On outdoor courts and in high school gyms, Rez kids lace up their shoes with dreams far bigger than the boundaries of their reservation. For many of them, basketball is more than a game—it’s a path forward. But what will it really take for these young athletes to rise from lunchtime pickup games to the bright lights of the NBA?
Kade, Kayden, Cryan, and other talented Rez kids spend nearly every spare minute playing basketball. They dream of reaching the NBA, the highest level of professional basketball, and they begin chasing that dream every single day. Between 12:00 p.m. and 12:45 p.m., while most students eat lunch or scroll through their phones, they turn their break into a training session. On reservation courts, school blacktops, high school gyms, and at places like the Crownpoint Youth Center, they organize games that feel more like championship battles than casual recess. Teachers and classmates often stop to watch, amazed at their speed, ball-handling, and competitive spirit. For them, lunchtime isn’t just a break—it’s practice.
Their love for the game runs deep. Across Native communities, basketball is often described as a way of life. The fast-paced, high-energy style known as “Rez Ball” reflects that passion. The film Rez Ball highlights the deep connection between Native communities and basketball, telling the story of a Native high school team that overcomes hardship and unites its community through the sport. Much like Kade, Kayden, and Cryan, the players in the film face challenges beyond the court—poverty, loss, and limited resources—yet they find strength in teamwork and culture. The story reflects a real-life truth: Rez kids already have the passion and talent. What they often lack are opportunities and exposure.
For Kayden Chavez, success starts with mindset and teamwork. “Good mindset, good fundamentals, and work good with your team,” he explained. His words show maturity beyond his years. He understands that talent alone isn’t enough; discipline and cooperation matter just as much. Cryan Chiquito agrees. “Just push yourself to get better, don’t be a ball hog, and get along with your teammates,” he said. Both players emphasize selflessness and growth—qualities scouts and coaches look for at higher levels of competition.
Their advice echoes some of the greatest athletes in sports history. NBA legend Michael Jordan once said, “I can accept failure; everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.” His message speaks directly to Rez kids chasing big dreams. Failure may come—missed shots, lost games, or overlooked opportunities—but quitting cannot be an option. Similarly, NBA superstar Kevin Durant reminds young players that “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.” On reservations where resources may be limited, work ethic becomes the great equalizer. Even hockey legend Wayne Gretzky offered advice that crosses all sports: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” For Kade, Kayden, and Cryan, stepping onto the court each day is their way of taking that shot.
Still, passion alone will not guarantee a professional career. Reaching the NBA requires strong academic performance to qualify for college programs, because education opens doors to scholarships and exposure. It also requires access to elite training camps and competitive tournaments where scouts are present. Mentorship from coaches and former players who understand the path is essential. Most of all, it takes mental toughness—the ability to stay focused, disciplined, and motivated even when the odds seem stacked against you. For Rez athletes, the journey can be even steeper due to limited funding and fewer recruitment opportunities, but that challenge makes their determination even more powerful.
Historically, very few full-blooded Native American athletes have played in the NBA. Representation at the highest level of professional basketball has been limited, which makes the dreams of players like Kade, Kayden, and Cryan even more meaningful. Seeing someone who shares your culture and background succeed on a national stage inspires future generations. Representation is more than visibility; it is proof that greatness can come from anywhere—including a small reservation gym.
Rez kids like Kayden and Cryan prove that greatness can grow on cracked blacktops and in small school gyms. Their lunchtime dedication shows that dreams do not wait for perfect conditions. Reaching the NBA will take sacrifice, education, opportunity, and relentless belief. As Michael Jordan once said, “I’ve failed repeatedly again and again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” If Kade, Kayden, Cryan, and other Rez athletes continue to believe, work, and push past obstacles, the big leagues may one day echo with the pride of reservation communities—and that victory would belong to more than just one player.
