" Writing ‘Hoop Roots’ was a substitute or a surrogate activity. I can’t play anymore – my body won’t cooperate – so in the writing of the book, I was looking to tell a good story about my life and about basketball, but I was also looking to entertain myself the way that I entertain myself when I play. "
- John Edgar Wideman

In the given statement, John Edgar Wideman reflects on his transition from playing basketball to writing about it. He explains that due to physical limitations, he can no longer participate in the sport actively and thus turned to literature as a means of expressing himself and engaging with the themes that basketball embodies for him. Writing "Hoop Roots" serves as an outlet where he aims to share his personal journey intertwined with the game’s significance.

Wideman's quote delves deeper into the concept of how one might find alternative ways to connect emotionally and intellectually with activities they can no longer physically engage in. This substitution isn't just about storytelling but also about self-entertainment through a different medium. The writer reveals that the act of writing fills a void left by the absence of physical play, offering him a sense of fulfillment and joy similar to what he experienced on the basketball court. It highlights how creative pursuits can serve as therapeutic tools for individuals who face limitations imposed by aging or injury.

John Edgar Wideman is an accomplished author known for his works that explore African American life and history through rich narratives often rooted in personal experiences. "Hoop Roots" is one such book where he intertwines the sport of basketball with broader themes of identity, community, and cultural heritage. His reflective tone in discussing this work speaks to both its autobiographical nature and its significance as a creative expression that bridges past athletic endeavors with present literary achievements.