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Basketball

The central occupation of the novel, this sport serves as a globalizing, unifying force. It also serves as a path out of poverty for the protagonist.

Combine

Something of a showcase for young athletes, this event allows for press coverage and assessment. There are uncomfortable overtones of flesh-markets with it, however, given who gets presented at the event and in what ways.

Disney World

Described as “the happiest place on earth,” this location is a focus of youthful attention. Notably, the adults in the novel tend not to like it, while the children focus on it as a particular delight.

Duke University

A perennial basketball powerhouse, this North Carolina private institution of higher learning can be taken as representing the basketball establishment. Victory over it is therefore marked as having special importance.

Eagles

The mascot of the protagonist’s college, these high-flying birds of prey are also...

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