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How one of the nation’s most promising basketball players became homeless
Social Issues
How one of the nation’s most promising basketball players became homeless
By Terrence McCoy November 17 at 6:48 PM
On a summer day in 2012, a basketball superstar walked into Jimmy John’s in downtown Washington just as employees were attempting to kick out a homeless woman. Chamique Holdsclaw, who was drafted first overall in 1999 by the Washington Mystics and played in six all-star games, tried to ignore the commotion until she suddenly became part of it. ... “Chamique,” the homeless woman begged. “Please buy me a sandwich.”
Holdsclaw had nearly mistaken her for a man. She was tall — taller than Holdsclaw, a former forward who stands 6-foot-2. She was dressed in baggy, dark men’s clothing. Her long fingers clutched a cigarette. She seemed disoriented, Holdsclaw recalled, maybe even on drugs. But her voice was smooth, feminine — and familiar. ... Then it hit Holdsclaw. This wasn’t just another homeless person in a city full of them. It was Schuye LaRue.
LaRue was once one of the most promising basketball players in the country. Named ACC Rookie of the Year while at the University of Virginia, she was later selected to the All-ACC First Team and still holds a school record for rebounds. Famed basketball coach Pat Summitt called her “one of the most impressive freshmen in the country.” The Los Angeles Sparks selected her 27th overall in the 2003 draft.
....
In a city of more than 7,000 homeless people, Schuye Siophan LaRue might be the most athletically gifted among them. She can’t remember the last time she touched a basketball. But she thinks about it constantly, scrutinizing pickup games she doesn’t dare participate in, waiting to speak with an agent she hasn’t heard from in 10 years. She says she still has big plans. Money’s on the way.
Schuye LaRue has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and psychotic disorder. The once-promising basketball player has been homeless for years. (Bonnie Jo Mount/The Washington Post)
How one of the nation’s most promising basketball players became homeless
By Terrence McCoy November 17 at 6:48 PM
On a summer day in 2012, a basketball superstar walked into Jimmy John’s in downtown Washington just as employees were attempting to kick out a homeless woman. Chamique Holdsclaw, who was drafted first overall in 1999 by the Washington Mystics and played in six all-star games, tried to ignore the commotion until she suddenly became part of it. ... “Chamique,” the homeless woman begged. “Please buy me a sandwich.”
Holdsclaw had nearly mistaken her for a man. She was tall — taller than Holdsclaw, a former forward who stands 6-foot-2. She was dressed in baggy, dark men’s clothing. Her long fingers clutched a cigarette. She seemed disoriented, Holdsclaw recalled, maybe even on drugs. But her voice was smooth, feminine — and familiar. ... Then it hit Holdsclaw. This wasn’t just another homeless person in a city full of them. It was Schuye LaRue.
LaRue was once one of the most promising basketball players in the country. Named ACC Rookie of the Year while at the University of Virginia, she was later selected to the All-ACC First Team and still holds a school record for rebounds. Famed basketball coach Pat Summitt called her “one of the most impressive freshmen in the country.” The Los Angeles Sparks selected her 27th overall in the 2003 draft.
....
In a city of more than 7,000 homeless people, Schuye Siophan LaRue might be the most athletically gifted among them. She can’t remember the last time she touched a basketball. But she thinks about it constantly, scrutinizing pickup games she doesn’t dare participate in, waiting to speak with an agent she hasn’t heard from in 10 years. She says she still has big plans. Money’s on the way.
Schuye LaRue has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and psychotic disorder. The once-promising basketball player has been homeless for years. (Bonnie Jo Mount/The Washington Post)
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