An Immigrant’s Journey: From Basketball Star in Colombia to Street Baller in NYC

A basketball court can be a way into a new city, a new community, and a new life.

Gabriel "Gabe" Torres joins Jay and Gary to remember growing up in Colombia, developing his game at school, and coming to the United States after high school. Jay knows him as his father-in-law; in this conversation, listeners meet the young man who arrived in New York and found his way onto its basketball courts.

Gabe's memories of streetball in the 1970s open into a larger conversation about immigration, family, and making a home. The same attentiveness that matters on a court carries into the rest of his story: pay attention to where you are, listen to the people around you, and keep learning.

What We Explore

• Learning basketball and developing as a player in Colombia
• Arriving in the United States after high school
• New York streetball in the 1970s
• The differences between organized basketball and the street game
• Building a life, a family, and a sense of home
• Being present and listening before speaking

About Gabriel Torres

Gabriel Torres is Jay's father-in-law. He shares his memories of growing up in Colombia, immigrating to the United States, and building a life in New York.

The Tragedy Academy

Candid conversations exploring the human experience through tragedy and triumph.

Hosted by Jay Hicks and Gary DeFranco.

Be cool. Keep learning. 🌳

The Tragedy Academy is a show created to bridge societal divides in a judgment-free zone using candor and humor. 

Be cool. Keep Learning.