What do you think of people going to rough neighborhoods to play basketball?

I am 56, have been living in Puerto Rico for 22 years and love to play basketball. But the people in my neighborhood in Yabucoa get mad if you play hard. I suppose since I have been under intense training to run 400m., my game has improved a lot.



Anyway, I find that I have to go to rough neighborhoods to play. The people there show me respect but some think it's dangerous for me to go to those places. Actually, I have much more trouble with richer kids who think they have something to prove. (In some case, I think some of them are participating in some type of initiation for drug gangs.)



Anyway, I usually trust my instincts and good judgment but some people in my wife's family are a little shocked that I am playing in Bario Obrero and Llorens Torres. What do you think?What do you think of people going to rough neighborhoods to play basketball?
Provided you don't drop hints of your wealth and do drops hints of your 'connections', all should be well.
I think you will find better competition in those areas.What do you think of people going to rough neighborhoods to play basketball?
You are asking for trouble, home boy!!!
put on those jackets that protect you from gun shots. you're asking to get killed.What do you think of people going to rough neighborhoods to play basketball?
Better bring your own net.
I think life is dangerous. It just is. You still need to live it. If you are able to command respect in the rough neighborhoods then you should be fine. Anything can happen anywhere anytime- Live your life and do what makes you happy.
I think that if you play hard but not over the line, everything will be fine. You'll earn respect on a basketball standpoint.

On the other hand, throw and elbow on prupose, and... run as fast as you can.
I understand your situation. if you play defense hard and you are the 'new' guy you will get made fun of and even get called for fouls all day long. eventually if you keep playing and show you have game, you wont get messed with. there is always a breaking in period for the 'new' guy on a 'new' court. there is always going to be a 'new' guy, maybe you can be the one to break in the next 'new' guy...
It's hard to say, sure on some level you are taking a risk, Don't we all take risks everyday in one form or another. My personal feeling is that your basically safe. If you have a good repore with the people that you are playing with then its likely that if there is trouble they will probably have your back. Although I would worry about getting too competitive or cocky, that could come across like you feel that your better than they are. Keep playing until YOU feel unsafe or uncomfortable, until then... Play Ball!!!!!!!!!