“Gorgui, I need some of your good old-fashioned West African widsom right now.”
Zach LaVine had trundled over to Gorgui Dieng’s locker, looking sad. Gorgui turned to face him with a stern expression.
“I seem to remember young Zach asking before for sage advice, but when Gorgui try to tell story of The Fish who Thought He Was Big, is ignored by ungrateful rookie.”
Zach looked sheepish. “I promise to listen this time. Please, I really need your words right now. I just don’t know how to deal with all this losing, man. I’ve never experienced anything like this in my life, and some people even say we’re tanking, that’s what gets me the most.”
“Okay, Gorgui always happy to help friend. But if words are not heeded, this last time! I have perfect adage to cure doubts, story of Elephants and the Water Hole. Sit down.”
The two sat down on a locker room bench, Zach looking a little happier. “Thanks man. I’m all ears.”
“There was once, in middle of savannah, two clans of elephants. One clan was built very large, very strong elephants they were. Their skin was darkened, as they spent most of day in the hot sun. Other clan was smaller, weaker elephants, lighter skinned because of the time they spent in the cooling shadows of rocks and trees. Two elephant clans got along very well, helping each other whenever needed, until come a long time of no rain. Water became harder and harder to find until soon there only one water hole in entire area. Smaller elephant clan, thinking themselves cunning, attempted to make system where water given equally to all, but in reality kept majority for themselves. Strong elephant clan go along for while, not realizing problem, but soon they begin to suspect. Confronting the weaker clan, they kill all, listening not to their excuses, and have all water hole to selves. And that is story of Elephants and the Water Hole.”
Zach looked relieved. “Thanks, Gorgui. You really know how to put a guy at ease.”
Gorgui smiled. “Anything for rookie Zach.”