Bounce Back: The Story of Ronnie Fields
Chicago High School basketball has a long, deep, and rich history that includes well known players like Isaiah Thomas (the original), Mark Aguirre, Doc Rivers, Antoine Walker, the late Ben Wilson and Derrick Rose…just to name a few. There is one guy that belongs right up there amongst this list of legends, who may be a little lesser known but still a legend in his own right. That guy is Ronnie Fields. He kept gymnasiums throughout the city packed beginning when he was in middle school, and he is a guy that they still talk about like he’s still playing even to this day. His contributions to the game of basketball are legendary and will certainly, outlive him. The stories about Ronnie’s basketball prowess sound unreal, but alas they are all very much true. There was his 52- inch vertical leap, the play where he jumped over a player in the middle of a tightly contested game to avoid fouling out (Sergio McClain G/F Illinois ’97-’01), and the 2,619 career points (good for 3rd all time in Chicago public league history at the time of his graduation) and the list goes on. While I could go on about Ronnie’s amazing basketball feats for several days, I would be remiss if I did not mention that while his story begins basketball (the stories are simply amazing), it is much deeper than that. Ronnie Fields story is not simply that of a Jordan’esque basketball player, but one of redemption and the ultimate bounce back when life gets tricky and throws you a curve ball.
Ronnie Fields and Kevin Garnett were teammates at Chicago’s Farragut Academy. They were the nations best one-two punch coming out of High School. (Photo SlamOnline)
Ronnie Fields seemingly had the world at his feet. He was a shoe-in for the NBA after a year or two of college play, likely to go the distance with at least fifteen seasons, named to the All-Star team multiple times, win a dunk contest (or two), and throw in a signature shoe deal with Nike to top it all off. I mean, why not? This was a guy that was an elite prospect when he was in high school, and there wasn’t much that he couldn’t do with a basketball. Virtually, no one could stop him. I can remember being a skinny thirteen-year-old trying to explain his dunks to my friends. Most stared at me like I was crazy. Not sure if it was the way I explained the dunks or that Ronnie’s game defied belief (probably a little of both). Clearly, Ronnie’s impact on the game extended well beyond Chicago and his legend status reached great heights, as is customary when you are as skilled and gifted as he was in his prime.
Ronnie Fields was the Michael Jordan of High School basketball in the early 90’s. (BallisLife/Pintrest)
In Bounce Back: The Ronnie Fields Story, viewers are able to see Ronnie as a person beyond the game of basketball as he discusses his life and everything that happened to him since he began dunking all over the Chicago Public League. To say his life went into a in a tailspin would not be far-fetched. He was involved in a serious car accident that saw him break several bones in his neck. He failed to achieve a qualifying score on the ACT, making him ineligible to attend Depaul University (where he had committed to play) and was denied admission one day before classes were to begin. He pled guilty to a misdemeanor sexual abuse charge. All of these things are reasons that most people would quit, throw in the towel, and just say screw it but Ronnie Fields isn’t that type of person. While these obstacles precluded him from playing at the college he committed to and reaching the NBA, he refused to give in and was able to live a life where he can be proud of what he has accomplished.
You couldn’t wear that number 23 and not have game! Ronnie before a car crash left him nearly paralyzed. (Photo Pintrest)
Ronnie Fields never played a minute in the NBA, but he is one of those unique stories where his peers knew he deserved to be there, even though the powers that be never allowed it to happen. He played basketball overseas in six different countries, as well as in the ABA and the CBA, where he is the only player to lead the league in scoring and steals in back to back seasons. Currently, Ronnie is a motivational speaker and gives back to his community by coaching young players on the Ronnie Fields Admirals traveling team.
At age 17, Ronnie Fields was one of the top basketball prospects in the world, until a near fatal car crash changed his life forever. This is the story of one man’s journey to the edge of darkness, and how he emerged on the other side a legend. (Photo Ronnie Fields Twitter)
To learn more about Ronnie, purchase the documentary, and check out bonus footage from the film check his website out at www.ronniefields.com (Click on the link)
To see more of his dazzling highlights go to www.youtube.com and search “Ronnie Fields” and you will have a bunch to choose from. You will not be disappointed.
Check out my review of the documentary Bounce Back: The Story of Ronnie Fields: