Remember that kid in high school who was the star of the basketball team? He still holds most of the team's records. He scored more points than anyone in school history. He never studied much because he was an athlete. His basketball skills would get him places. But high school is over and there are no more games to play. Where is the former all-star now? In his poem “Ex-basketball player,” John Updike examines the life of a former high school basketball star. Flick Webb was a local hero and loved basketball. He never studied hard in school or learned a trade because he was a talented athlete. Now, years later, the only job Flick can find is working at the local gas station. He was once a star, but now he just “sells gas, controls oil, and changes apartments” (19-20). The purpose of Updike's poem is to convince the reader that athletes should also focus on getting a good education. The poem opens with a description of Pearl Avenue, the street that runs in front of the high school. Flick Webb played basketball there. In the first stanza, Updike skillfully incorporates several basketball-related terms into the poem, while painting a dark picture of the road leading to the gas station where Flick now works. The words stop, cut off, block, and corner all refer to the game of basketball, but Updike uses the words in a different way. For example, the word block is used to refer to city blocks, and corner is used to describe a street corner. Flick Webb's name is also a reference to the game of basketball. A shot is a quick throw of the basketball and webb is another word for net. The opening stanza sets the tone for the entire poem. Updike uses symbolism to portray Flick's sad and disappointing life... in the center of the card... for him. Updike uses personification as Flick looks at the candy on the shelf he imagines, “clapping levels of Necco Wafers, Nibs, and Juju Beads” (29). The poem ends with a dejected Flick standing at Mae's Luncheonette contemplating his past and imagining the ways things could have been. Updike ends the poem with this negative tone to reinforce the message of the poem. Flick Webb had the opportunity to do something with his life. He chose to play basketball rather than focus on his education. He wasn't good enough to play professional basketball. But because he didn't study in high school, he didn't have any other opportunities after graduation. Updike has an important message for all high school athletes. Getting a higher education is more important than being the star of the team. Works CitedEx-Basketball Player by John Updike