I’m very excited that we’re starting to get responses for the 2017 Greyhounds. Mason Chandler and Sam Clubb have committed to returning, and we’re getting responses from players who have only played against us; even one from a player who has never played FOR or AGAINST us. And that tells me that our love for the sport of basketball is what’s doing the talking.
The love of the sport is so important. When you love the sport, that love can bleed over to teammates. And that sort of love is contagious.
I’m also excited that I’m about to go on vacation aboard Anthem Of The Seas. What does this have to do with basketball? Well, on my first trip on Anthem of the Seas, during the maiden Atlantic crossing, I happened to win the 3-point shoot-out, and my team won the 3-on-3 tournament. I’m hoping for a repeat.
For those of you who are unaware, my shooting has been affected by another degenerated disc in my neck, which hurt the strength and mobility of my left hand. I’m starting to come back – thanks to the good folks at PEAK Sport and Spine, where I did my re-hab, and also to my wonderful teammates and friends who play basketball at the Tribune. A special shout-out to original Greyhound Patrick Smith, who also happens to have done something with EVERY Greyhound team, and who the Smith Trophy is named for. Patrick is working to help me get back the strength and the shot I’ve lost.
Also, for those of you who are unaware, I have presumably played my last competitive basketball game, with Team Carfax. Lots of great teammates over the years – including three Greyhound connections: Patrick Smith, Mason Chandler, and former Greyhound Assistant Coach Jacob Rogers. Also, at what figures to be my last game, I was blessed to have former and current Greyhounds Sam Clubb and Lindale Baker on hand. With the injuries racking up, plus my weight plus my age making me slower and slower, it doesn’t make a lot of sense for me to keep playing. I’ve had a great career as a player, and this season was in a few ways, my best. So, perhaps, next year will feature a Greyhound Legacy team in the City League – with me on the sidelines as a coach.
Love of the sport leads to love of others when you do it right. And that’s what Greyhound Basketball is all about.