Although he is only 17 years old, Lonnie lives an independent, adult life. He has a part-time job at The Grant, a motel where the owner lets him stay in his own room. Myers portrays Lonnie’s primary motivation as trying to be seen in the world; Lonnie seeks this visibility mostly through playing basketball. School is mentioned only tangentially in the novel, with most of Lonnie’s characterization focused on his choices, day-to-day activities, and relationships.

Since Lonnie is both the protagonist and first-person narrator of Hoops, his emotions and observations are central to the plot. Lonnie has a deep subconscious wound related to his father having left his family. In his current relationships, Lonnie struggles to show vulnerability, whether it’s through his developing romantic relationship with Mary-Ann, his curiosity and protectiveness with Aggie, or his complex relationship with Cal. By seeing Lonnie navigate these relationships, it becomes clearer who he is internally: a hurt but caring young man who wants to be seen and loved.

Myers is careful not to portray Lonnie as a completely mature or reliable narrator. Instead, readers watch as Lonnie figures out many life lessons over the course of the novel.