Ike “Boncho” Gary: The V$onary Movement
Sometimes people use basketball as a vehicle to inspire others. The sport can literally save lives and for Ike “Boncho” Gary this rings true. The head honcho of the Vsonary collective, Ike is truly a man of purpose. It’s deeper than basketball when it comes to what he’s brought to the table and everyday he’s thinking about ways to strengthen and enhance his brand. Some see Gary as the bad guy and that’s fine, but at the end of day you have to respect his passion and love for the game of basketball and the culture attached to it. Although Ike has announced that he is retiring from coaching Streetball basketball in New York City, the culture won’t let him go. He’s ready to leave the game he grew up loving because he feels there’s too much politics involved which doesn’t make the game fun anymore for him. For some reason I can’t see him leaving for good. We’ll see what happens.
Ike “Boncho” Gary doesn’t conform to the norm. He’s blazing his own trail and one of the true gems of NYC basketball. (Photo courtesy of Ike Gary Instagram)
The Vsonary movement was started about 10 years ago with no more than a blurry vision of what Ike wanted to do with his life. Sure he’s made mistakes in his along the way but who hasn’t. He’s seen so many of his peers go down the wrong path. He made it his mission to be that big brother that the youth can call on for anything. He strives to show young men and women that they can do anything that they set their minds to and wants them to avoid all of the pitfalls that were designed to destroy them. Originally just a way to create awareness about his basketball training sessions, his Vsonary movement has ramped up its effort and has expanded the brand to be more than just basketball. “This brand is bigger than basketball… we aim to inspire the next generation of lawyers, doctors and other professionals”.
This is what Vsonary is about… not fitting in with what the norm is. Dare to be different… don’t fit in that box that everybody wants you to be in. That’s what I want people to recognize.
-Ike Gary
It’s no secret that Ike himself was headed in the wrong direction in life at one point in time. Youth often seek the advice of the older generation to avoid some of the turmoil and headaches that come with life. Ike didn’t have that growing up. As a youngster in the hood it’s way too common to be thrown into the fire and forced to grow up fast or become a casualty of the streets. Ike became what he didn’t have himself, that big brother figure to always lend a voice of encouragement and motivation. With perseverance and limited resources Ike was destined to make a difference for himself and others going through similar circumstances. Early on he teamed up with Dave “Cha Ching” Teele to embark on a basketball journey that would have their respective brands recognized by a world of basketball enthusiasts.
Ike with long time friends Dave “Cha Ching” Teele and Jaden “Mr. Talk Spicy” Edwards at an event. (Photo courtesy of Ke Visions)
There’s nothing wrong with being weird, says Ike. People love to fall victim to the norm and being just like everybody else. Once someone goes against the grain they are instantly classified as weird or chastised for being different. “This is what Vsonary is about… not fitting in with what the norm is. Dare to be different… don’t fit in that box that everybody wants you to be in. That’s what I want people to recognize”. Through my time spent with Ike he’s classified himself as the most hated in NYC. “It’s easy to stay quiet and go with the flow, but as soon as you start to go against the grain and speak up with your own opinion… that’s when people start to dislike you” Says Ike. It’s been that way throughout history and transcends the game of basketball. Every important leader was outspoken didn’t just conform to the norm. For that reason alone Ike Gary stands out, and we salute him.
Ike looks to inspire a generation of youngsters with his movement. Vsonary Day will be a fixture in NYC for years to come. (Photo courtesy of Overtime Aaron Instagram)
Not even 30 years old, Ike has a knack for spotting talent and getting the most from his players. Born and raised in New York City, Ike agrees with the people who say that there has been a steady decline with respects to Basketball in the Big Apple. “It’s not the kids fault, it’s the adults… we have these gatekeepers who are threatened by guys like myself and don’t want to let us in with out ideas and things like that” Says Ike. On the AAU circuit Ike has been working with the NY Rens and finding himself straying away from NY Streetball leagues. He had recently announced a retirement of sorts, although it’s still unclear if he’s leaving the game as a whole or simply leaving Streetball. Either way, the game needs Ike Gary! The youth need him to continue to motivate and inspire them to work hard and use the game of basketball as a vehicle to go further than they ever would think they could. He relates with the youth because he’s not so far removed from where they are. Gary is a young man with a clear vision of who he wants to be and is trying to figure out how to get there. Most of these young prospects can tell who’s being authentic and who’s not, and Ike is always real and isn’t afraid to speak his mind. Far too often do “coaches” come into the lives of the basketball prospects simply for a payday with hopes that they one day make it to the pros.