The Game I Love Most By: BJ Cadle

This brief article gives an inside perspective of the intricate art we like to call Basketball.  Join in this discussion with me, and let me know your thoughts and opinions about the greatest game ever played.


        The game of basketball is a beautiful sport in which competition and brotherhood (or Sisterhood) reigns supreme.  The elite teams find a friendly balance of these key components, as well as an unrivaled work ethic to improve their team, by improving their own individual skillsets.  Over the many years I have been around the game, or involved with the game, it has taught me many life lessons, as well as things about myself that I never knew.  In those years, and through those lessons learned, I have watched the game evolve into something incredible.  With player changes, rule changes, league changes, as well as multiple other changes, we have seen the game evolve into a beautiful art form.  While these many changes have taken place, the one common thread that has remained the same is the mental and physical fortitude it takes every time you step onto that wooden court to strive for victory.


        Now as we enter a new era in our sport, I look forward with great hope and optimism for the future.  Being a sport that originated in Springfield, MA with 13 original rules, it has grown leaps and bounds in its existence.  Most of the original rules are still intact today, but also have been added too for the sole purpose of creating a better flow to the game.  The game was originally spread globally by its initial patriarchs, but has recently boomed into the international limelight.  Currently most statistics have it as the second most popular sport in the world, and some educated individuals even project it being number one in the near future.  Through the sports meteoric rise to success we have witnessed the rise of many great foreign players, and have even seen foreign players close the gap on the skill level of a sport initially created in America, by America, for America!


        While becoming a great sport, and growing into something nobody expected, Basketball has brought many people together, and created many inseparable bonds.  Players feel a sense of comradery as they compete together as a team, to achieve one common individual goal.  In doing so these bonds are formed through blood, sweat, and tears.


        This all comes to a head as we enjoy watching some of the best games of the year, as all of our favorite teams seasons come to a close.  Currently High school teams are finalizing their state tournaments, college players are involved in their own post season tournaments, and the NBA is gearing into its best form as teams ready for their own playoff pushes.


        As we all watch our favorite teams season end, lets all join in the celebration of competition, and relish in the fact that we have the freedom to cheer for the team we each choose, as well as express our own individual opinion about those teams.  As the game continues to age like a fine wine, I suggest we as fans keep an open mind to the overall progression of our sport.  As mentioned earlier, the game originated with 13 rules, while currently the NBA has over 70 pages of rules in their official rulebook.  As players body types, rules, and names change, we as fans get the privilege of going along for the ride, as well as be an intricate part of the success.  Let us never forget our past, but as a whole lets embrace the changes in our sport, and look forward to basketball progressively becoming the most prevalent sport in the world!