What is the narrative arc created by specific uses of the word ‘crossover’?

The use of the word, crossover, is intended to illustrate a basketball skill, in which, a player dribbles the ball from one hand to the other. The narrative arc's specific references to the word establish "crossover" as a metaphor for life. As Josh's character grows over the course of the novel, he uses basketball and his skills to both cope with his father's sickness and face his own challenges in growing up.