Skyforce Rookie Straddles Music and Basketball Worlds
Basketball teams are similar to any working relationship. The more you work together, more information gets revealed.
Who would have known that one member of the Sioux Falls Skyforce has significant talent other than what is displayed on the court. That is unless you ask the right question.
In asking teammates Rodney McGruder and Greg Whittington about who listens to their music too loud, the unanimous decision came quickly: “Jabril Trawick.” The next question has to be about his musical choice. Whittington being a former teammate at Georgetown had the key knowledge. “He plays his own music. He plays his own raps. You should listen to him.”
As a youngster Trawick says he always enjoyed music especially trying to learn song lyrics by listening to the radio to every song that he liked.
Interestingly, a similar source inspired both music and basketball for Trawick. There is also a tinge of computer wizardry that added fuel to young Jabril.
“My sister used to sing and dance. She also played basketball and was the one who taught me how to play. I used to be on the computer a lot when I was younger. My Pop-Pop used to build computers so I learned (from him). I was downloading all of my favorite songs. Music was something that I enjoyed and it was a big part of my life.”
Basketball currently takes center stage as his role with the Sioux Falls Skyforce continues to expand. Trawick earned his first start of the season against the Canton Charge on February 3. However some freestyle rap recordings exist that are for Jabril and his friends to enjoy.
“A lot of people don’t know that I’ve recorded songs, but that’s something that I’m keeping on ice as of right now. As far as what I freestyle, it could be anything that I see or hear a certain beat and you just get inspired. I’m an ambassador for a production company called Space High Productions which was started by one of my childhood friends.”
It’s more than just on the microphone for Trawick. There’s some merchandising, recruiting and composing as well.
“It’s growing a lot around my neighborhood. There’s shirts and hoodies to wear, connecting people with my friends and taking it to the next level. I’ll go to the studio that my friend has and he’ll make the beat from scratch. Then I can start forming different melodies in my head and I can hear my friend doing a song that meshes with what I hear.”
Trawick also draws inspiration from music to prepare himself mentally when it’s time to take the court. Passion for both music off the court and the game of basketball on the court are openly expressed by the Philadelphia native.
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