SLAM Philippines

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

A SYMPHONY OF colliding metals echoes through the hallways of the Al Oerter Recreation Center.

Such is the recurring soundscape on Tuesday nights in Flushing Meadows, Queens, when the Brooklyn Nets wheelchair basketball squad convenes for practice.

It’s around 9:30 pm and the massive facility, once bustling with activity, has mostly emptied out. From the sidelines, Felix Castillo, aka “The Beast,” keeps one eye on the ongoing scrimmage as he talks to SLAM. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Castillo was 22 years old when a car accident caused him to lose his leg. He’s since fallen in love with basketball, thanks in large part to his experience

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