College basketball. I love college basketball.
Watching college basketball makes me miss my playing days. Sure, there are all these leagues I could join now, but there's nothing like being on a team where everybody's willing to sacrifice for the common goal. Even winning all those championships in the NY Urban League isn't as fulfilling as a two-day tournament road trip.
The cats I used to run with in the streets used to say I was a better baller inside a gym than on the asphalt. That's definitely true. I've never been a street-baller. I've always enjoyed basketball more when there was a purpose and a plan with every possession. That's not to say I can't recover from a broken play, but the beauty of college basketball is that even if that happens, you know your teammates well enough, and they know you well enough, that everyone will know where to be and what to do regardless. I compare basketball to speed chess, where you have to keep strategy in mind while at the same time be able to react quickly and decisively.
I even miss practice. I miss layup drills, running the three man weave. I even miss doing suicides. I'm like the anti-Allan Iverson.
On some level I'm glad I was never good enough to make it to the NBA. Sure the money would have been awesome, and the lifestyle would have been insane. But I know myself. Somewhere along the line, the business side of the NBA would have killed my love for the game. So if you asked me what I'd choose between making millions playing professional basketball or reminiscing about my college playing days, you know the answer.
Fuck that. I'd take the money. A g gotta eat.
I love the game too. I lost heart in it when people would ridicule on my game. Maybe I wasn't strong enough, at the time, to handle that situation.
So, in its stead, I coach basketball. I teach my players to respect one another and the other teams that they play. Help your fellow team-mates. Learn from each other. Because when you are on the court, that's all you have. Sure you have your family, friends and fans cheering for you; but your team-mates are the ones who will help you with the 3 on 2 fast break, give you an assist, pass you the ball when you are open for a trey or what have you.
Basketball skill is not the only thing that's important. Complete trust in your team-mates when the game is on the line & never loose heart no what matter what. Once one person looses heart, its like a domino effect. One by one, the team falters and you lose the game. Always play like its the last two minutes of the game and you are down by 6 points. Play like that, you will win everytime.
Posted by: Kuya at February 2, 2006 09:16 AMHey, i haven't been to your site in a while, so doing some catchup reading on your posts. I liked this entry....I thought it was a serious one, until I rea your last line. Haha!:)
Posted by: Nikki at February 16, 2006 07:52 PM