I love a good basketball game. Just last week, in our local "sectional", the opening round of the state tournament, there were a number of good games. This was girls high school basketball at its finest. Close games, overtime games, enjoyable individual efforts and teams celebrating successes. The perennial favorite was upset in a fabulous double overtime game. The bottom two teams thrilled us with runs from behind, last second shots and overtime play.
At the High School level, I always have feelings for those seniors that we watch play their last game. I have a different set of feelings as I watch others celebrate winning and moving on to play another game. It is enjoyable to watch young people grow over the years, weather on the street or on the playing field. If you follow sports of any kind you get that chance.
Soon, it will be college time for tournaments. To me the most pure basketball to see is Women's college Basketball. It has not been as tainted by individual "look at me" behavior. The fact that women's athleticism is less than men's keeps the art of the pass, shoot and rebound much more important than on the men's side. I love that about the game. I am not a fan of the show-off nature of other leagues. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good dunk, but, I prefer a good pass/ assist, a well executed pick, blocking out, and a demeanor that celebrates without degrading an opponent.
Men's basketball has evolved into too much" look at me" and showing off. I used to love watching the NBA, but can no longer stand the show. Lack of defense and personal showboating have ruined the game for me. I liken it to Professional Wrestling, not a lot of substance left in the game.
Play Ball.
No comments:
Post a Comment
If you choose to comment, leave your name.