I recently sent out a mail to some journalists, coaches and professional players that I know of did play basketball or are still actively playing basketball. I wanted to know what’s their reason to go to an open gym, club or wanted to make a career out of basketball. I got some really interesting answers ..
First off – I think not a lot of blogger knew that Henry Abbott, ESPN’s true(hoop) blogger, “played pickup his entire life!” He also told me: I’m addicted.”
Ibrahim Diarra, who just ended his professional basketball carrier, had this to say:
For the feeling of fulfilment after the final buzzer in a tough game that you win and to see & cheer the joy of my teams and fans. Unforgettable!
For the true sneaker FAN in me, another little less significant reason would be the feeling of excitement when opening the brand new sneaker box and trying on the latest basketball shoes that I can rock on the court for the next practise or game… Almost like being a kid at Christmas again.. 😉
Considering that Ibrahim started a career in the sneaker business, it is not that hard to understand why he has two reasons.
Michael Grange, journalist for the leading Canadian Newspaper globeandmail.com:
Some people exercise so they can continue to feel young. I play basketball so I will know what it feels like to be 70 — which is how I feel the morning after I play basketball.
Maybe that is why Mike did not want to play in Rome earlier this year.. Just kidding Mike – I know you where hurt.
Freelance writer David Hein, who actually now passed me in the yahoo fantasy NBA league had this to say:
First off, thank you Dr. James Naismith. Here a quote about basketball from the Canadian himself: The invention of basketball was not an accident. It was developed to meet a need. Those boys simply would not play “Drop the Handkerchief.” ~James Naismith
I play basketball because it’s pure joy. The thought of watching the ball leave your hand as it rises and falls gracefully through the iron hoop and silk netting just puts a smile on my face. Basketball is one of the only sports which you can play on your own or in a group. And it’s the challenge of overcoming yourself and the other which keeps me motivated to try to improve. But number one, basketball brings me joy – regardless if my day has been great or horrible. I know basketball will give me that bit of joy. Thank you basketball … and thanks again to the original Dr. J.
David Friedman, from 20secoundtimeout, who I met at the NBA finals, where he told me that he also plays basketball:
I play basketball because it is a perfect game, fusing harmonious team play with opportunities for a talented individual to showcase his creativity and skills. There is nothing quite like swishing a game winning shot or making a perfect backdoor pass or running a smooth give and go.
Jen Wedo, who is a D1 college coach at LaFayette and also played D1 college basketball:
For the competitiveness and intensity it brings. I love to compete and i love competing at a high level. The feeling of pushing yourself to your breaking point and challenging yourself is the best feeling.
I also asked my partner Christophe. You really have to know Christophe to understand this answer – I would say he is a very nice and correct guy – so Julien and me sometimes have to push him to write the “nasty” stuff – but this time he came up with the funniest answer over all:
I play basketball because I was awfully weak in Handball and my mother thought I should do some kind of sport and so I chose basketball, because a friend of mine told me to go there, at the age of 17.
I guess it worked out – since he is playing first division basketball in Europe.
What is your reason?
