And as those behind it move aside, how will al-Sharaa keep at bay any other criminals waiting in the wings to replace them?

Having risked plenty in this position, I might as well keep at it.

When I was a player, whether I was 11 years old or 29 years old, he would always encourage me after games and say 'keep at it' or 'well done'.

And you have to keep at it, especially in a city notable for its lack of follow-through in addressing major problems and a neighborhood largely made up poor undocumented immigrants who struggle for survival while trying to avoid run-ins with law enforcement and gangs.

“If they are not getting it, I just can’t keep at them if they don’t get it,” Lue said.