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Rahphel Oldham, 17, can't get enough of basketball and can find a game almost anywhere, even at the New Mexico State Fair.

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Rahphel Oldham, 17, can't get enough of basketball and can find a game almost anywhere, even at the New Mexico State Fair.

On a visit last week with his classmates from the New Mexico Job Corps, Oldham made his first stop at the NBA Center Court, a free hoops event at the southwest corner of Expo New Mexico.

"That's all I do is play basketball - it just makes me feel good," said Oldham, a native of Detroit. He moved to Albuquerque a year ago to live with his aunt Gionne Ralph and go to school.

Like most teen athletes, he dreams of playing college and professional ball after graduation. His high school team won the league championship last year, going 15-1. At 5 foot 8 inches, 135 pounds, he lives the dream for now but also keeps his eye on other things.

"That's why I'm going to Job Corps, to learn a trade," Oldham said.

"I want to be a welder, and they offer that trade there," he said.

"Welders make good money too."

As hip-hop music boomed from overhead speakers at the fair, Oldham dribbled and drove as though was second nature, taking in the cool morning air as the crowd started to grow around him. Playing makes him open up, come alive and express himself.

"Today at the fair, it's just basketball, rides and eating," he said as he floated another 3-pointer toward the hoop. Swish.