Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Which Generation Had the Best Players?

When I was in High School I remember thinking how great the NBA players were at that time. I grew up watching Dr. J, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Dominique Wilkins, and Michael Jordan. I remember smirking each time I saw black and white footage of players like Jerry West, Bill Russell, Oscar Robinson, Bob Cousy, and Elvin Hayes. I always thought "Those guys may have been good, but the players of today would destroy them."

These days I hear kids saying the same thing about the players from my generation. They now hold guys like Kobe and Lebron up on a pedestal and think they are the greatest players of all time. I'll admit the long striped tube socks and short shorts of the 70's and 80's may not have help the comparisons, but I still think the original Dream Team players were the greatest group. I admit that athleticism has evolved over time and that the younger athletes keep out performing their elders, especially when it comes to trick stuff and dunking. Most young punks today can dunk between and under their legs by the time they are in Jr. High.

I've also noticed that it's hard to compete with the "coolness" of today's street ball players. They have names like Hot Sauce, Mr. 720, and Skilz. Compare that with old fashioned names like Bank Shot McGee, Lefty Jones or Hook shot Taylor. At least you didn't have to listen to crappy rap music with F-bombs throughout the song when you watched the old timers highlight videos.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Looking Better

After several weeks of mediocre showings, it appears we are back on track. Today we had 12 players and the play was good. The game was close down to the very end. I have listed three reasons why morning ball rocks.

1) The skill level of our participants is great. No matter how the teams are divided, there is plenty of talent and good chemistry between the players.

2) Last week I played a pickup game somewhere else. I couldn't help but notice how many hot heads, jerks, and ball hogs there were. It made me grateful for our group. Not only are they all good ball players, but they are good guys too.

2) Playing to 50 points. I was taken back the first time I played to 50, but now I can't imagine going back to a wimpy game of 21.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

A Call To Arms

This morning we only had 8 players show up to play basketball. This is insulting considering it is the week of NBA finals. What happened to the days when we'd have three teams of players and you would play your hardest in order to avoid sitting? On the bright side, at least there were fewer witnesses to see Jim totally abuse Tom by scoring at least 12 3 pointers on him.

As a result of recent poor showings, this blog has been designed to remind and encourage you to come out to morning ball. It will also be a way to shame those who say they will come but don't follow through. It's time for a return to the Glory Days of Morning Ball.

As an incentive to come out, your name will be added to the player Bio section after your next showing.