For the Love of the Game

 I pose the question what made you fall in love with the game of basketball? I really want to know how our readers feel...

The beautiful game of basketball has been a part of my life since I was born. My dad used to record the C's on video cassette tapes! Needless to say I was destined to love the game of basketball. I can't remember a time when I wasn't playing as a kid. Whether for my local city team, one on one with my dad, or schooling my friends day after day. I took great pride in grade school to have stayed undefeated one on one. There was the time in middle school where I won the game with nothing but net three. There were plenty of times I was lucky to attend UMass basketball camp. In high school I treated my outdoor court like the Garden and rarely lost vs my friends. I have great memories of an adapted 21 that me and my Papou (Grandpa in Greek) used to play. College ball wasn't in the cards for me but the love of playing every day in the gym never ended. Currently I am lucky enough to play each day as part of my job. 

There's an ultimate beauty of seeing basketball players at the highest level. I was blessed to see greats not only on the court but off as well. Countless games and Hall of Fame events where I was a kid in a candy store. That time in 91 getting to watch MJ and the Bulls play in Springfield. Back then there wasn't so much security and I was able to touch the greatest player of all time. Getting to see Larry Joe Bird inducted into the Hall before it got so big. Hearing my old man say we love you Larry! When Larry inducted Magic, we were able to not only see Larry exit the building but got to shake the man's hand! Talk about an amazing moment. Countless signings at the Hall of Fame. I remember getting to meet the Chief and KC Jones both of whom signed cards for me. There was that time Dr J stayed at his limo to sign for everyone, what a gentleman. Meeting my dad's favorite player in Dave Cowens several times. TV is a beautiful thing because I've been able to witness the ultimate greats of the game on a regular basis. Even to this day when I get the chance to go to the Hall I still feel like that kid all those years ago. Getting to take all my children to the Garden has been extremely special to me. Plus that random game in November where I saw the Truth score his 20,000 point alongside my Dad, wife and Mama. This past year I was lucky enough to play on the famed parquet this past year and it was beyond my dreams. Talk about chills and making my first shot on the floor was epic!

Basketball has also left me sadness that's for sure especially with the losses of Len Bias and Reggie Lewis. Reggie's loss hit like a punch to the gut. So many Celtics teams that just couldn't get over the hump but that all changed in 08. Followed by yet another lull until this past year where we saw our Celtics win Banner 18. Best part for me was getting to watch it with my dad and nephew. The Celtics and their history are a huge reason why I love and adore the game of basketball. Such a rich history that no other team can touch. Just this past week I was at a concert in the Garden and what did I do... Take a picture of those beautiful banners hanging up! 

In my own way what you have read is why I love the game of basketball. There's nothing more beautiful than hearing the sound of ball swishing through the hoop. Despite how the game has changed I was lucky enough to have seen it at it's best! 

For the love of the game 🏀