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THE ALLEYNIAN 709
SPORT
Perhaps my favourite aspects of the game centre around the relationships that I have formed through playing the sport. I have met some of my closest friends on the court and, like many of my teammates, I have developed close relationships with my coaches. I believe basketball teams have a camaraderie and intimacy that is difficult to find elsewhere. Basketball is a sport that reveals character, just as much as it builds character. Emotions are worn on your sleeve whenever you play. Whether it is not getting a foul called, sinking a 3-point shot, or losing an intense game on the last play, during a basketball game you will feel almost all the emotions on the spectrum. Through playing the game, I have learnt and understood the different mindsets people have, and how different people carry themselves in certain situations. Spending so much time together on the court, my teammates and I have learnt how we each play and have memorised each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We talk trash and get into arguments but ultimately, we are still a team. Even playing at public courts, whether it be in London or Paris, I have met and played against so many different types of people from different walks of life, all brought together through the simple game of basketball. I cherish the friendships and communities I have formed playing the sport, and wish to continue to grow as a player.
BASKETBALL François Denaro (Year 12)
Playing basketball affords you a feeling that can’t be matched. I remember being a student in Year 7, deciding to go and shoot around a basketball during my lunch break. Little did I realise the profound effect it would have on my life, or that it would lead me, five years later, to be writing an article on my enduring passion for the sport. The relationship I have with basketball is difficult to do justice to in words. It starts with the anticipation I feel as I’m lacing up my shoes. It’s that little feeling inside whenever I shoot a shot and know it’s going in, dead centre, nothing but net. It’s driving past my defender and going up for the tough ‘and-1’ (getting fouled while shooting and the ball goes in). ‘AND ONE!’, I’ll shout as loud as possible. It is a sport that teaches you about your mind, your work ethic, teamwork, taking risks, and having a good time: all qualities transferable to life. As I continued to pursue my love of the game, I found myself heading over to the school courts more and more. Initially, I would go there during my lunch breaks, then I started going after school, then even before school. Some might call it an unhealthy obsession but, as far as I’m concerned, it was purely beneficial. I distinctly remember the day I received my first pair of basketball shoes; I must have been 11 or 12 years old at the time, but I remember it clear as day. I was lacing up my old worn-out running shoes when a senior, who had noticed me playing regularly, reached into his bag and pulled out his old pair of Kyrie 2s and handed them to me. I was genuinely shocked. Obviously, I had to play it cool – ‘thanks bro, I appreciate it’ – but inside I was ecstatic. This might not seem like a big deal, but to me it was massive. For me it was a moment that marked my welcoming into the culture that is basketball.
From then on, I engrossed myself in the sport. I started following the NBA and learnt about the greatest players in history. I would binge-watch highlight tapes and documentaries and stay up late to watch live games of my favourite players. I invite anyone who is new to basketball to watch any highlight video of the late and great Kobe Bryant to appreciate the beauty of the game. Take his spectacular shooting motion for example; everything is symmetrical and cohesive. The way his body moves and the way the ball seems to float through the air is something very special, demonstrating the unique qualities this sport offers to spectators.
I have met and played against so many different types of people from different walks of life
Of course, it would be difficult not to address the impact that Covid-19 has had on basketball. It was a shock to go from playing basketball nearly every day, over the last four years of my life, to having to stop at a day’s notice. Nevertheless, to me it was a minor setback in the long run, another obstacle to overcome. I made the best of my situation and worked on my fitness and strength, mainly focusing on improving my vertical jump. I took some time to research the different muscle groups and fibres that go into jumping high, and have seen improvements in my jumping ability since lockdown. I have also gained a greater appreciation of being able to get back on the court again, even if it is currently only once or twice a week. Whether it is getting up at 6am to shoot at my local court on a cold December morning, or running intense full-court games in the gym after school, I know I will always have time for basketball.
Basketball requires focus.
It requires confidence.
It requires risk.
Seeing the effort that players like Kobe Bryant put into the game inspired me. Of course, it would be a fool’s errand to try and work as hard as somebody like Kobe, but it gave me something to strive for. Over the summer holidays, I took to participating in basketball camps, working on improving my game for the next season. I have vastly improved my shot and dribbling skills over the years but still have many aspects of my game to concentrate on and develop. I believe that the more you put into basketball, the more you get back. After thousands of reps shooting the ball, I learnt the mechanics and nuances of a good consistent shot. And I can confidently say that basketball is far more enjoyable when the ball is going in.
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