.
Respect your father and grandfather, but ask the lord what is his will for your life, he knows the path you should take. After all, hes’ the one who gave you the gifts and talents,so turn to the giver for instructions. Your father and grandfather was just part of the preparation process, now you have to seek God for the rest.
charlenepeoples | 9 months, 1 week ago
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Prodigy
As a music educator that has taught many athletes, I know the children are usually very dedicated to both areas of their life. And they need both in their life! Some choose music and use athletics as an outlet when the pressure of the music world is too much and others choose their sport and use music as an outlet. I am sad that too many children are having to choose one over the other very early in life, even before they finish high school. I believe you should always have more than one option of what to do with your life.
Debbie Hutson | 9 months, 1 week ago
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Time waits for no man
Basketball needs physical strength and its time is limited but music is from the heart. Sometimes when we follow our hearts, we do make mistake along the way but I believe he can do both with proper scheduling. Isaiah has two fathers that love him unconditionally.
felicia iheanacho | 9 months ago
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"it's His life"
I find it curious, and perhaps telling, that so many of us seem to identify with Isaiah from an Isaiah-only perspective. In light of a father who spent a life sacrificing for his son, and a grandfather who dutifully served two generations, the conclusion that Isaiah should “do what he feels” seems woefully selfish.
“In an abundance of counselors, there is victory and safety.”
I’m neither in favor nor against either music or sports. But, in my book, a 3-way, serious, “full and frank” discussion of all the pros and cons of each possibility would have been the “responsible” thing to do.
Kimberly | 8 months, 4 weeks ago
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Music and basketball
I’ve always loved basketball. I was also good at music at an early age. Entering 9th grade (1966), I had just made the freshman basketball ‘A’ team at Rich Central H.S. in the south suburbs of Chicago. At the same time, my father said I couldn’t both play in the jazz band and also do basketball. I thought I could.
My dad was right. I have been a professional musician the past 36 years — I surely couldn’t have done that with basketball. But I still play (basketball) with the ‘old guys’ every week.
Vic
Vic Peters | 8 months ago
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Mr
As bad as we want to tell somebody how to run their life it would be a bad mistake. We all have to create our own life.
Don Blankenship | 7 months, 3 weeks ago
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HIS FUTURE
He is an adult now and his life is his to live. As long as he is and remains a genuine person, the dream he sets for himself that comes to be his reality will be the best decision he can make for himself.
ilene b | 7 months ago
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Prodigy
Always follow your heart!
Lisa | 2 months ago
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