Demetrius Hook Mitchell 8:23:25 1.51 PM

Story by: Gail NoblesCover illus. by: Gail NoblesIntro music: The Passion HiFiUsage: FreeGood evening, everyone. I’m Gail Nobles, and tonight we’re stepping onto the blacktop of Oakland, California, where the echoes of basketballs bounce off the pavement and the spirit of competition fills the air. It’s here that we meet a local legend whose prowess on the court has extended far beyond the neighborhood: Demetrius “Hook” Mitchell. In the late 1980s, the San Francisco Bay Area was a hotbed of talent, a crucible where streetball forged legends. And at the center of that fire was Hook, a player who captivated audiences with his incredible hops and his signature 360-degree dunks that would leave crowds gasping in awe. Imagine for a moment—a player who, standing at just 5-feet-10, could elevate so high that he reportedly dunked right over a late model Honda Accord. Yes, you heard that right—a car! Now that’s not just basketball, that’s pure artistry in motion.Demetrius’s talent didn’t go unnoticed.  But despite that undeniable talent, the road to the NBA was long and winding. For every moment of glory on the playground, every backboard-shattering alley-oop, there were challenges and setbacks that kept this local hero from reaching the professional ranks.Through the lens of the documentary *Hooked: The Legend of Demetrius "Hook" Mitchell*, released in 2003, we are invited to delve into the life of a player who found his passion long before he reached towering heights—literally. Hook tells us he’s been “playing above the rim” since the young age of 5-foot-3, but it wasn’t until he hit 5-foot-5 that he finally took flight in organized games. It’s a testament to perseverance, a reminder that some of the best stories in sports aren’t just about trophies and fame, but about the heart and the hustle that drive us.I’m Gail Nobles & thank you for joining me here on EPS.All about sports.