My Hustler

So my dude plays basketball. He loves it with a passion.

He's part of a team called 'The Hustlers' and they play in several tournaments during the year. They're REALLY good. They play ball every week, but in season, they practice thrice a week and then, play their normal weekly game.

Yes, sometimes it's an overdose, but he loves it so much, I have no choice but to love it with him. *sigh* The things you do for love.

To be fair, they all love the game, some more than others. I've watched them this season, play their worst and their best. I've been watching them for years now and I totally enjoy it. This season started a bit rough, though they won all their games. But in the last 2, the boys have picked up pace, brought their games and totally kicked ass. Nope, there's no polite way to say it. *grin*

Tomorrow, they play the finals. They've worked so hard for this over the last 6 months - they can each almost taste it. They want it. They own it. And they deserve it.

As for dude, well I can see what he does for the love of basketball. I've seen him mature so much as a player over the last few years. And you know the stuff you watch in all those sports movies? The pep talks that the coaches give, the lessons you're supposed to learn on court and all that?

It's real.

He forgets his worries on court. His moves are all a part of him, there is no defining line. It's all so fluid - his pace, his move, the ball, the speed...it all merges into one, near effortless motion. It's amazing to watch.

I've seen him overcome his differences with one or two other, rougher teams and I've watched him 'be the bigger man'. I've seen him harness his temper and direct that energy towards going for a shot and making it. I've seen him swallow his pride and take a hit, sometimes deserved, sometimes faulted.

I've seen my college boy become a man on court.

Any of you who have sports jocks in your lives, will know how much this influences their normal behaviour and how much it means to see them succeed. It's your victory as much as theirs. His excitement when he tells me about the game, his moves, the plays, the team - it's the same joy I experience when I write a good piece, take a good picture, read a good book. It's a special feeling that makes you happy and proud and joyful all at the same time - and he shares it with me.

Basketball is a big part of who he is. It's amazing to watch him play. This is one of my best shots of him. (Dude's the guy with the ball) I'm rooting for dude and the Hustlers tomorrow. Do say a prayer for our boys.

I'll let you know what happens!!