In this game of basketball. Parents play a key roll. While some can be too into it and some really just don’t care about their kids (until they get rich) at all, sad to say.

When I first got a chance to talk to Chip Hooper you could tell he really loved his son Max and was extremely supportive.

Chip wasn’t delusional, he felt that his son was the best 3pt shooter in the country. Chip just wanted to find a college that would give him a chance to flourish.

1. The first time I met Chip and Max was at the 2006 California State Championship game in Sacramento. At that moment I would have never guessed the connection that will later develop throughout our lives.

2. Our first EBO basketball trip in Las Vegas, Chip challenged me to a one-on-one basketball game. I thought it was a friendly match, before I realized the game was serious, I was already down 7 to 0. Chip ends up winning the game with a bank shot three. Chip then proceeds to take the net down as if he won the NCAA championship. Looking back, Chip’s post footwork wasn’t bad at all.

3. My surprise sweet 16-birthday party! Chip and Max came up to the bay area to attend.  I was completely surprised and excited, for everybody I had loved was in attendance.

4. In 2008, our basketball team went to France for a trip. At the time I had a lot of personal issues on my mind. I was not playing much on the trip, and got seriously depressed. During the trip, Chip came and picked me up one night and took me on drive around

Happy Bitthday Caveman, he let me call him that over the phone, but never in person. In person I never called chip any names.. I’m lying I called him a few expletives that we shared from time to time. He loved a genuine conversation, using foul language hah… I love this man, and I barely love my own father .. Thank you for being there when no one had my back Mr. Hooper. Ashes to Ashes Caveman ?✊?

Max, I wanted to say hello and let you know I am thinking about you and your Dad.  We all met long ago along with Logan and Tyler at All Saints.  I have lasting memories of time I spent talking with your Dad and I know how much Tyler values his friendship with you.  Although it has been many years since those days at All Saints I have followed your career via your Dad.  I would run into your Dad every so often but we would always take the time to catch up and he would give me the update on how you were doing and what the latest was with your basketball career.  He was so proud of you as I am of my kids and I admired him for this and how he helped so many other young kids with their goals and dreams.   53 is way too young to leave this place but I can only hope that when I go people will feel about me the way so many people feel about your dad. He leaves a wonderful legacy of kindness, generosity, passion and love of his family and friends.

Sincerely,

Tim

This beautiful photo by Chip hangs in our living room and is just a very small example of what a great and generous friend Chip was.  It is our wedding present from Chip, and has a handwritten note on the bottom.

Chip rearranged his schedule and flew from the west coast to Virginia for just one day to attend our wedding.

Again, just another small example of his generosity and friendship that we will cherish and remember forever.