The Greatest Joy

As my eyes opened this morning, champagne on my breath, hangover creeping into my head, I couldn't help but think of how much excitement I felt last night. And no it wasn't just because the Russian Cheerleaders were dancing to my favorite song. This excitement was deeper than that.

As a basketball player, I've been a part of some good teams and some not so good teams but throughout it all I've had a chance to meet people who will remain my friends for life. And some of my biggest basketball joys have been playing in a highschool sectional final with my friend Jalil, or Tear(ing) It Up with my boy Jared...even winning the ECAC final with the likes of Basford and DeCorso. But as memorable as those teams were, I don't think I've ever been apart of a team as special as the one I'm currently on.

People say we're having a dream season, people say we're exceeding expectations, but it's like that Nike commercial I posted the other day "this isn't a math test...this is a completely different kind of test...one where PASSION has a funny way of trumping logic" ( <--if you haven't seen that commercial then click that link immediately). And because we play with so much passion, it's only fitting that we were able to win this EuroChallenge championship.

But it's more than just being crowned a champion that's getting to me right now. It's finally understanding those lessons that your parents teach you growing up. The whole "if you work hard enough you can do it" lesson...remember that one? I've been fortunate in a sense that some things in my life came easier than others...mathematics for instance was always my best subject...besides lunch and gym. I never studied a day in my life for a math test and practically aced right through it...but when it came to English or Social Studies I usually found myself in a bit of a struggle...so the 80's and 85's I got on those tests were usually a little more gratifying than the 95 100's I used to get in math. It's just the feeling of actually going out and earning something rather than just having it given to you.

In high school we used to schedule the weakest teams around for our Tip Off Tournament so we would show up, get a few wins..hoist a trophy or a plaque up and then begin to play the actual regular season. But it was always known that we were expected to win...but with this team I'm on now...no one outside the 15 guys in that locker room and the best fans in the world would have EVER given us a shot to win this title. And because of that, it is so much sweeter.

My only goal right now in my life is to feel that sense of accomplishment again...and luckily I don't have to wait until next season...because the German playoffs are right around the corner...time to get even more focused...

Do What You Do      Hallelujah Hollaback      ...blackhercules21...