General

What’s that dribbling sports again? Basketball?

basketball_tattoo_designsI’m not much of a basketball player – shoot, I haven’t even touched a basketball since high school. Well, perhaps I’ve “touched” a basketball…but I don’t recalling “playing” basketball. I’ve always preferred baseball anyway which is why none of my team sports jackets have the crest of a local basketball team on them. Besides, I don’t think many basketball teams would want someone with my skill level on their team! The closest I’ve come to basketball in the past few years is the fantasy games that some of the guys are always talking about (which always goes straight over my head!) 😕 I know a few basketball fans who are excited about basketball season. They have already started talking about when they are going to start printing off the march madness tournament sheet, that supposedly every basketball fan must have. If I was as interested in this sport like they are, I’m pretty sure I would be doing the same.

Last night when we were at the local elementary school Christmas program, I felt the Lord telling me to ask one of guys if folks ever played any pick-up games (the local LDS Ward has a small indoor court). At first I delayed asking…..coming up will kinds of excuses and reasons not to pursue the matter…….yet at the end, I asked.

To my surprise, it turns out that the men in the community have a standing Wednesday night game appointment. In fact, they were all heading down there after the Christmas program….

The moment of truth had come.

  • Do I bail? Using my early morning wakeup call as an excuse?
  • Or do I wondering down to the Ward at 9pm and embarrass myself with decade old lack of skills?

Sigh. Time to cowboy up.

And boy, was I glad I did – it was a blast!! 😀

There were 13 or 15 guys at court ranging from teenagers to 50-year olds. Jumping with both feet, we played 4-on-4 with winner staying. It was fun!! (granted, winning 3 out of 4 games helped!)

Plus, I didn’t feel that out-skilled. True, there were some great players on the court, but there were also a few with similar skills as me, so I didn’t feel that out of place.

All and all, it was great night full of new friends and great exercise. Now to work out the aches and pains of running around a basketball court for a few hours…… I must be getting old. 🙁